The Effect of Capparis spinosa on Inflammatory Responses in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma

Abstract

Background and objectives: Allergic asthma is an inflammatory respiratory system disease. Capparis spinosa L. has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. Our goal was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of C. spinosa extract on a mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods: Capparis spinosa fruits were extracted with methanol 80% by maceration method. Forty-two Balb/c mice were divided into six groups of seven. The healthy control group received normal saline and the other five groups were treated with ovalbumin to induce asthma. Subsequently, one group received dexamethasone, three groups were treated with C. spinosa extract (185, 370 and 740 mg/kg/day) for 7 days and the sixth group remained untreated as the positive control. The number of eosinophils and neutrophils and the levels of interleukins -4, -5, and -13 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of all mice. Histopathological changes in the lung tissues of all animals were also analyzed. Results: The number of eosinophils and neutrophils and the levels of interleukins -4, -5, and -13 in BALFs significantly decreased in C. spinosa extract-treated mice compared with the positive control. Capparis spinosa extract inhibited goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion in lung tissues. Inflammation in the peribronchial and perivascular spaces was non-significantly ameliorated in extract-treated mice. The results of C. spinosa extract-treated mice were comparable with dexamethasone-administered animals. Conclusions: This study is the first report of anti-inflammatory and antiasthmatic properties of C. spinosa extract by modulating eosinophilic trafficking and type 2 inflammatory responses.

Keywords

• allergic asthma
• capparis spinosa
• inflammation
• interleukin
• ovalbumin