Anti-asthmatic Activity Research Articles

Arjunolic acid: A new multifunctional therapeutic promise of alternative medicine

In recent years, a number of studies describing the effective therapeutic strategies of medicinal plants and their active constituents in traditional medicine have been reported. Indeed, tremendous demand for the development and implementation of these plant derived biomolecules in complementary and alternative medicine is increasing and appear to be promising candidates for pharmaceutical industrial research. These new molecules, especially those from natural resources, are considered as potential therapeutic targets, because they are derived from commonly consumed foodstuff and are considered to be safe for humans. This review highlights the beneficial role of arjunolic acid, a naturally occurring chiral triterpenoid saponin, in various organ pathophysiology and the underlying mechanism of its protective action. Studies on the biochemistry and pharmacology suggest the potential use of arjunolic acid as a novel promising therapeutic strategy. The multifunctional therapeutic application of arjunolic acid has already been documented by its various biological functions including antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anticholinesterase, antitumor, antiasthmatic, wound healing and insect growth inhibitor activities. The scientific basis behind its therapeutic application as a cardioprotective agent in traditional medicine is justified by its ability to prevent myocardial necrosis and apoptosis, platelet aggregation, coagulation and lowering of blood pressure, heart rate, as well as cholesterol levels. Its antioxidant property coupled with metal chelating property (by its two hydroxyl groups) protects different organs from metal and drug-induced organ pathophysiology. Arjunolic acid also plays a beneficial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its associated complications. The mechanism of cytoprotection of arjunolic acid, at least in part, results from the detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the respective pathophysiology. In addition to its other biological functions, it also possesses vibrant insecticidal properties and it has the potential to be used as a structural molecular framework for the design of molecular receptors in the general area of supramolecular chemistry and nanochemistry. Esters of arjunolic acid function as organogelators which has wide application in designing thermochromic switches and sensor devices. Arjunolic acid derived crown ether is an attractive candidate for the design of molecular receptors, biomimetics and supramolecular systems capable of performing some biological functions. This review would provide useful information about the recent progress of natural product research in the domain of clinical science. This review also aims to untie the multifunctional therapeutic application of arjunolic acid, a nanometer-long naturally occurring chiral triterpenoid biomolecule.

Alleviation of asthma-related symptoms by a derivative of L-allo threonine

Chronic asthma is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue remodeling, leading to subepithelial inflammation. In order to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of LX519290, a derivative of L-allo threonine, we performed several in vitro and in vivo anti-asthmatic assays. Using ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized C57BL/6 mice, the effects of LX519290 on lung inflammation and cytokine expression in the asthmatic animals were analyzed. Treatment with this compound increased IFN-γ and decreased IL-10 mRNA expression. LX519290 potently decreased, not only immune cell infiltration in the lung, but also IL-4 and IL-13 cytokine levels in the serum of OVA-treated mice. The results demonstrated that LX519290 decreased the pathogenesis of chronic airway injury. Evidence from our model of OVA-induced asthma demonstrated that LX519290 inhibits immune cell infiltration, mucus hypersecretion, and inflammatory cytokine production. Collectively, our findings suggest that LX519290 has the potential to ameliorate asthmatic symptoms by treating inflammatory factors in the lung.

Protocatechuic acid suppresses ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a mouse allergic asthma model

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) has been isolated from the leaves of ilex chinenses and has numerous pharmacologic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antitumoral activities. This study aims to evaluate the antiasthma activity of PCA and investigate its possible molecular mechanisms. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged to ovalbumin (OVA).Then mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with PCA 1h before OVA challenge. We found that PCA treatment at 15 or 30mg/kg significantly decreased OVA-induced airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) to inhaled methacholine. Type 2 helper T cell (Th2) cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin 5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), and serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, were also reduced by PCA. Moreover treatment with PCA markedly decreased the number of inflammatory cells in BALF and attenuated OVA-induced mRNA expression of CCl11, CCR3, Muc5ac, acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase), chitinase 3-like protein 4 (Ym2) and E-selectin in lung tissues, lung histopathological studies showed that PCA inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion compared with the OVA-induced mice group. We then investigated the possible molecular mechanisms which might be implicated in PCA activity. Our results suggested that the protective effect of PCA might be mediated by the inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation.

