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Turmeric and Eucalyptus Aqueous Extracts Reduced Inflammation in Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) Mouse Model
Mariam M Al-Omari1, Manar M Al-Yousef2, Khaled M Al-Qaoud2
1Department of Basic Pathological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, Jordan.
Journal of Inflammation Research
|June 17, 2025
Summary
Turmeric and Eucalyptus extracts show potential in treating Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS), a severe cytokine storm syndrome. These natural remedies may offer a safer alternative to dexamethasone for managing MAS symptoms and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Pharmacology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) linked to autoimmune diseases.
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for effective CSS treatments, prompting interest in traditional plant-based remedies.
- Existing treatments for CSS spectrums are limited, driving research into alternative therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Turmeric (Tur) and Eucalyptus (Euc) decoctions.
- To evaluate these plant extracts in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG)-induced MAS mouse model.
- To compare the efficacy of Turmeric and Eucalyptus against Dexamethasone (Dex) as an anti-inflammatory control.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a MAS-BALB/c mouse model using LPS and CpG induction.
- Administration of Turmeric (Tur) and Eucalyptus (Euc) decoctions to separate treatment groups.
- Use of Dexamethasone (Dex) as a positive control for anti-inflammatory effects.
- Monitoring of weight gain, serum cytokine levels (TNF-α, CCL2, IL-6), lung tissue cytokine gene expression (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β), and histopathological changes.
Main Results:
- Turmeric and Eucalyptus treatments showed restoration in weight gain compared to the MAS group.
- Significant reductions in serum TNF-α and CCL2 levels were observed with Turmeric and Eucalyptus treatments.
- While IL-6 reduction was less pronounced than with Dexamethasone, both plant extracts decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in lung tissue.
- Histopathological analysis indicated reduced inflammation and necrosis in lung tissues treated with Turmeric and Eucalyptus.
- MMP-9 expression, indicative of neutrophil activity, was significantly reduced by Turmeric and Eucalyptus.
Conclusions:
- Turmeric and Eucalyptus extracts demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory properties in a MAS mouse model.
- These natural plant extracts show potential for ameliorating MAS, possibly outperforming Dexamethasone in certain aspects.
- Further research into plant-based therapies for cytokine storm syndromes is warranted.
