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A Standardized Botanical Composition Mitigated Acute Inflammatory Lung Injury and Reduced Mortality through
Mesfin Yimam1, Teresa Horm1, Alexandria O'Neal1
1Unigen Inc., 2121 South State Street, Suite #400, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2023
Summary
A botanical antioxidant blend from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu shows promise in protecting lungs from air pollution damage. It reduces inflammatory mediator HMGB1 and enhances immune cell function, offering a potential natural therapy for lung injury.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a key inflammatory mediator in air-pollution-induced lung injury.
- Extracellular HMGB1 accumulation exacerbates lung inflammation and impairs immune cell function.
- Existing therapies for air pollution-related respiratory issues are insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a botanical antioxidant composition from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu for its efficacy in attenuating acute inflammatory lung injury and sepsis.
- To investigate the composition's effect on High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) release and macrophage phagocytic activity.
- To explore the potential of dietary antioxidants as a protective measure against air-pollution-induced oxidative stress and lung damage.
Main Methods:
- Murine models were used, including hyperoxia-exposed, bacterial-challenged acute lung injury, LPS-induced sepsis, and LPS-induced acute inflammatory lung injury.
- Cultured macrophages under hyperoxia stress were used to assess phagocytic activity and HMGB1 release.
- Analyses included HE staining, ELISA for cytokines/chemokines, Western blot for HMGB1, and bacterial counts.
Main Results:
- The botanical composition significantly reduced mortality by 50% and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and chemokines (CINC-3).
- Increased bacterial clearance, reduced airway total protein, and decreased extracellular HMGB1 were observed in vivo.
- In cultured macrophages, a 75.9% reduction in extracellular HMGB1 and enhanced phagocytosis were noted.
Conclusions:
- The botanical composition demonstrates significant protective effects against acute lung injury and sepsis induced by oxidative stress.
- The mechanism likely involves the attenuation of extracellular HMGB1 accumulation and enhancement of innate immune cell function.
- This standardized botanical blend shows potential as a natural therapeutic strategy for lung damage protection against environmental pollutants.
