Efficacy of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linne in an animal model of particulate matter-induced asthma exacerbation

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linne (TFG) has traditionally been used in Central Asia to relieve inflammation. Aim of the study: This study investigated the efficacy of TFG in a bronchial cell model and an animal model of asthma exacerbation caused by PM. Methods: BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells were simultaneously treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin (IL)-4 and PM, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, DNA damage, and autophagy mechanisms were analyzed. In an animal model of asthma exacerbation, we analyzed changes in organ weight, distribution of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and intra-tissue mucus production.Results: In the cell model, TFG suppressed the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, granulocytemacrophage colony stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and IL-8; reactive oxygen species levels and DNA damage; and the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, P38, AKT, and mTOR. In the animal model, TFG significantly reduced weight gain of the liver, lung, and spleen; IgE, IL-6, and IFN-gamma levels; and bronchial mucus secretion and smooth muscle thickness.Conclusion: TFG alleviated the PM-exacerbated inflammatory response by inhibiting the MAPK and autophagy signaling pathways; it is expected to be an effective treatment for asthma.