Anti-asthmatic Activity Research Articles

A Drug Review on Cheppu Nerunjil Ennai-A Siddha Herbal Formulation in the Management of Sooli Kanam (Childhood Asthma) In Children

Siddha system is the oldest and well documented Indian traditional System of medicine. The term Siddha means achieving perfection. Siddhars were saints who achieved better results in medicine. Siddhars are human beings with super intellectual capacity. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Most children develop asthma in early age. Prevalence of asthma in children increases due to growing urbanization, modernization, overcrowding and changing lifestyles. Asthma is a non communicable disease characterized by recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptoms of Soolikanam nearly correlate with childhood asthma. Numerous medicines for Soolikanam (childhood asthma) are explained in Siddha text. Cheppu Nerunjil Ennai is one of the herbal formulations indicated for Soolikanam. Cheppu nerunjil ennai was mentioned in Balavagadam siddha text book. This trial drug Cheppu Nerunjil Ennai comprises of eight herbal ingredients like Indigofera linnaei, Desmodium triflorum, Euphorbia parviflora, Cassia tora, Vigna trilobata, Sesbania grandiflora, Allium cepa. The herbal ingredients of Cheppu Nerunjil Ennai possess anti asthmatic activity, anti spasmodic, anti allergic activity, anti oxidant and immunomodulatory activity. This review article reflects history, properties, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and several medicinal uses of the drug Cheppu Nerunjil Ennai on Soolikanam. This review further focuses to improve the research on Siddha herbal medicines.

A preliminary pharmacophylogenetic study of Solanaceae medicinal plants containing tropane alkaloids

The Solanaceae plants distributed in China belong to 105 species and 35 varietas of 24 genera. Some medicinal plants of Solanaceae are rich in tropane alkaloids(TAs), which have significant pharmacological activities. In this paper, the geographical distribution, chemical components, traditional therapeutic effect, pharmacological activities, and biosynthetic pathways of TAs in Solanaceous plants were summarized. Besides, the phylogeny of medicinal plants belonging to Solanaceae was visualized by network diagram. Fourteen genera of Solanaceae plants in China contain TAs and have medical records. TAs mainly exist in Datura, Anisodus, Atropa, Physochlaina, and Hyoscyamus. The TAs-containing species were mainly concentrated in Southwest China, and the content of TAs was closely related to plant distribution area and altitude. The Solanaceae plants containing TAs mainly have antispasmodic, analgesic, antiasthmatic, and antitussive effects. Modern pharmacological studies have proved the central sedative, pupil dilating, glandular secretion-inhibiting, and anti-asthma activities of TAs. These pharmacological activities provide a reasonable explanation for the traditional therapeutic efficacy of tropane drugs. In this paper, the geographical distribution, chemical components, traditional therapeutic effect, and modern pharmacological activities of TAs-containing species in Solanaceae were analyzed for the first time. Based on these data, the genetic relationship of TAs-containing Solanaceae species was preliminarily discussed, which provided a scientific basis for the basic research on TAs-containing solanaceous species and was of great significance for the development of natural medicinal plant resources containing TAs.

Phytochemical profiling of the bioactive principles of Alysicarpus glumaceus (Vahl) DC. aerial parts

Background and Aims: Alysicarpus glumaceus is a plant used in Africa, Asia and some parts of the Arabian Peninsula with folkloric claims of having anti-tussive, anti-asthmatic, anti-diarrheal, abortifacient, anti-psychotic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and stimulatory activities. The aim of this study was to determine the phytoconstituents present in the methanol extract (ME) of Alysicarpus glumaceus and its fractions. Methods: Standard qualitative phytochemical screening methods such as thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were employed for the profiling of the plant and identification of the phytoconstituents. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenes. GC-MS chromatogram showed a total of 57 peaks with 38 different compounds identified, out of which 15 of the compounds were fatty acids mainly 3-Quinolinecarboxylic acid, 6,8-difluoro-4-hydroxy-, ethyl ester; cis-Vaccenic acid; 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- Octasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11,13,13,15,15- hexadecamethyl-;1-methyl-4-phenyl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolidin-3-one; 2-Pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-; Hexadecanoic acid; Palmitoleic acid; 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid and 9,17-Octadecadienal. While FT-IR spectras indicated the presence of carbonyl, alcohol, carboxylic acid, and aliphatic functional groups. Additionally, ethyl acetate fraction showed the peak characteristics of the aromatic (=C-H)/olefinic (=C-H) functional group. Conclusion: The study showed that fatty acids were the major constituents of Alysicarpus glumaceus.

