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

Respiratory tract diseases (RTDs) cause airflow limitations and impaired respiratory function, primarily due to pulmonary inflammation and immune dysfunction. <i>Chrysanthemum zawadskii</i> var. <i>latilobum</i> Kitamur and <i>Platycodon grandifloras</i> (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 <i>in vivo</i>. CP was prepared by mixing equal volumes of <i>Chrysanthemum zawadskii</i> extract (CE) and <i>Platycodon grandifloras</i> 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.