# Protective Effect of Oyaksoongi-San against Asthma Induced by Ovalbumin in a Mouse Model
## 1 Introduction  
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition that impacts millions worldwide and remains a subject of ongoing research and medical treatments. It manifests as airway hypersensitivity to various triggers, leading to symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness [1], and varies across individuals. However, asthma has common underlying mechanisms, making it a captivating subject for scientific investigation. The triggers of asthma include environmental and genetic factors. Common environmental triggers are allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander [1]. Researchers must thoroughly understand the disease as they seek to develop innovative treatment approaches that target both symptom relief and the underlying origins. Pathophysiologyologically, asthma is an inflammatory disease in which T-helper type 2 (Th2) cell-secreted cytokines induce the proliferation of inflammatory cells which migrate to and infiltrate the airways [2]. These inflammatory cells trigger excessive mucus production, causing further airway constriction and posting significant challenges to effective airflow [3]. The accumulation of excessive mucus both obstructs the airways and creates an environment conducive to exacerbations. Thus, it is important to address mucus-related complications as an integral component of comprehensive asthma management strategies [4]. Oxidative stress, which is also closely related to asthma, occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) surpasses the body's antioxidant capacity, leading to cellular damage and dysregulation of redoxsignaling pathways. This imbalance is implicated in various pathological conditions that are central to asthma [5]. Oxidative stress also contributes to the chronicity of asthma [6].  
Extensive research is underway on the various dosages of corticosteroids to alleviate asthma symptoms and target its underlying causes, yet comprehensive solutions remain elusive [7]. Minimizing exposure to triggers, such as allergens and respiratory irritants, can help manage asthma symptoms. If inhaled corticosteroids are insufficient and symptoms persist, long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) or anti-leukotriene agents may be added [8]. However, despite the development of various therapies, the rising prevalence of asthma and its associated mortality continue to underscore the need for a treatment that fundamentally targets the asthma pathogenesis [9].  
The herbal formulation Oyaskoongi-San (OYSGS) is a traditional substance employed to prevent and treat a wide array of illnesses. For example, patients with cerebral infarction showed substantial reductions in the secretions of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors by peripheral blood mononuclear cells following pretreatment with OYSGS [10]. Other studies have shown that OYSGS inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation [11] and alleviates refractory chronic pain in trigeminal neuralgia, as shown in a single patient [12]. OYSGS is composed of 11 extracts: Angelica dahurica root, Aurantii fructus immaturus, Batryticatus bombyx, Citrus unshiu peel, Cnidium rhizome, Ephedra herb, ginger, jujube, licorice, Lindera root, and Platycodon root. These constituent herbal ingredients have been shown to exhibit a range of pharmacological properties [13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20].  
Nevertheless, there has been no prior investigation into the potential of OYSGS for enhancing or managing asthma. Here, we examined the possible therapeutic effects of OYSGS in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma and explored potential underlying mechanisms.