Antiasthma Activities of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves Extract on the Eosinophil Count and Mast Cells in BALB/c Mice

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract. This study aimed to prove Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves extract's effect on reducing the eosinophil count and mast cells in asthmatic mice. Twenty BALB/c mice that met the inclusion criteria were divided into four groups of standard control (K1), negative control (K2), dexamethasone (K3), and M. oleifera leaves extract (K4). On days 0 and 7, intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) was sensitized. On days 14, 16, and 18, mice were re-sensitized by inhalation using 1% OVA in sterile 0.9% NaCl. On days 18 to 25, K1 and K2 groups were given Na-CMC, the K3 group was given dexamethasone 1.3 µg/day, and the K4 group was given M. oleifera leaves extract 3.9 mg/day. On the 25th day, the mice were terminated to analyze the eosinophil count and stable bronchiolar mast cells. In conclusion, M. oleifera leaves extract was proven to decrease the eosinophil count with a p-value <0.05 and could stabilize bronchiolar mast cells with a p-value <0.05.

Anti-asthma and antitussive effects of a fermented extract of a mixture of Ramulus mori, Anthriscus sylvestris, and Salvia plebeian.

Respiratory immunity is getting more important recently due to outbreak of respiratory diseases and increasing the concentration of fine dust. The aim of this study was to investigate respiratory protection effect of a fermented extract of medicinal plants (FEMP) containing Ramulus mori, Salvia plebeia, and Anthriscus sylvestris. The expression levels of IL-8 and IL-17 in LPS/poly-L-arginine (PLA) and FEMP-cotreated A549 cells were lower than those in LPS/PLA only-treated cells. The levels of IgE, IL-17, and IL-4 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of FEMP-treated mice with ovalbumin/LPS-induced asthma were lower than the control levels. The lung inflammation score and the number of inflammatory cells in the BALF decreased by FEMP treatment. In the citric acid-induced coughing guinea pig, the FEMP treatment decreased the number of coughs. Therefore, FEMP shows anti-asthmatic and antitussive activities without hepatotoxicity and can be used as a compound aiming to improve respiratory health.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-021-00955-3.

A Critical Review on Ashvattha Leaves (Ficus Religiosa Linn.): An Ayurvedic Perspective and Current Practice

Ficus religiosa is large deciduous tree also known as the Bodhi vraksha, often planted near temples or religious places. In Indian subcontinent it is also said that this is the mythical 'World Tree' or the 'Tree of Life'. Through the ancient times it is widely being used to treatment of various diseases like constipation, dysentery, skin diseases, heart diseases, snakebite. But this knowledge still scattered and unelaborated. Various pharmacological studies have been done to explore the chemical constitution of different parts of Ashvattha. They found campestrol, stigmasterol, isofucosterol, α-amyrin, lupeol and different kind of Amino acids etc especially in leaf. various Ayurvedic texts describe about Ashvattha with their aspect. Ashvattha kept in Ayurvedic classics in different Ganas/ Mahakashyas /Vargas like Kaidav Nighantu kept in Ausadhi Varga Madanpal Nighantu-Vatadi Varga, Raj Nighantu- Amrutadi Varga etc. Numbers of Ayurvedic studies are available to explore different properties of Ashvattha. It has Guru, Ruksha, Seet, Kashya properties, Sita, Pitta-Kaphahara, Vranaropak property. It is also important constituent of various Ayurvedic preparations like Shankha Vati, Chandraprabha Vati, Kaminivindravan Rasa. Recent research also shows Hypoglycemic activity, Hypolipidemic activity, anti-microbial and anti-viral activities, wound healing activity, anti- oxidant, anti-convulsant activity, immunomodulatory activity, anti-ulcer activity, anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, anti-asthmatic activity, anti-acetylcholinestrase activity. These details are available in scattered way in different places. In this review article maximum possible information reviewed and collectively presented in concise form. This may be helps full to explore the holistic approach of the Ashvattha.

