Tanshinone IIA attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma

Objective(s): Tanshinone IIA (T. IIA), one of the most pharmacologically active components extracted from Salviae miltiorrhiza, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features. The aim of the present study is to investigate the benefit of T. IIA on asthma using a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Materials and Methods: Male BALB/c mice were used in the present study. The mice were sensitized by OVA intraperitoneal injection on days 0 and 14, and received aerosolized OVA challenge for 30 min daily on days 21-23Results: T. T. IIA (10 mg/kg twice daily) intraperitoneal injection was performed on days 18-23. Results: Treatment of T. IIA reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (PConclusion: T. IIA inhibits OVA-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. T. IIA is a potential therapeutic agent for asthma.