The Effect of Thai Herbal Ha-Rak Formula (HRF) on LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Objective: To study effects of Thai herbal Ha-rak formula (HRF) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats (190-250 g) were orally treated with HRF for 14 days before they were induced with LPS (6 mg/kg, i.v.). The markers of organ injury/dysfunction and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured at 6 hours after LPS administration. Results: LPS administration can significantly increase all markers. Intragastric administration of 5 mg/kg indomethacin, the positive control, significantly reduced plasma urea, creatinine, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine kinase (CK), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. HRF trends to attenuate the plasma AST, ALT, CK, TNF-a, and IL-1β, although these effects were not statistically significant. Moreover, all doses of HRF did not increase plasma urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, CK, and lipase, when compared to sham. Conclusion: HRF trends to protect against endotoxemia-induced organ injuries and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, rats that received HRF did not show organ injuries.

Keywords

• Thai herbal formula
• Ha-rak
• lipopolysaccharide
• systemic inflammation
• anti-inflammatory effect
• (Siriraj Med J 2017;69: 356-362)