In-Vitro and In-Vivo Assessment of Anti-Asthmatic Activity of Polyherbal Ayurvedic Drug

About 80% of asthmatic turn to alternative or complementary therapies typically in conjunction with their regular allopathic medication. The role of complementary and alternative medicine in adult asthma treatment is limited because these approaches have been insufficiently researched and their effectiveness is largely unproven. In the present study in -vivo and in-vitro effectiveness of a polyherbal Ayurvedic drug is evaluated for its anti-asthmatic activity. For in -vitro assessment of anti-asthmatic property of drug antiinflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulator effect, and antihistaminic, anti-cholinergic, mast cell stabilizing activity, anti-anaphylactic activity and bronchodilator effect were screen on animal models. Evaluation of Effect of Drug Distribution on Lung Mechanics is also evaluated using MATLAB. In a randomised,open, placebo controlled trial the effects of drug was compared with placebo medication (normal saline) in 60 adults with mild to moderate asthma as an adjunct to conventional treatment. Animal studies showed that drug possess significant mast cell stabilizing activity, immunomodulator activity, bronchodilator activity and anti- anaphylactic activity. Insignificant anti-cholinergic activity was found in the drug. There was significant improvement found in pulmonary function test (including FEV1, FVC and PEFR)in the group treated with polyherbal drug .Improvement remain constant in consecutive follow-ups signifies that there is no reverse bronchoconstriction after discontinuation of drug. This study signifies that polyherbal drug (Shirishadi ) may prove beneficial future alternative remedy for asthma and its effect is similar to that of modern contemporary drug when given through nasal route.

Inhibitory Effects of <i>Saururi chinensis</i> Extracts on Melanin Biosynthesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

Saururus chinensis has been used in folk medicine in Korea for the treatment of edema, jaundice, gonorrhea, and several inflammatory diseases. Saururi chinensis extracts (SCE) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, as well as anti-asthmatic, antihypertensive, anti-angiogenic, and therapeutic activities for atopic dermatitis. However, the inhibitory activity of SCE on the melanogenesis signaling pathway is not completely understood. This study examined the effects of SCE on the melanogenesis signaling pathway activated by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). We found that SCE inhibited melanin production in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity in B16F10 cells. Interestingly, SCE decreased α-MSH-induced tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells but did not inhibit tyrosinase activity under cell-free conditions. The results of this study indicate that SCE may reduce pigmentation by way of an indirect, nonenzymatic mechanism. We also found that SCE decreased α-MSH-induced microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase expression and induced the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). These results suggest that the depigmenting effect of SCE may result from downregulation of MITF and tyrosinase expression due to increased ERK activity. Thus, our results provide evidence that SCE might be useful as a potential skin-whitening agent.

Britanin suppresses LPS-induced nitric oxide, PGE2 and cytokine production via NF-κB and MAPK inactivation in RAW 264.7 cells

Little is known about the biological properties of britanin, which is isolated from the flowers of Inula japonica (Inulae Flos). Based on our previous studies that Inulae Flos had anti-inflammation and anti-asthmatic activities, we tried to find the bioactive compounds from it. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of britanin on the inflammatory mediators as well as on nuclear factor (NF)-кB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. Britanin inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) along with the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, britanin reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, the phosphorylations of MAP kinases (p38 and JNK) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were suppressed by britanin. Moreover, britanin inhibited the NF-κB activation induced by LPS, which was associated with the abrogation of IκBα degradation and subsequent decreases in nuclear p65 levels. This study suggests that the anti-inflammatory activities of britanin might be attributed to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 and cytokine expression at least in part, through the attenuation of the phosphorylations of MAP kinases and NF-κB activation via IκBα degradation in macrophages. We conclude that britanin may have potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases through the down-regulation of MAP kinases and NF-κB mediated activation of macrophages.

