EFFECT OF COMBINATION OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA ROOTS AND CITRUS LIMON LEAVES AGAINST SIO2 INDUCED SILICOSIS IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Aim & Background: Silicosis is a prevalent occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), leading to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis and restrictive lung disease. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a combination of methanolic extracts from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root and Citrus limon (lemon) leaf (CMEGC) against silica-induced silicosis in Wistar rats, leveraging their known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: The experimental protocol involved dividing rats into six groups, including a control group, a silicosis model group, a Pirfenidone-treated group, and groups treated with the combined extracts at two different dosages (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). Silicosis was induced through aerosol inhalation of SiO₂. Various parameters, including body weight, hematological markers, pulmonary edema, TNF-α levels, oxidative stress markers, and lung collagen content, were assessed to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments. Results & Conclusion: Results indicated that the combined extracts significantly improved body weight and reduced pulmonary edema, TNF-α levels and oxidative stress markers compared to the silicosis model group. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced lung inflammation and fibrosis in treated groups. The study concludes that the combination of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Citrus limon extracts holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for silicosis, warranting further investigation and development.