Enhanced resistance to Sendai virus infection in DBA/2J mice with a botanical drug combination (Sinupret((R)))

It was investigated whether the botanical drug combination Sinupret is able to modulate the resistance of mice to a respiratory tract infection with S endai virus ( Parainfluenza viridae) if given prophylactically to the anima ls. Three doses of Sinupret drops (SD) and Sinupret tablets (ST, p.o.), and two active controls, the chemical secretolytic ambroxol (p.o.) and the imm unomodulator Muramyldipeptide (MDP, i.v.) were used. Test and reference sub stances were applied at days - 3 and - I before infection, except MDP, whic h was given once on day - I before infection. CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocyte su bpopulations were measured after infection as indicators of immunological t reatment response. Groups of 20 mice each were infected by intranasal appli cation of Sendai virus under anaesthesia. We found that the I x and 5 x hum an doses of Sinupret drops significantly prolonged the survival times ( p < 0.05) compared to placebo. Additionally, ambroxol and MDP were comparably less effective. In all groups, changes in CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte subp opulations of the peripheral blood were observed, but no clear relationship to the treatment results was seen. It was concluded that Sinupret increases the resistance to an experimentall y induced respiratory tract infection in mice. Moreover, the effect of Sinu pret was superior to that of an immunostimulant (MDP) and of a synthetic se cretagogue (ambroxolhydrochloride). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All right s reserved.