Pharmacological properties of Datura stramonium L. as a potential medicinal tree: An overview

India has a great wealth of various naturally occurring plant drugs which have great potential pharmacological activities. Datura stramonium (D. stramonium) is one of the widely well known folklore medicinal herbs. The troublesome weed, D. stramonium is a plant with both poisonous and medicinal properties and has been proven to have great pharmacological potential with a great utility and usage in folklore medicine. D. stromonium has been scientifically proven to contain alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates and proteins. This plant has contributed various pharmacological actions in the scientific field of Indian systems of medicines like analgesic and antiasthmatic activities. The present paper presents an exclusive review work on the ethnomedical, phytochemical, pharmacological activities of this plant.

황화패장, 백화패장의 항천식 작용의 비교연구

Objective : In the present study, we investigated the pharmacological profile of the aqueous extract of <TEX>$Patrinia$</TEX> <TEX>$scabiosaefolia$</TEX> Fischer ex Link (EPS) and <TEX>$Patrinia$</TEX> <TEX>$villosa$</TEX> Jussieu (EPV) for its anti-asthmatic activities. The purpose of this study is to ascertain if EPS result in better anti-asthmatic activities and functional outcome as compared with EPV. Methods : In this study, BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) followed intratracheally, intraperitoneally, and by aerosol allergen challenges. We investigated the effect of EPS, EPV on the recruitment of pulmonary inflammatory cells, various immune cell phenotypes, Th1/Th2 cytokine gene expression and production and histamine production in serum. Results : In BALB/c mice, we found that EPV-treated groups had more effectively suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration of lung and BALF, B220+IgE+, CD11b+Gr-1+ cell population in lung and these occurred by suppressing the gene expression of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-4 cytokine production in BALF and serum. Conclusions : These results suggest that EPV may play an important role in the control of anti-asthmatic activities by down-regulation of Th2 cytokine (especially IL-4, IL-5). In general, EPV has shown a better anti-asthmatic activities compared to EPS.

In-vivo antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity of mesuol isolated from Mesua ferrea L. seed oil

Mesua ferrea L. (Nagkesar) is traditionally being used for antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic and antiallergic activities. It is an ingredient of ayurvedic formulations like Brahma Rasayana and Chyavanprash which are being used to improve immunity. The present study was performed to evaluate immunomodulatory activity of mesuol isolated from M. ferrea seed oil in experimental animals. In humoral immune response model, mesuol evoked a significant dose dependent increase in antibody titer values in cyclophosphamide (50mg/kg, i.p., 9th and 16th day) induced immunosuppression which was sensitized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) on the 7th and 14th day of experiment. In cellular immune response model, an increase in paw volume was recorded on the 23rd day in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rats treated with SRBC (0.03ml 2% v/v, s.c.) on the 21st day. Mesuol restored the hematological profile in cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression model. Mesuol potentiated percentage neutrophil adhesion in neutrophil adhesion test in rats and phagocytosis in carbon clearance assay. The study indicated immunomodulatory activity of mesuol.

In‐Vitro and In‐Vivo Studies of Antiasthmatic and Mast Cell Stabilizing Activity of Yemeni Sidr Honey

Yemeni Sidr honey has been reported to possess anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect. In this study the in‐vitro and in‐vivo antiasthmatic and mast cell stabilizing effect of Yemeni Sidr honey were investigated. The inhibition of contraction and hind paw oedema induced by inflammatory mediators such as; histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin (5HT), bradykinin, and leukotriene by Yemeni Sidr honey were examined using guinea pig ileum in organ bath and rat induced paw oedema. Mast cell stabilizing effect was tested, using 0.5 ml subcutaneous injection horse serum along with 0.5ml of triple antigen containing 20000 million microorganisms. Yemini Sidr Honey showed a significant concentration ‐ dependent inhibition of contraction and hind paw oedema induced by the inflammatory mediators and inhibited the degranulation of mast cells. This study revealed that Yemeni Sidr honey possesses significant dose‐dependent antiasthmatic activity and markedly protected the rats’ cells against antigen‐induced challenge of mast cells. This result is in agreement with the previous report and confirms the traditional use.

