Protective effect of Houttuynia cordata extract on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats
Journal
American Journal of Chinese Medicine
Journal Volume
35
Journal Volume
35
Journal Issue
3
Journal Issue
3
Pages
465-475
Start Page
465
End Page
475
ISSN
0192415X
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the antioxidant properties of Houttuynia cordata (HC) and its protective effect on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Results showed that aqueous extract of HC exhibited a different magnitude of antioxidant activities in all model systems tested. Although HC showed weaker free radical scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity than vitamin E, its anti-lipid peroxidation activity in rat liver homogenate was close to that of vitamin E. In animal studies, HC significantly decreased the levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, hydroxyproline, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, an increase in the concentration of catalase was noted in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. HC also remarkably improved the morphological appearance of the lung of bleomycin-treated rats. These results suggest that HC possesses a protective effect against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Interestingly, this protective effect was more pronounced than that of vitamin E. In conclusion, the protective effect of HC on pulmonary fibrosis could be partly associated with the reduction of oxidative damage caused by bleomycin.
Subjects
Antioxidant
Bleomycin
Houttuynia cordata
Pulmonary fibrosis
Type
journal article