Attenuation of Bleomycin-induced Toxicity on Selected Respiratory Function Metrics in Rabbits by a Polyherbal Preparation

Introduction: Bleomycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, is known for its potential to induce respiratory toxicity. Despite its efficacy in treating various cancers, its use is limited by adverse effects, including pulmonary complications. These respiratory disorders and diseases can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, leading to various health complications. Objective: The study assessed the effect of a polyherbal preparation (CoV Pla-2 extract) on tidal volume (V ), vital capacity (VC), inspiratory capacity (IC) and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) T following bleomycin-induced lung injury in rabbits. Methods: Lung injury was induced in rabbits using bleomycin administered via oropharyngeal aspiration. Animals were randomly divided into six groups of three rabbits each and received treatments as follows: Group 1: Normal Saline (5 ml/kg); Group 2: Bleomycin (4 U/kg); Group 3: CoV Pla-2 extract (125 mg/kg) and Bleomycin (4 U/kg); Group 4: CoV Pla-2 extract (500 mg/kg) and Bleomycin (4 U/kg); Group 5: CoV Pla-2 extract (125 mg/kg); Group 6: CoV Pla-2 extract (500mg/kg). Normal saline and the extract were administered daily for 14 days per oral, while Bleomycin was administered on days 0 and 2. Adigital spirometer was used to monitor some pulmonary function parameters. Results: Results showed that administration of bleomycin decreased Inspiratory Capacity, Vital Capacity, Inspiratory Reserve Volume and Tidal Volume when compared to control. Co￾administration of the extract and bleomycin caused an increase in these pulmonary function parameters, when compared to the animals administered bleomycin alone. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that CoV Pla-2 extract can modify bleomycin-induced lung injury, as seen in increase in Tidal Volume, Vital Capacity, Inspiratory capacity and Inspiratory Reserve Volume following injury due to bleomycin.