Evaluation of antiasthmatic activity of ethanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber L. leaves.

Aims:The aim of study was to evaluate the scientific basis for the traditional use of Elephantopus scaber leaves.Materials and Methods:In the present study, ethanol extract of Elephantopus scaber leaves was evaluated for preliminary phytochemical screening and antiasthmatic activity using histamine and acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm, mast cell degranulation and histamine induced constriction on isolated guinea pig tracheal chain at different dose levels. Student's t-Test and Dunett's test were used for statistical analysis.Results:The result of present investigation showed that the ethanolic extract of E. scaber significantly (P<0.001) decreased the bronchospasm induced by histamine, acetylcholine and protected mast cell degranulation as compared to control groups. It also decreased the histamine induce constriction on isolated guinea pig trachea in dose-dependent manner. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of steroids, saponin, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds in the extract.Conclusions:The present study concludes that the antiasthmatic activity of ethanolic extract of E. scaber leaves may be due to the presence of flavonoids or steroids. Antiasthmatic action of the E. scaber could be due to its antihistaminic, anticholinergic and mast-cell-stabilizing property.

Anti-Asthmatic and Anti-Allergic Activity of Lagenaria siceraria Mol. Standley

The present attempt was aimed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic activity of the aqueous extract of Lagenaria siceraria leaf (LSA) using various animal models like histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchoconstriction in Guinea pigs, compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation in rats and paw edema in mice. LSA exhibited significant and dose dependent bronchodilatory activity at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg intraperitonially (i.p.). LSA at the concentrations of 10, 20 and 30 I¼g/ml significantly inhibited compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation. The anti inflammatory activity was observed at the doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (i.p.) against compound 48/80 induced paw edema in rats. These results prove the traditional claim of the drug in treatment of asthmatic disorders.

Enaminones as Building Blocks in Heterocyclic Preparations: Synthesis of Novel Pyrazoles, Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazines, Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines Linked to Imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole System

The unreported 2-[E-3-(N,N-dimethylamino)acryloyl]-3-methyl-5,6diphenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole 3 was prepared via the reaction of 2-acetyl-3methyl-5,6-diphenylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole 2 with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (DMF-DMA). Enaminone 3 underwent regioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with nitrilimines 5a-f, to afford the corresponding pyrazoles 7a-f. The reaction of 7a,d,g with hydrazine hydrate, afforded the pyrazolo[3,4d]pyridazines 8a-c, respectively. Enaminone 3 also reacted with a hydrazines, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, 5-aminopyrazole 11, 6-aminothiouracil 15 and hippuric acid 22. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral data and elemental analyses. Enaminones are poly-dentate reagents that have been utilized extensively in this decade as building blocks in organic synthesis. Furthermore, many enaminones were found to exhibit several biological activities as antitumor, antibacterial and anticonvulsant agents. On the other hand, imidazoles possess important biological, pharmacological and therapeutic activities, where midazoles are present in compounds that have antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antithrombotic, fungicidal and herbicidal activities. Furthermore, some imidazo[2,1b]thiazoles were active against various cancer cell lines. Much interest has also been focused on the chemistry and anticonvulsant, analgesic, antibacterial and antisecretory activities displayed by HETEROCYCLES, Vol. 85, No. 9, 2012 2291

Evaluation of antiasthmatic activity of 7,8,9,10-tetrahydroazepino[2,1-b]quinazolin-12(6H)-one in combination with ambroxol in Guinea pigs

In the present study, the antiasthmatic activity of a 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro azepino[2,1-b]-quinazolin-12(6H)-one (TAZQ) and established mucolytic agent ambroxol, alone and in combination, in ovalbumin induced asthma in guinea pigs. TAZQ turned to be a potent bronchodilator when studied in in vitro tracheal strip preparation of sensitized guinea pigs against antigen induced contraction accompanied with notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity at both 10 and 20 mg/kg doses. Ambroxol at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg found to possess potent antioxidant activity but devoid of any effect when studied for in vitro bronchodilatory or antigen induced bronchial hyper-responsiveness. The title compound in low dose combination with ambroxol significantly inhibited ovalbumin-induced airway hyper-responsiveness. The combination of two notably reduced eosinophilic infiltrations into lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of sensitized animals signified the synergistic anti-inflammatory activity without any increase in bronchodilator activity of TAZQ. For relief in asthma attacks, presently studied bronchodilator mucolytic combination may be an effective treatment of choice that will take care of bronchoconstriction, bronchial inflammation, and restricted bronchial airflow due to mucus plugging into the bronchioles in acute and chronic asthma.

