24 research outputs found
Effects of Thymus vulgaris L., Cinnamomum verum J.Presl and Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle Essential Oils in the Endotoxin-induced Acute Airway Inflammation Mouse Model
Thyme (TO), cinnamon (CO), and Ceylon type lemongrass (LO) essential oils (EOs) are
commonly used for inhalation. However, their effects and mechanisms on inflammatory processes
are not well-documented, and the number of in vivo data that would be important to determine
their potential benefits or risks is low. Therefore, we analyzed the chemical composition and
investigated the activity of TO, CO, and LO on airway functions and inflammatory parameters
in an acute pneumonitis mouse model. The components of commercially available EOs were
measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Airway inflammation was induced by
intratracheal endotoxin administration in mice. EOs were inhaled during the experiments. Airway
function and hyperresponsiveness were determined by unrestrained whole-body plethysmography
on conscious animals. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured by spectrophotometry from
lung tissue homogenates, from which semiquantitative histopathological scores were assessed.
The main components of TO, CO, and LO were thymol, cinnamaldehyde, and citronellal, respectively.
We provide here the first evidence that TO and CO reduce inflammatory airway hyperresponsiveness
and certain cellular inflammatory parameters, so they can potentially be considered as adjuvant
treatments in respiratory inflammatory conditions. In contrast, Ceylon type LO inhalation might
have an irritant e�ect (e.g., increased airway hyperresponsiveness and MPO activity) on the inflamed
airways, and therefore should be avoided
Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Natural Drugs
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urinary diseases affecting men, generally after the age of 50. The prevalence of this multifactorial disease increases with age. With aging, the plasma level of testosterone decreases, as well as the testosterone/estrogen ratio, resulting in increased estrogen activity, which may facilitate the hyperplasia of the prostate cells. Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the activity of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. In older men, the activity of this enzyme increases, leading to a decreased testosterone/DHT ratio. DHT may promote prostate cell growth, resulting in hyperplasia. Some medicinal plants and their compounds act by modulating this enzyme, and have the above-mentioned targets. This review focuses on herbal drugs that are most widely used in the treatment of BPH, including pumpkin seed, willow herb, tomato, maritime pine bark, Pygeum africanum bark, rye pollen, saw palmetto fruit, and nettle root, highlighting the latest results of preclinical and clinical studies, as well as safety issues. In addition, the pharmaceutical care and other therapeutic options of BPH, including pharmacotherapy and surgical options, are discussed, summarizing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy
Pinus sylvestris L. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Essential Oils Inhibit Endotoxin-Induced Airway Hyperreactivity despite Aggravated Inflammatory Mechanisms in Mice.
Scots pine (SO) and clove (CO) essential oils (EOs) are commonly used by inhalation, and their main components are shown to reduce inflammatory mediator production. The aim of our research was to investigate the chemical composition of commercially available SO and CO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and study their effects on airway functions and inflammation in an acute pneumonitis mouse model. Inflammation was evoked by intratracheal endotoxin and EOs were inhaled three times during the 24 h experimental period. Respiratory function was analyzed by unrestrained whole-body plethysmography, lung inflammation by semiquantitative histopathological scoring, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and cytokine measurements. α-Pinene (39.4%) was the main component in SO, and eugenol (88.6%) in CO. Both SO and CO significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and prevented peak expiratory flow, tidal volume increases and perivascular edema formation. Meanwhile, inflammatory cell infiltration was not remarkably affected. In contrast, MPO activity and several inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, KC, MCP-1, MIP-2, TNF-α) were aggravated by both EOs. This is the first evidence that SO and CO inhalation improve airway function, but enhance certain inflammatory parameters. These results suggest that these EOs should be used with caution in cases of inflammation-associated respiratory diseases