In-vitro and in-vivo Evaluation of Anti-asthmatic Activity of Eugenia jambolana bark

Objectives: The present study designed to evaluate the Antiasthmatic activity of aqueous extract of bark of Eugenia Jambolana (AEEJ) on in vitro and in vivo animal models. Materials and methods: Different in vitro and in vivo animal models was used to study the anti asthmatic activity as isolated goat tracheal chain preparation, Acetylcholine and Histamine induced bronconstriction in guinea pigs, effect of drug extract on histamine release from mast cell was checked by clonidine-induced mast cell degranulation, and milk-induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis. Results: In-vitro study on goat tracheal chain preparation revealed that aqueous extract of Eugenia jambolana (AEEJ)bark exerted antagonistic effect on the histamine induced contraction. (P<0.05) The guinea pigs when exposed to 0.2% histamine aerosol showed signs of progressive dyspnoea leading to convulsions. AEEJ significantly prolonged the latent period of convulsions (PCT) as compared to control following the exposure of histamine (0.2%) aerosol (P<0.01). The observation of present study indicates aqueous extract of Eugenia jambolana shows significant inhibition of milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis. Group of animals pretreated with aqueous Eugenia jambolana bark extract showed significant reduction in degranulation of mast cells when challenged with clonidine. The prevention of degranulation process by the aqueous Eugenia jambolana bark extract (P<0.01) indicates a possible stabilizing effect on the mast cells, indicating mast cell stabilizing activity. Conclusions: Thus, AEEJ showed antihistaminic, mast cell stabilizing and protective in guinea pigs against histamine induced PCD, reduced eosinophilia and leukocytosis and hence possesses potential role in the treatment of asthma.

Evaluation of effect of Calotropis gigantea root bark in some animal models of Wister albino rats

Background: Calotropis gigantea is a well-documented traditional medicinal plant useful for many disease conditions. The present study deals with the effect of alcoholic extract of roots bark of Calotropis gigantean in some animal models.Methods: Acute anti-inflammatory activity of root extract was assessed on carrageenin induced paw edema and chronic antiinflammatory activity on cotton pellet granuloma formation in rats and compared with standard diclofenac sodium. Antiasthmatic activity was assessed in histamine and actylcholine induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.Results: 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. root extract of CG showed significant anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator activity. Antiinflammatory activity was higher than Diclofenac Sodium 50mg/kg. The combination of low dose diclofenac sodium 25mg/kg potentiated the effect. Inhibitory effect on synthesis and release of various inflammatory mediators might contribute to both of these actions. Steroid like phytoconstituents might be responsible for these effects. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism behind these effects.Conclusions: In the present study Calotropis gigantea root bark exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in animal models.

In vitro Antidiabetic, Antioxidant and Antiglycation Activity of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Gomphrena globosa (Linn.)

G. globosa L. is an everlasting tropical annual plant reported to possess several biological activities for curing ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis and also known to possess anti tussive, anti-oxidant, anti-asthmatic and anti-cancer activities. The amino group of protein and carbonyl group of reducing sugar undergoes a non-enzymatic protein glycation reaction that leads to major complications in Diabetic patients. Several antiglycation agents of natural or synthetic origin are there to inhibit protein glycation reaction. But due to its toxicity, antiglycation agents of plant origin are gaining importance as an effective strategy to minimize diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiglycation activity of ethanolic leaf extract of G. globosa. The ethanolic leaf extract exerted its antidiabetic effect by inhibiting the activity of α-amylase (p<0.05) resulting in the delayed digestion of the dietary carbohydrates and lowering the amount of glucose liberated. The highest scavenging was observed at 500 μg concentrations and the percent inhibition was found to be 50.80% for DPPH assay and 57.24% (p<0.05) for hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay. 25mM of glucose concentration showed the highest uptake of glucose. The glucose adsorption capacities of G. globosa ethanolic leaf extract was directly proportional to the glucose concentration in the medium resulting in significantly higher glucose adsorption. The effect of antiglycation activity of G. globosa ethanolic leaf extract was found to be increasing with increase in time. The inhibition of ethanolic leaf extract was found to be maximum (27.66%) at 72 hr, followed by 23.7% at 48 hr and 13.7% at 24 hr for fructation with ROS modification/UV/guanosine. This result indicates that ethanolic leaf extract of G. globosa possess significant activity at desirable concentration.

