Anti-airway inflammatory effects of a complex from Scutellaria baicalensis , Nelumbinis semen, and Mori cortex extracts in an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by T helper 2 (Th2)-mediated immune responses that lead to airway inflammation and structural remodeling. Despite existing treatments, limitations, such as drug resistance and adverse effects, necessitate alternative approaches. In this study, we examined the effects of the SNM complex, a combination of Scutellaria baicalensis (SB), Nelumbinis semen (NS), and Mori Cortex (MC) extracts, on allergic asthma. The anti-inflammatory potential of SNM was investigated in H292 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and in mouse models of ovalbumen-induced asthma. Key parameters such as Th2 cytokines, leukotrienes, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF)-κB activation were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis. Histological analyses of the lung tissues were performed to examine structural changes. SNM significantly reduced the levels of Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13), leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4, and LTD4), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a dose-dependent manner, and the high-dose group showed similar reductions in IL-4 and LTB4 levels to the positive control (montelukast) group. Treatment with SNM significantly decreased the phosphorylation level of NF-κB. Histological analysis revealed that airway thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration were decreased in SNM-treated mice. These findings suggest that the SNM complex may represent a potential therapeutic approach for allergic asthma by improving airway inflammation and remodeling. However, further preclinical studies are needed to translate these findings into clinical applications.