ABSTRACT
Cigarette smoking exacerbates respiratory diseases, while plant-derived polyphenols offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study explores the effects of Rhoifolin (ROF), a polyphenol from Jordanian Teucrium polium, on lung health in rats exposed to tobacco smoke. Male rats were divided into two groups: one exposed to cigarette smoke (CS), and the other to ROF treatment alongside smoke exposure (ROF/CS). ROF was administered orally for 21 days before smoke exposure. Results showed smoke-induced lung inflammation and oxidative stress, mitigated by ROF treatment. Histological examination revealed smoke-related morphological changes in lung tissue. ROF treatment reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by decreased proinflammatory cytokines. In silico docking demonstrated ROF's potential as an inhibitor. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of ROF and similar polyphenols in mitigating the harmful effects of cigarette smoke on lung health.