Anti-histaminic, mast cell stabilizing and bronchodilator effect of hydroalcoholic extract of polyherbal compound- Bharangyadi

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways associated with reversible airway obstruction and increased airway responsiveness to a variety of stimuli. An intuitive inference from this definition is that a causal relationship may exist between airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. It can be say that “airway inflammation equal to airway hyperresponsiveness”. Attachment of antigen antibody complex to the mast cell causes its disruption and release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.To evaluate the efficacy of anti-asthmatic property of a drug, evaluation of anti-histaminic, mast cell stabilizing and bronchodilator property can be use as pharmacodynamic parameter. Bharangyadi is a polyherbal compound having Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Sati (Hedychium spicatum) and Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa) as ingredient herbs The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of an indigenous polyherbal compound Bharangyadi through various in-vitro & in-vivo experimental models.The results demonstrate that drug has potent histamine antagonism property with significant mast cell stabilizing and spasmolytic activity in the experimental animals. Compound 48/80, a potent mast cell degranulator, provoked 76% degranulation of mast cells in the control group. Ethanolic extract of Bharangyadi at the doses 500 and 1000 μg/ml protected from compound 48/80-evoked degranulation (P < 0.01) in dose dependent manner.Pre-treatment with Bharangyadi extract showed 80% & 86% protection from histamine induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs with 27.8% and 36.1% increase in preconvoulsion time (equal to standard drug). Screening of Histamine antagonism activity on guinea pig ileum showed that drug reduces the smooth muscle contraction in dose dependent manner. Increasing concentration of Bharangyadi extract with maximum dose of histamine (1.6μg) showed maximum inhibition at the dose of 50mg (99.78%). Inhibition of smooth muscle contraction by addition of drug in organ bath before adding histamine showed that drug has preventive type antagonism.

Anti-asthmatic and Anti-allergic Effects of Thymoquinone on Experimentally-Induced Hypersensitivity

A B S T R A C T Nigella sativa L. has been used in folk medicine for treatment of many diseases. Thymoquinone (TQ), a main constituent of its oil and seeds, has shown promising medicinal properties in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. The present study aims to investigate the potential effect of TQ on airway-induced hypersensitivity. Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge in guinea pig tracheal muscle preparation were used in order to investigate the anti-asthmatic activity of TQ. To study the effect of TQ on acute lung injury, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - induced lung injury method was used. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were collected to investigate the release of histamine from these cells. Furthermore, to study the anti-allergic activity of TQ, the systemic anaphylactic shock technique induced by compound 48/80 was performed. Pretreatment with TQ (3 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 days prior to ovalbumin sensitization showed a marked decrease in the response of the tracheal spirals to acetylcholine and histamine, as spasmogens in a cumulative dose response–curve. TQ (8mg/kg, i.p.) prevented most of the pathological detrimental changes that occurred in response to the endotoxin LPS as the inflammatory cells infiltration, lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione depletion (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) and interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels in both boronchoalevolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue homogenates. Sensitization of rats induced a significant increase in the histamine release from RPMCs which is inhibited by pretreatment with TQ (8 mg/ kg, i.p.). Similarly, pretreatment of mice with TQ (50 and 100 mg/kg), 1hr prior to injection of compound 48/80 (8mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited the % of mortality of mice following the systemic anaphylactic reaction. Considering the anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-allergic activities of TQ reported in this study, one can conclude that TQ could be of therapeutic potentials in treating various diseases associated with airway-induced hypersensitivity.

