OBJECTIVES

The effects of () and curcumin on total and differential WBC count and oxidant, antioxidant biomarkers, in rat model of asthma were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total and differential WBC count in the blood, NO, NO, MDA, SOD, CAT and thiol levels in serum were examined in control, asthma, Asthmatic rats treated with (0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml), curcumin (0.15, 0.30, and 0.60 mg/ml), and dexamethasone (1.25 μg/ml) rats.

RESULTS

Total and most differential WBC count, NO, NO and MDA were increased but lymphocytes, SOD, CAT and thiol were decreased in asthmatic animals compared to controls (<0.001). Total WBC, NO and NO were significantly reduced in treated groups with dexamethasone and all concentrations of and curcumin compared to asthmatic group (<0.001 for all cases). MDA was significantly decreased, but SOD, CAT and thiol increased in treated asthma animals with dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of and curcumin (<0.01 to P<0.001). There were significant improvement in eosinophil percentage due to treatment of highest concentration of the extract and curcumin, neutrophil and monocyte due to highest concentration of curcumin and lymphocyte due to highest concentration of the extract and two higher concentrations of curcumin compared to asthmatic group (<0.01 to P<0.001). Dexamethasone treatment improved monocyte (<0.001) and lymphocyte (<0.01) percentages.

CONCLUSION

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of extract and its constituent curcumin in animal model of asthma was observed which suggest a therapeutic potential for the plant and its constituent on asthma.