Effects of a Hydro-ethanolic Extract of Scoparia dulcis on Systemic Inflammation and Cachexia in an Allergic Asthma Model

Background: Chronic allergic lung diseases, such as allergic asthma, are often marked by increased systemic inflammatory responses and cachexia co-morbidities.

Objectives: The study aimed at evaluating the systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-cachectic properties of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis (SDE) in an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model.

Methodology: Allergic asthma was induced by challenging OVA-sensitized guinea-pigs intranasal with 1% ovalbumin. Levels of C-reactive proteins in animal serum, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and erythrocyte levels, as well as the total and differential blood cell counts were determined (as measures of systemic inflammation) for blood samples obtained from OVA-induced allergic animals treated with 2 ml/kg normal saline, 10 mg/kg salbutamol, 10 mg/kg prednisolone, and 50, 100 or 250 mg/kg of the plant extract. Changes in body weights for each treatment regime were also measured over the period.

Results: SDE showed a dose-dependent reduction (p ≤ 0.001) in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the body weights of OVA-induced allergic animals, and improved significantly (p ≤ 0.001) levels of red blood cells after treatment. However, total and differential white blood cells were significantly elevated (p ≤ 0.05) after the OVA-induced asthma. Treatments with the plant extract and prednisolone significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) elevated white blood cells and its differentials, as well as elevated serum C-reactive proteins (> 12.0 but ≤ 24.0 ± 1.0 mg/l) to within normal levels in OVA-induced allergic guinea-pigs.

Conclusion: The hydro-ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis has significant systemic anti-inflammatory properties, and ameliorative effect on pulmonary cachexia. This makes it a possible remedy for allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.