Evaluation of the protective effects of commiphora wightII extract against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The present work investigates potential of standardized C. wightii extract/its fractions against elastase-induced COPD-linked lung inflammation and identifies key bioactive constituent(s). Extract/its fractions were orally administered to male BALB/c mice 1h prior to intra-tracheal instillation of elastase (1U/mouse). Extract and its ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) provide maximum protection against elastase-induced inflammation. EAF was subjected to column chromatography followed by assessment of each subfraction, and from most active sub-fraction two compounds i.e. C1 and C2 were isolated. C1seems key active principle and was identified as mixture of E and Z-guggulsterone (GS) using 1 H-/ 13 C-NMR. GS attenuates inflammation and protects against elastase-induced emphysema. Finally, GS suppressed the cigarette smoke-induced influx of neutrophils and macrophages and blunted gene expression of TNF-and#945;/IL-1and#946;/MMP-9 and TIMP-1.GS administration improved cigarette smoke-induced lung function decline. Overall, guggulsterone obtained from C. wightii seems key constituent that may provide beneficial effects against COPD. newline