Eucalyptus cinerea phytoactive compounds alleviate pulmonary fibrosis by targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune pathways in male rats

Abstract

Eucalyptus cinerea is known for anti‐inflammatory/antioxidant properties in Tunisian traditional medicine, but research on its seeds for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is insufficient. The study investigated the phytochemical properties and the curative potential of Eucalyptus cinerea seeds aqueous extract (ECAE) against bleomycin (BLEO)‐induced sub‐acute experimental PF as well as the mechanisms implicated in such protection. Firstly, the phytochemical analysis of ECAE revealed the presence of 7 phenolic compounds, including 3 phenolic acids, 3 flavonoids, and 1 tannin. Results of the in vivo assay showed that ECAE treatment significantly reduced BLEO‐induced lung lesions and improved histopathological alterations. ECAE attenuated BLEO‐induced plasma and pulmonary lipid peroxidation and the depletion of both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants. More importantly, intratracheal instillation of BLEO increased hydrogen peroxide and calcium levels, while the ECAE treatment reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. Also, ECAE exhibited anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. These results suggest that Eucalyptus cinerea seeds contain anti‐inflammatory compounds that could help fight PF, making them a potential ingredient for functional foods.