Inhalation Therapy with <i>Clerodendrum serratum</i> Linn. Extract: An Experimental Study on Ovalbumin-induced Asthma in Rats

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by airway constriction, inflammation, and structural changes known as airway remodeling. Clerodendrum serratum Linn., a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, has shown anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects. This research work aims to study the potential anti-asthmatic properties of an inhalable formulation prepared from C. serratum extract in an ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model. The formulation was evaluated for its effects on serum leukocytes and eosinophils, mast cells, total tissue protein, airway inflammation, and histopathological changes in the lungs. The results showed that the inhalable formulation significantly reduced the symptoms of asthma in the rat model. The formulation led to a significant reduction in the levels of serum leukocytes and eosinophils, key indicators of asthma inflammation. It effectively stabilized mast cells, preventing their degranulation, and reducing airway reactivity. A decrease in total tissue protein levels was observed, suggesting reduced tissue damage associated with asthma. The formulation also demonstrated a substantial reduction in airway inflammation, as evidenced by histopathological changes in the lungs and reduced Th2 cytokines namely Tumour necrosis factor α and Interleukin 4, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These effects may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory, mast cell stabilizing, and immunomodulatory properties of the formulation. The study provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of C. serratum in the treatment of asthma and demonstrates its potential as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of respiratory diseases.