Protective effects of Centella asiatica L. on pulmonary histomorphology in cigarette smoke-exposed Wistar rats

Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that cause acute and chronic lung inflammation and oxidative stress. Centella asiatica L. contains secondary metabolites with potential antioxidant properties for phytotherapy or phytoprevention. This study examined the effects of varying doses of Centella asiatica L. extract on lung damage in Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 4): normal control, negative control (three cigarettes daily without extract), positive control (vitamin E) and three treatment groups that received three cigarettes per day and extract at 120, 180, and 240 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Histopathological examination of lung tissues was performed using the modified Manja–Roegnik scoring method. Data were analysed using the Kruskal‒Wallis test and a Bonferroni correction post hoc test. The lung tissue scores for the normal, negative control and positive groups were 1.00 ± 00, 2.67 ± 0.25, and 1.67 ± 0.25, respectively. In the treatment group, the scores were 2.16 ± 0.59 (120 mg/kg), 1.83 ± 0.33 (180 mg/kg), and 2.65 ± 0.66 (240 mg/kg). Extract of Centella asiatica L. (180 mg/kg) significantly reduced lung damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke (p = 0.002) and was as effective as vitamin E (p = 1.000). Centella asiatica L. extract reduced lung tissue damage in rats exposed to cigarette smoke due to its antioxidant properties.