Mast cell stabilising activity of various subfractions of leaves of Vitex Negundo

To evaluate anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activity of various subfractions of ethyl acetate fraction of leaves of Vitex negundo. Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of leaves of V. negundo was further subfractionated into NaOH fraction, acetone fraction, and chloroform fraction to separate chemical constituents present in EAF using thin layer chromatography technique and different solvent systems. The stabilisation potential of the various subfractions of EAF of leaves of V. negundo against mast cell degranulation was studied on isolated mesentery of rat by exposure to compound 48/80. Dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) was used as a reference standard. AF of EAF of leaves of V. negundo (500 μg/ml) showed significant protection of rat mesenteric mast cells from disruption caused by compound 48/80. This study concluded that AF of EAF of leaves of V. negundo shows mast cell stabilising activity. It may be useful as anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic agent. Key words: Asthma, compound 48/80, mast cell, Vitex negundo

Immunosuppressive Effects of Fisetin in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma through Inhibition of NF-κB Activity

Fisetin, a flavonoid compound commonly present in fruits and vegetables, can exert anti-inflammation activities via inhibition of the NF-κB-signaling pathway. This study aims to evaluate the antiasthma activity of fisetin and investigate its possible molecular mechanisms. We found that fisetin attenuated lung inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyperresponsiveness in ovalbumin-induced asthma and decreased eosinophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Fisetin treatment reduced expression of the key initiators of allergic airway inflammation (eotaxin-1 and TSLP), Th2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in lungs, and Th2-predominant transcription factor GATA-3 and cytokines in thoracic lymph node cells and splenocytes. Notably, fisetin treatment impaired NF-κB activation in OVA-stimulated lung tissues and TNF-α-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells. Collectively, this study demonstrated the beneficial effect of fisetin in the amelioration of asthmatic phenotypes. The antiasthma activity of fisetin is associated with reduction of Th2 responses as well as suppression of NF-κB and its downstream chemokines.

Antiasthmatic activity of Ricinus communis L. roots

Objective To evaluate the antiasthmatic activity of Ricinus communis ( R. communis) Linn (Euphorbiaceae) to validate its traditional use. Methods The antiasthmatic activity of ethanol extract of R. communis (ERCR) root was evaluated on milk induced leucocytosis and eosinophilia in mice, mast cell degranulations in mice and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats at (100-150 mg/kg). Results The ERCR significantly decreases milk induced leucocytosis and eosinophilia and protect degranulations of mast cells in mice. At the same dose ERCR inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Phytochemical study revealed the presence of steroids, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Conclusions The flavonoids and saponins are reported to possess mast cell stabilizing and antianaphylactic activity. Hence ERCR shows antiasthmatic activity may be due to presence of flavonoids and/or saponins.

Phytopharmacological evaluation and anti–asthmatic activity of Ficus religiosa leaves

Objective To discuss phytopharmacological potential and anti-asthmatic activity of Ficus religiosa ( F. religiosa) (L.). Methods Fresh leaves of F. religiosa were obtained from Vastrapur Lake, Ahmedabad, and dried to obtain powder. Histamine and acetylcholine were used to guinea pigs to establish bronchospasm model. In in vivo study, the aqueous extract of F. religiosa leaves (AEFR) at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg was administrated to guinea pigs, and the broncho-protective activity of AEFR was compared with aminophylline at 25 mg/kg. While in in vitro study, and 10 g/mL, 20 g/mL, 30 g/mL of AEFRL was administrated to guinea pigs, respectively, and mast cell stabilizing activity of AEFR was compared with ketotifen at 10 g/mL. Results In the in-vivo model, pre-treatment with aminophylline (25 mg/kg, ip.) could significantly delay the onset of histamine induced pre-convulsive dyspnea, compared with vehicle control. Administration of AEFRL (150 and 300 mg/kg, ip.) also produced significant effect on latency to develop histamine & acetylcholine induced pre-convulsive dyspnea. In the mast cell stabilizing model, AEFRL at 10, 20 and 30 μg/mL could significantly increase the number of intact cells. Conclusions It can be concluded that AEFRL is effective on histamine & acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs. In addition, AEFRL can potentiate the number of intact cells in the mast cell stabilizing model.