Effects of A Polyherbal Agent on Structural Changes and Biochemical Markers During Airway Remodelling in Experimental Model of Bronchial Asthma

UNIM-352, a polyherbal preparation used in the traditional Unani system of medicine for bronchial asthma. The present study evaluated the possible effects of UNIM-352 on biochemical markers and structural changes in allergen induced airway-remodelling in rats. Wistar rats were immunized on day 1 with ovalbumin and Al(OH)3 and challenged with aerosolized ovalbumin from day 15 to 21. They were then divided into four groups and treated orally with vehicle, UNIM-352 (200 or 400 mg/kg) or prednisolone (10 mg/kg). After 24 hours of last challenge, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue were collected and assayed for (a) cytokine levels (TGF-β and IL-13); (b) hydroxyproline content, and (c) histopathology, and the effects of various drug treatments were compared with vehicle controls. The results showed that UNIM-352 markedly reduced the levels of TGF-β, IL-13 in blood and BAL fluid and hydroxyproline content in lung homogenates. Histopathological examination of lung tissue showed that the polyherbal agent had an attenuating effect on inflammatory cells infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia and sub epithelial fibrosis. The results suggest that UNIM-352 prevents the development and progress of the structural and biochemical changes seen during airway remodelling and thus could be beneficial in cases of chronic refractory bronchial asthma.