Guava (Psidium guajava L.) extract inhibits cytokine storm in acute respiratory distress syndrome rats model

COVID-19 infection is always accompanied by a cytokine storm that causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is expected to be used for treating COVID-19 patients. Guava (Psidium guajava L.) was believed to have properties as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This study aims to determine the effect of guava extract (PGE) on the ARDS rats model so that it can be used as a PGE treatment for the effects caused by ARDS. This study was conducted on 25 Sprague Dawley rats model in 5 treatment groups. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induction was carried out to create ARDS rats model. Determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung Interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-12 and serum IL-1β, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) was performed by ELISA, NOD-, LRR-and Pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NRLP3) expressions were determined by the quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) method and IL-6, Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were analysed by immunohisto-chemistry assay. The results showed that PGE contained phenolic compound, daidzin and genistin. The IL-18, IL-12, Il-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-kB and NRLP3 in ARDS model rats were decreased by PGE treatment. In conclusion, PGE can be used as a therapy for treating ARDS by decreasing pro-inflammatory marker.