###### Abstract  
_Tamarix aphylla_ is a commonly grown plant in Saudi Arabia and its therapeutic potential is widely recognized. Here, in this study, the aim was to explore the role of _T. aphylla_ leaf extract (TAE) on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters of TAE were performed through in vitro assays by measuring H\({}_{2}\)O\({}_{2}\) free radical scavenging and protein denaturation inhibition. After LPS administration, broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were obtained to evaluate the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, histopathological alterations, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining. The results designate that TAE shows anti-inflammatory activity through a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-\(\alpha\) and IL-\(\epsilon\) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and BALF. The antioxidant enzyme level (SOD) decreased and MDA content was increased in the LPS-induced mice. However, TAE pretreatment markedly reversed these parameters compared to the group administered LPS only (_p_ < 0.05). The histopathological analysis demonstrated that TAE maintained the lung tissue architecture by reducing LPS-induced inflammation and congestion. The expression pattern of the Cox-2 protein and apoptosis was high in the group administered LPS only, whereas TAE pretreatment showed a reduction in the expression pattern and apoptosis. Moreover, the in vitro assay of TAE demonstrated a concentration-dependent free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. In conclusion, our results advocate the health-promoting effects of _T. aphylla_ on LPS-induced acute lung injury, which might be due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential. _Tamarix aphylla_; inflammation; oxidative stress; lung injury +
Footnote †: journal: Medical Sciences  
Inhibition, as well as prevention, of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their regulatory pathway has proven great results in modulating LPS-caused lung inflammation [8; 9]. Despite developments in the treatment of ALI, currently used treatments cause adverse effects on health. Thus, effective treatments with fewer side effects need to be developed to overcome such problems and increase the survival rate. Natural products have established much consideration as a hopeful source of bioactive ingredients that are potentially beneficial in the drug discovery [10]. In this regard, natural products or their bioactive components play a significant role in the management of pathogenesis, including lung injury, through modulation of various biological activities [11; 12; 13; 14; 15]. _Tamarix aphylla_ L. is an average-sized tree commonly distributed in Saudi Arabia and has been traditionally used in folk medicine to cure various ailments [16]. Islamic religious scripture, the Holy Quran, recognizes _T. aphylla_ with names such as Athel and Tarfaa. The Arabic names of this tree are Abal, Tarfaa, Ghaz and Athel, while the English name is Athel tamarisk [17]. _T. aphylla_ is a rich source of different constituents such as Ellagitannins, gallotannins and gallo-ellagitannins [18]. In addition, an important compound (5-dihydroxy-4\({}^{\prime}\),7-dimethoxyflavone) was isolated from _T. aphylla_ and proved its role in the inhibition of liver pathogenesis. This compound enhances the antioxidant level and reduces lipid peroxidation, also modulating apoptotic protein expression [19]. _Tamrix aphylla_ plays a vital role in diseases management and its role in health management has been confirmed as having anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, analgesic and wound-healing effects [20; 21; 22]. Some other plants from in Saudi Arabia show high protein content and are used to prevent oxidative damage of proteins and lipids through its rich antioxidant source [23].