Protective effect of Micromeria congesta essential oil on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats

Micromeria congesta (MC) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, and Gaziantep provinces of Türkiye for treating respiratory disorders. Despite its ethnobotanical relevance, its pharmacological effects on lung inflammation remain unclear. This study evaluated the protective effects of MC essential oil (MCEO) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in rats, with a focus on inflammation and tissue damage. The MC was collected from its natural habitat, and its EO was extracted by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed ۲۸ compounds, with piperitenone oxide (۳۳.۹۷%) and pulegone (۲۲.۳۰%) as the main constituents. Thirty-six Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into six groups, including three MCEO-treated (۱۲.۵۰, ۲۵.۰۰, and ۵۰.۰۰ mg kg-۱), dexamethasone, LPS-only, and control groups. The MCEO was administered by gavage for seven days, followed by intra-venous LPS on day eight (except for the control group). Blood and lung tissues were collected ۶ hr later for biochemical, histopathological, and molecular analyses. The MCEO treatment significantly lowered blood glucose and urea levels compared to the LPS group. It also modulated NLRP۳, caspase-۳, and tumor necrosis factor alpha genes expressions, as determined by RT-PCR analysis, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. Histopathological findings confirmed a dose-dependent reduction in lung inflammation and tissue damage. The MCEO administration alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury in rats through anti-inflammatory and protective effects, as confirmed by molecular (NLRP۳, caspase-۳, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and histopathological analyses. Additionally, MCEO reduced blood glucose and urea levels, supporting its systemic protective role against endotoxin-induced inflammation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anti-inflammatory ، essential oil ، Lipopolysaccharide ، Micromeria congesta ، Rat