Investigation of antinociceptive, antipyretic, antiasthmatic, and spasmolytic activities of Brazilian Cannabis sativa L. roots in rodents

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMany studies are performed with the aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae). However, roots remain poorly studied, despite citations in the scientific literature. The C. sativa roots are indicated for the treatment of pain, inflammation, fever, among other health problems.Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive, antipyretic, antiasthmatic, and spasmolytic activities of C. sativa roots in experimental models using mice and rats. Material and methodsThe chemical composition of the aqueous extract of C. sativa roots (AECsR) was evaluated by LC-MS. The antinociceptive activity was assessed in mice by the induction of writhing with acetic acid, paw licking with formalin, and reactivity in the hot plate test. Fever was induced by the administration of a suspension of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in young rats. The asthmatic activity was performed with ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice with cellular and histological analysis. Finally, the spasmolytic activity was performed using mice isolated trachea. For in vivo studies, the doses were 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg whereas for in vitro, the concentration of AECsR was 729 μg/mL. ResultsFrom the LC-MS data, we identified p-coumaroyltyramine, feruloyltyramine canabissativine in AECsR. The extract promoted a reduction of writhing in all tested doses (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg). Similarly, it reduced the pain in the formalin test at doses of 12.5 and 50 mg/kg (first phase) and 12.5 and 25 mg/kg (second phase). In the hot plate test, the doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg promoted antinociceptive effect at different times, and the lowest dose maintained its action in the analyzes performed at 60, 90, and 120 min after administration. The anti-inflammatory activity of AECsR was observed in the mouse model of asthma, reducing the total leukocyte count in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) at a dose of 25 mg/kg, as well as reducing eosinophilia in all tested doses (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Histological analysis of lungs stained with H&E and PAS showed a reduction in the number of inflammatory cells in the perivascular and peribronchial region, as well as reduced mucus production. ConclusionThe results suggest that AECsR promotes pain control, either by a central or inflammatory mechanism, and has antiasthmatic activity. However, there was no antipyretic or spasmolytic effect.

Current Perspectives on the Physiological Activities of Fermented Soybean-Derived Cheonggukjang.

Cheonggukjang (CGJ, fermented soybean paste), a traditional Korean fermented dish, has recently emerged as a functional food that improves blood circulation and intestinal regulation. Considering that excessive consumption of refined salt is associated with increased incidence of gastric cancer, high blood pressure, and stroke in Koreans, consuming CGJ may be desirable, as it can be made without salt, unlike other pastes. Soybeans in CGJ are fermented by Bacillus strains (B. subtilis or B. licheniformis), Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., and Enterococcus faecium, which weaken the activity of putrefactive bacteria in the intestines, act as antibacterial agents against pathogens, and facilitate the excretion of harmful substances. Studies on CGJ have either focused on improving product quality or evaluating the bioactive substances contained in CGJ. The fermentation process of CGJ results in the production of enzymes and various physiologically active substances that are not found in raw soybeans, including dietary fiber, phospholipids, isoflavones (e.g., genistein and daidzein), phenolic acids, saponins, trypsin inhibitors, and phytic acids. These components prevent atherosclerosis, oxidative stress-mediated heart disease and inflammation, obesity, diabetes, senile dementia, cancer (e.g., breast and lung), and osteoporosis. They have also been shown to have thrombolytic, blood pressure-lowering, lipid-lowering, antimutagenic, immunostimulatory, anti-allergic, antibacterial, anti-atopic dermatitis, anti-androgenetic alopecia, and anti-asthmatic activities, as well as skin improvement properties. In this review, we examined the physiological activities of CGJ and confirmed its potential as a functional food.

Tulsi - A Review Based Upon Its Ayurvedic and Modern Therapeutic Uses

Herbal plants are considered as the most significant source of medicines. These herbal plants are in practice from ancient times. Traditionally, all the parts of the plant are used for curing various diseases. One of the most important herbal plants is the Ocimum sanctum also called tulsi. This plant is considered a sacred plant in Indian culture and used for holy purposes as well. The name Tulsi comes from Sanskrit word which means "the incomparable one". Tulsi plant is not only used in ayurvedic medicines but also used in other medicinal systems in Greek, Roman and Unani. Apart from this, the Tulsi plant possesses different therapeutical properties due to the presence of several phytochemical constituents in its roots, stem, fruit, and leaves due to the presence of eugenol, vallinin, gallic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and many more. These phytochemicals are extracted from the plant and used to cure various types of diseases. Tulsi is reported to have properties like anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, anti-arthritic, analgesic, antistress, anti-asthmatic, antifertility, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activity. Keywords: Ocimum sanctum, phytochemicals, Eugenol, Tulsi, Ayurveda.

