Effect of the Zataria multiflora on systemic inflammation of experimental animals model of COPD.

The effects of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on systemic inflammation in guinea pigs model of COPD were examined. Control animals, COPD (induced by exposing animals to cigarette smoke), COPD+drinking water containing three concentrations of the extract of Z. multiflora, and COPD+dexamethasone were studied (n=6 for each group). Serum levels of IL-8 and malondialdehyde (MDA), total blood WBC (P<0.01 for all cases), and eosinophil counts (P<0.05) were higher and weight changes (P<0.05) were lower in the COPD group compared to controls. IL-8 level (P<0.001) and weight changes (P<0.01 to P<0.001) in all treated groups with Z. multiflora and total WBC number and MDA level in treated groups with two higher concentrations of the extract and lymphocytes percentage (P<0.05) in the highest concentration of Z. multiflora and dexamethasone (P<0.05 to P<0.001) were significantly improved compared to the COPD group. Results showed a preventive effect of hydroethanolic extract from Z. multiflora on all measured parameters in animals model of COPD which was comparable or even higher (in the highest concentration) compared to the effect of dexamethasone at the concentration used.