Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the possible protective effects of Ellagic acid (EA) on alpha-naphthylthiourea (ANTU)-induced pulmonary toxicity.

Material and Method: The control group was given normal saline for 9 days, and the sham group was given a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) ANTU solvent (olive oil) on the 9th day. The ANTU group was injected with a single dose of ANTU (10 mg/kg-i.p.) on the 9th day of the study. The AN-TU+EA group was injected with EA (10 mg/kg-i.p.) for 9 days. The volume of effusion fluid, lung and body weights, and forced swimming test scores of rats in all groups were recorded.

Results: When the ANTU group was compared with the groups without ANTU, significant differences (p <0,001) were found in terms of Pleural Effusion (PE), Lung weight (AA), AA/Body Weight (AA/VA) and PE/VA. It was observed that a statistically significant decrease (p <0.001) was found in the PE, AA, PE/VA, and AA/VA values of rats supplemented with EA (ANTU+EA) compared to the ANTU group. Also, a statistically significant decrease (p <0.001) was found in the forced swimming test times of the rats in the ANTU group compared to the rats in the control and sham groups. Moreover, it was evidenced that a statistically significant increase (p <0,001) was observed in the forced swimming test scores of the rats in the ANTU+EA group compared to those in the ANTU group.

Conclusion: Data show that EA supplementation increases lung ventilation capacity by suppressing edema and effusion resulting from ANTU toxicity.