Comparative Therapeutic Effects of Salbutamol and a Natural Herbal Mixture on Immune Modulation in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma: A Rat Model Study

Abstract Background: This study investigates the effects of salbutamol, a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, and a natural herbal mixture (garlic, honey, lime, and unripe pawpaw seeds) on the spleen of ovalbumin-induced asthmatic Wistar rats. The research aims to explore the therapeutic potential of these treatments in managing asthma and allergic rhinitis by assessing their effects on the spleen, a key organ in immune regulation. Methods: Twenty female Wistar rats weighing between 97–124g were divided into four groups. Group A (control) received physiological saline, Group B was induced with 2 mg/kg of ovalbumin, Group C was induced with ovalbumin and treated with 2 mg/kg salbutamol, and Group D was induced with ovalbumin and treated with 2 mg/kg of a natural herbal mixture. Hematological parameters, including packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, were analyzed. Histological analysis of spleen tissue was also conducted. Results: Significant increases in PCV, WBC, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were observed in the ovalbumin-induced group (Group B). Treatment with salbutamol and the herbal mixture reduced these increases, with the herbal mixture showing promising immunomodulatory effects. Conclusion: Both salbutamol and the herbal mixture alleviated spleen dysfunction and immune system dysregulation in allergic conditions. The herbal mixture, with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, may serve as an effective alternative or complementary treatment for managing asthma. Further research is needed to explore their mechanisms and long-term benefits.