Therapeutic effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss. extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against asthma in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory disorders worldwide. Zataria multiflora Boiss., widely used in herbal medicine, shows potential efficacy against asthma. In this study, Z. multiflora was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles to improve its therapeutic effectiveness against asthma in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six rats were divided to 6 groups including control, asthma (sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA)), and asthmatic groups treated with dexamethasone, empty nano-chitosan, and 8 and 80 mg/kg nano Z. multiflora hydroalcoholic extract (Herbarium No: 35314, FUMH) through inhalation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total white blood cells (WBC) counts, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IFN-γ to IL-4 ratio in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and tracheal responsiveness were assessed. RESULTS: Nano Z. multiflora treatment significantly reduced WBC count and levels of MDA and IL-4 compared to the asthma group. Also, the nano extract of Z. multiflora caused a protective effect on elevated tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic efficacy of Z. multiflora can potentially be enhanced through targeted delivery using chitosan nanoparticles administered via inhalation in asthmatic rats.