Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae (BFC) on airway inflammation in mouse model of asthma and potential mechanism. Methods BALB/C mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, high dose group and low dose group. Mice were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish asthma model. BFC was orally administered at the dose of 18.0 mg/kg (high dose) and 9.0 mg/kg (low dose) while animals in normal group and model group were orally administered with normal saline. All drugs were administered for consecutive 28 days on a daily basis. Leukocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were identified.Morphological abnormality and grading of tissue inflammation were determined. Concentration of IL-8 and IL-13 in serum was measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of CXCR-2, GRO-α,ENA-78 and NAP-2 positive cells were detected by Immunochemistry. Levels of CXCR-2, GRO-α, ENA-78 and NAP-2 mRNA were quantified by Real-time PCR. Results Neutrophils, macrophage, monocyte and eosinophils in BALF and inflammation score in model group increased significantly when compared with normal group(P < 0.05), which were attenuated by BFC treatment (high dose and low dose) (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-8 and IL-13 enhanced significantly in model group when compared with normal group (P < 0.05), which was ameliorated by BFC (P < 0.05). Expressions of CXCR-2, GRO-α, ENA-78, and NAP-2 were increased significantly in model group (P < 0.05) when compared with normal group, which was decreased by BFC (P < 0.05). Conclusion BFC exerts anti-inflammatory effect in asthmatic mice through deduction of IL-8, IL-13, CXCR-2 and GRO-α, ENA-78 and NAP-2.