Dendranthema oreastrum (Hance) Y.Ling Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Acute Lung Injury

We examined the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract of Dendranthema oreastrum (Hance) Y.Ling, commonly known as “Gu‐Jeol‐Cho” in Korea and widely found across East Asia, using an LPS‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model and TNF‐α‐stimulated NCI‐H292 cells. LPS was intratracheally administered at 20 μg/50 μL/mouse for 3 days. From test day 1 to 5, experimental mice were administered DO (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (3 mg/kg/day). DO treatment decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and TNF‐α‐stimulated NCI‐H292 cells. Additionally, DO treatment decreased alveolar wall thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissues. DO down‐regulated TXNIP expression, inhibiting NF‐κB activation. Furthermore, DO administration reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activity by preventing the activation of caspase‐1 and IL‐1β. Additionally, DO promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2‐related factors, leading to an upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. The study demonstrated that DO administration markedly decreased reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. These observations indicate that DO is a therapeutic agent for ALI.