Respiratory Tract-Widening Effects of Dihydroartemisinin in Wistar Albino Rats

Problem statement: Artemisinin-based anti-malarials are currently widely used in Asia and Africa. Not much is known about the systemic effect of dihydroartemisinin. This study therefore examine the effect of dihydroartemisinin on the lungs of Wistar albino rats. Approach: Five dosages of Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) were administered by oral intubation for 5 days to 5 test and 4 control Wistar albino rats. Distilled water was administered to the control albino rats. The dosages of DHA tested were 1 mg kg^-1 repeated after an interval of one week 2, 60 and 80 mg kg^-1 A histological examination of the tissues of the lungs showed that dihydroartemisinin treatment caused a dose dependent widening of the lumen of the bronchial tree of the lungs of the test rats but not those of the control rats. The 2 mg kg^-1 dose of DHA was the maximal response dose. Repetition of the same 1 mg kg^-1 dihydroartemisinin dosage after an interval of one week also produced widening effects on the bronchial tree of the test rats but not on those of the control albino rats. Results: These results suggest that widening of the air tubes of the lungs and thus increasing the volume of inspired air (by the DHA-treated subject), is an important mechanism of action of dihydroartemisinin its efficacious rapid cure of malaria. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that dihydroartemisinin could be explore at a future drug to be use in aiding asthma patients.