Efficacy of parthenolide on lung histopathology in a murine model of asthma.

Abstract Background Parthenolideis the active constituent of the plant ‘ Tanacetum parthenium’ (Feverfew) which has been used for centuries as a folk remedyfor inflammatory conditions. Aim of the study In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of parthenolidein a murine model of chronic asthma. Materials and methods Thirty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups; I (control), II (placebo), III ( dexamethasone), IV ( parthenolide) and V ( dexamethasoneand parthenolidecombination). Lung histology was evaluated after treatment with the study drugs. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were determined by ELISA. Results Histologic parameters except the number of mast and goblet cellsimproved in the parthenolidegroup when compared with placebo. All parameters except basal membrane thickness and number of mast cells were improved significantly better in the group receiving dexamethasonewhen compared with the parthenolidegroup. Improvement of most of the histologic parameters was similar in Groups III and V. Interleukin-4levels were significantly reduced in the parthenolidegroup when compared to the placebo group. Conclusion We demonstrated that parthenolideadministration alleviated some of the pathological changes in asthma. But parthenolidealone is not efficient as dexamethasonetherapy and the parthenolideand dexamethasonecombination also did not add any beneficial effect to the dexamethasonetreatment.