Exploring the Potential Therapeutic Role of Citrullus Lanatus in Animal Model of Allergic Airway Inflammation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51273/esc25.251321128Keywords:
Asthma, citrullus lanatus seeds, airway inflammationAbstract
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of Citrullus lanatus in an ovalbumin-induced
allergic airway inflammation model in mice.
Material and Methods: It was an experimental study, conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 at CMH
Lahore Medical College, Lahore. For the study, twenty four BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into four
groups with six mice in each group. Initially, for the purpose of sensitization an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection
of 20 µg Ovalbumin (OVA) was given on 1st day and from day 14 to 21 intranasal challenge containing 1%
OVA was given to all groups except of group I. The delayed hypersensitivity test was performed to confirm
the presence of inflammation Group III received Citrullus lanatus extract, while Group IV was treated with
methylprednisolone. The anti-inflammatory effects of both treatments were compared. Blood samples were
taken and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained to assess the total as well as differential
leukocyte counts (TLC and DLC). Lungs were removed to examine any histological alterations.
Results: Citrullus lanatus significantly reduced the total leukocyte count (TLC) in both the blood (4.405 ±
0.201, P<0.001) as well as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (1.438 ± 0.108, P<0.05) of BALB/c mice.
Additionally, C. lanatus demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory effect in by lowering the differential
leukocyte count in both the blood and BLAF. The reduction in TLC and DLC was comparable with the drug
methylprednisolone which also significantly reduced these parameters. Histopathological changes observed
in C. lanatus group also strongly favour its anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion: Citrullus lanatus has shown anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful as a
complementary medicine for inflammatory conditions, particularly asthma.
Keywords: Citrullus Lanatus, Anti-inflammatory, Asthma
How to cite: Siddiqui WA, Qureshi AQ, Rehan AM, Zaffar S, Zia AE, Rafique R. Exploring the Potential Therapeutic
Role of Citrullus Lanatus in Animal Model of Allergic Airway Inflammation. Esculapio - JSIMS 2025;21(01): 156
162
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51273/esc25.251321128
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