Curative effect comparison of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus in different species on recurrent asthma in mice / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the curative effect of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (FCB) in six species from five origins on recurrent asthma in mice. Methods: Eighty one female Kunming mice were randomly divided into nine groups with equal weights, such as model, control, Dexamethasone (DEX, positive control), and six FCB groups. The mice in the model, DEX, and FCB groups were sc injected with ovalbumin (OVA) on days 1, 7, and 14, then challenged with the aerosols of normal saline contained OVA on days 22-28. The mice in DEX and FCB groups were ig administered with DEX (0.6 mg/kg) and FCB (830 mg/kg) respectively for 28 d, and the mice in the control group were given 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose. The surface tension of bronchoalveolar lavage was measured, the lung tissues were taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the tracheal stenosis and volume difference of pulmonary alveolus were analyzed by the microphotograph. Results: Compared with the control group, the tracheal stenosis, surface tension, and volume difference of pulmonary alveolus were increased obviously in the model group (P < 0.01). The pathological section revealed vessel wall thickening in bronchiole, inflammatory cell infiltrating, gland hyperplasia, and mucus hypersecretion, but FCB could reverse these pathological changes (P < 0.01). Each FCB had its feature to cure asthma. F. unibracteata and F. delavayi had the most potency on increasing alveolar surfactant; F. unibracteata and F. taipaiensis had the most potency on attenuating tracheal stenosis; F. unibracteata and F. przewalskii had the most potency on relieving the inflammation; F. unibracteata and F. taipaiensis had the most potency on reducing glandular hyperplasia or intimal thickening. Each FCB had its feature to cure asthma, but F. unibracteata was the best. Conclusion: FCB has the best potency to prevent and cure the recurrent asthma in mice, but each FCB has its feature. The diversity of FCB species should be protected.