EVALUATION OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ERKHEM-8 ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED ACUTE LUNG INJURY IN RATS

In traditional medicine, Erkhem-8 Mongolian remedy used to alleviate heat. It effectively treats both acute and chronic inflammation in the lungs and liver, as well as yellow fever and typhoid fever. It is composed of the herb Carthamus tinctorius L., Odontites vulgaris Moench, Lagotis integrifolia (Willd) Schischk and Gentiana barbata L.; the wood of Santalum album L.; the radix of Aconitum Kusnezoffii Reichb.; Calcio sinter; and Bostaurus domesticus Gmelin. In this study, we examined the effects of Erkhem-8 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced acute lung injury in rats. A total of 55 Wistar rats were utilized in an experimental series. Erkhem-8 was administered orally at doses ranging from 592 to 1480 mg/kg. Erkhem-8 significantly reduced HMGB1, TNFα, and IL-1β levels in the blood of LPS-induced acute lung-injured rats, demonstrating both time- and dose-dependent effects. Based on the histological analysis, the Erkhem-8 treatment groups (592 and 1480 mg/kg) exhibited reduced capillary hemorrhage, edema, and inflammatory alterations of the alveolar walls compared to the control group. In conclusion, Erkhem-8 demonstrated efficacy in treating LPS and adrenaline hydrochloride-induced rat models, as evidenced by reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels and lung edema. These effects suggest that Erkhem-8 may contribute to the amelioration of pathological changes in the lung tissues.