Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Var. and Platycodon Grandifloras Extract Mixture Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immune Deficiency: In Vivo Evidence

Respiratory tract diseases (RTDs) cause airflow limitations and impaired respiratory function, primarily due to pulmonary inflammation and immune dysfunction. Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum Kitamur and Platycodon grandifloras (CP) are traditional herbs known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects of a combined extract of CP in vivo. CP was prepared by mixing equal volumes of Chrysanthemum zawadskii extract (CE) and Platycodon grandifloras extract (PE) at the same concentration. The anti-inflammatory effects of CP were evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model in BALB/c mice. The immune-enhancing effects were assessed using a cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppression model. Protein and mRNA expressions of inflammatory and immune markers were analyzed through Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. CP significantly reduced LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation by decreasing interleukin (IL)-1β and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in lung tissues. In the CYP-induced model, CP treatment restored spleen and thymus weights, reversed reductions in immune cell counts, and increased TNF-α and IL-2 mRNA expression in the spleen. In conclusion, CP inhibits pulmonary inflammation by suppressing inflammatory mediators and enhances immune function by increasing immune-related indicators. This suggests that CP may have potential therapeutic applications for treating respiratory inflammation and related diseases.