For oriental spice fans

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(Amomum Compactum is a cousin of cardamom)

Anti-asthmatic Effects Of Amomum Compactum

M. Lee, N. Lee, J. Lee, D. Jung, H. Lee, C. Seo, J. Kim, J. Kim,

H. Ha, H. Shin; Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, DaeJeong, REPUB-

LIC OF KOREA.

RATIONALE: We investigated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-

1) gene and protein and efficacy of Amomum compactum soland ex Maton

(AC) ethanolic (EtOH) extract in the treatment of bronchial asthma in an

ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic BALB/c mouse model.

METHODS: Female BALB/c mice (7 weeks) were sensitized with intra-

peritoneal (i.p.) OVA on days 0 and 14, and were next given intranasal OVA

on days 21-23. Randomized treatment groups of sensitized mice received

AC EtOH extract 100 or 200 mg/kg, Montelukast, or placebo, orally, from

days 18-23.

RESULTS: AC EtOH extract significantly inhibited the increase of total

IgE and T-helper-2-type cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveo-

lar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum, and also effectively suppressed eosin-

ophilia, and mucus hypersecretion in the lung of OVA sensitized/challenge

mouse model. Also, increased generation of ROS in BAL fluid inhalation

of OVA was diminished by AC EtOH extract. All these effects were corre-

lated with heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein induction, and re-

versed by Copp, a HO-1 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that oxidative stress may play a

crucial role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma induced by OVA and

AC EtOH extract protects against airway inflammation by up-regulated the

extression of HO-1 protein and mRNA, and that inhibitory action on Th(2)

cytokines may be associated with the protective mechanism of AC EtOH

extract.