Cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of polyherbal preparation UNIM-352 in experimental models of bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways and pharmacotherapy is dependent on anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator agents. However, adverse effects of these agents on chronic administration and sometimes non-responsiveness to these drugs have prompted the search for viable alternatives from medicinal plant sources. UNIM-352 is a polyherbal preparation traditionally used in the Unani system of Indian medicine for the treatment of bronchial asthma. The present study defines the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of UNIM-352 in experimental models of bronchial asthma and validates the observed therapeutically beneficial effects. Wistar rats were immunized and challenged with ovalbumin, and blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assayed for cytological and biochemical markers. UNIM-352 (200 and 400 mg/kg) markedly reduced the eosinophil and neutrophil counts in both blood and BAL compared to control. The polyherbal agent also attenuated the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-4, GM-CSF and NF-kappa B whereas histone deacetylase (HDAC) levels were elevated, in both blood and BAL fluid. All effects of UNTM-352 were comparable with the standard drug, prednisolone. The results demonstrated possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of UNIM-352 and thus explain its beneficial effects in bronchial asthma.