[Effects on herba epimedii and radix Astragali on tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor-kappa B in asthmatic rats].

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Herba Epimedii and Radix Astragali, the two Chinese herbs for replenishing Shen and strengthening qi, on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, one of the pro-inflammatory factors) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in asthmatic rats. MethodsRats were randomly divided into five groups: the normal saline control group, the asthma model group and the three treated groups treated with high, medium and low dose of the Chinese herbs. Serum TNF-α and NF-κB activity in pulmonary tissue were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry respectively. ResultsHerba Epimedii and Radix Astragali could effectively reduce the production of TNF-α and inhibit NF-κB activity, and the efficacies in the three treated group were similar, showing insignificant difference among them. ConclusionApplication of Herba Epimedii and Radix Astragali in the attack or remission stage of asthma could restrain the development of inflammation by reducing the production of TNF-α and inhibiting NF-κB activity.