The potency of Channa striata, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, and Moringa oleifera extracts in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Epidemiology of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) associated with Gram-negative infections shows high morbidity and mortality. Snakehead fish extract (SFE), Javanese ginger (JGE), and Moringa leaves (MLE) have potential as alternative therapies with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to analyze the potential of individual compounds and a polyherbal formula (PHF) composed of SFE, JGE, and MLE as anti-inflammatory (AIF) agents for ARDS, based on in silico and in vitro analyses. Molecular docking of PHF compounds (curcumin and quercetin) and positive control AIF drugs (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone) was performed on Inflammation (IFM)-related proteins (IL-1β, TGF-β, TNF-α). SFE, JGE, and MLE were extracted via maceration and combined into PHF (SFE 5000 mg + JGE 240 mg + MLE 240 mg). PHF was tested on L2 lung cells induced by LPS (18-hour incubation), followed by treatments with PHF at various concentrations for cytotoxicity (WST-8) and gene expression (NF-KB and TLR-4) (qRT- PCR) to assess AIF effects. Docking was considered valid (RMSD < 2 Å), with curcumin (CCM) showing the best interaction with TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-1β, high potential biological activity compared to quercetin (QCT), supported by 2D/3D visualization. PHF (12.5-100) μg/mL significantly increased the viability of LPS-induced L2 cells. PHF also upregulated the expression of NF-κB and TLR-4 genes, with PHF 100 μg/mL being the most effective. PHF showed AIF potential in LPS-induced L2 cells, but future in vivo studies are acquired to develop drugs or functional foods.