Efficient Euphorbia hirta Phytosomes for in vitro Antiasthmatic Activity

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the antiasthmatic activity of Euphorbia hirta extract and Euphorbia hirta phytosomes in an in vitro anti-asthmatic model. Materials and Methods: The phytosomes were tested for entrapment efficiency, solubility studies, and in vitro drug release. The in vitro goat tracheal chain preparation paradigm was used to test the Euphorbia hirta extract and Euphorbia hirta phytosomes. Results: Histamine-induced contraction in an isolated goat tracheal chain revealed that both Euphorbia hirta extract and Euphorbia hirta phytosomes decreased histamine’s contractile effect. The entrapment efficiency was observed well at 60°C and a 1:2 ratio of extract: phospholipids. The solubility studies and in vitro drug release studies depicted a rise in the lipophilic nature of extract by formulating it in the form of phytosomes. The antiasthmatic activity of the extract and phytosomes increased as the concentration was raised. Conclusion: The presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glycosides, and saponine may play a role in the antiasthmatic activity observed. Moreover, enhanced lipophilicity might have enabled phytosomes to show a better antiasthmatic profile as compared to extract.