Abstract
Guiera senegalensis is a medicinal plant that is widely used in West Africa against many illnesses. In this work, the antiasthmatic properties of ethanol leaf extract of the G. senegalensis were evaluated by using various in vitro animal models. In vitro models like isolated guinea pig tracheal chain preparation, isolated guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum preparations were studied to evaluate possible mechanism by which extract shows relaxant activity. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The study showed that the extract contained phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, tannins and saponins. Isolated tracheal smooth muscles contractions induced by histamine was significantly (p<0.01) reduced by the extract, so also that induced by acetylcholine at concentrations of 4 and 8 mg/ml. The findings were similar to that of 0.4 µg/ml isoprenaline. Guinea pig and rabbit jejunum contractions induced by histamine and acetylcholine were significantly (p<0.01) reduced by the extract. These observed effects can be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids in the extract. The results of these studies indicated ethanol extract of G. senegalensis possess antiasthmatic activity. Key words: Antiasthmatic activity, bronchoconstriction, Guiera senegalensis, guinea pig ileum.  
Highlights
Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, cough and difficulty breathing brought about by bronchial constriction, inflammation, and excessive mucus secretion due to bronchial hyperesponsiveness (GINA, 2014)
Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of G.senegalensis (ELEGS) indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tannins (Table 1)
Bronchial constriction in asthma is primarily mediated by ELEGS
Summary
Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, cough and difficulty breathing brought about by bronchial constriction, inflammation, and excessive mucus secretion due to bronchial hyperesponsiveness (GINA, 2014). It has been estimated that about 300 million people in both developed and developing countries suffer asthma attacks worldwide (GINA, 2015). Global prevalence of asthma has been approximated to be 10% among children and 5% among adults population (Rathore et al, 2011). In Nigeria, asthmatic children has been reported to be between 5.1 and 14.3% (Musa and Aliyu, 2014) while estimate for adult Nigerians having asthma has been put to 10%. Prevalence of asthma has been estimated to increase by 59% worldwide in 2025 (Masoli et al, 2004). This can be attributed to increased industrialization and urbanization
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