EVALUATION OF TOXICITY AND ANTIASTHMATIC POTENTIAL OF AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

The aim of this study was to explore acute and chronic toxicity as well as antiasthmatic potential of the ayurvedic formulation Nayopayam Kashayam on experimental animals. The present study was targeted for the study of its toxicity profile along with its antiasthmatic activity. The acute toxicity study was carried out using OECD 425 CPCSEA guideline in albino wistar rats. Oral acute toxicity study was performed at 2000mg/kg orally, which was considered as limit dose. The chronic toxicity study was carried out with administration of Nayopayam Kashayam at three therapeutic equivalent doses i.e. TED (45mg/kg, orally), TEDx5 (225 mg/kg, orally) and TEDx10 (450 mg/kg, orally) for 90 days. Further, antiasthmatic study was carried out using histamine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pig model. The results of acute toxicity studies showed that drug did not create any signs and symptoms of toxicity and no mortality was shown to an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg in rats. The results of chronic toxicity study showed that the drug even at level as high as dose of TEDx10 had no significant effect at all on hematological and body weight parameters, however mild to moderate unfavorable changes in kidney and liver were indicated. The experiential changes were not seen at the lower dose levels. The drug also showed a marked decrease in hiccups of asthma during antiasthmatic study. Hence, it is suggested that the Nayopayam Kashayam, prepared as per the traditional method, is secured/safe for utilization and treatment of asthma at the therapeutic dose level.

Cavidine protects against asthma in neonatal asthmatic mice model by attenuating PI3Ks/NF-κB signaling pathway

Purpose: To evaluate the protective effect of cavidine against asthma in neonatal mice.&#x0D; Methods: Neonatal mice were treated with cavidine at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, po, 2 h prior to asthma induction with ovalbumin (OVA) on the 1st and 14th days of the treatment protocol. The anti-asthma activity of cavidine was evaluated by determining the number of inflammatory cells and cytokine levels in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and OVA-specific IgE and TGF-β 1 in the serum of OVAsensitized mice. The levels of NF-ƙB and PI3K protein expression were determined in the lung tissues of OVA-sensitized mice.&#x0D; Results: Cavidine attenuated the number of inflammatory cells and cytokines in BALF of OVAsensitized mice. The levels of OVA-specific IgE and TGF-β 1 decreased significantly in cavidine-treated groups, when compared to asthmatic group of mice, while NF-ƙB was significantly downregulated (p &lt; 0.01). The altered expression of PI3K signaling protein was attenuated in the lung tissues of cavidinetreated mice sensitized with OVA.&#x0D; Conclusion: These results reveal that the anti-asthma effect of cavidine in OVA-induced asthmatic neonatal mice occurs via reduction of inflammation and immune responsive cells linked to PI3Ks/ NF-κB signaling pathway in lung tissues. These findings suggest that cavidine may be clinically suitable for the management of asthma.

REVIEW ON PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY OF AZIMA TETRACANTHA LAM PLANT (SALVADORACEAE)

Medicinal Plants have played a central role in the prevention and treatment of diseases since prehistoric times. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the study of medicinal plants and their extensive use in different countries. However, today it is essential to pay for the scientific proof as to whether it is rational to use a plant or its active principles. Hence the present communication constitutes a review with adequate information on the medicinal properties, ethno-medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of an Indian medicinal plant, Azima tetracantha Lam belonging to the family of Salvadoraceae. A wide range of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from A. tetracantha Lam which possesses activities like as stimulant, expectorant, anti-asthmatic activity, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-diarrhoeal, insecticidal, anti-microbial, antivenom activity, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, hypoglycemic and hyperlipidemic activities. Hence, extracts of Azima tetracantha could form one of the best options for developing novel natural medicine.

Pharmacological Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-asthmatic Effects of Modified Guomin Decoction Determined by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by Th2-predominant inflammation and airway remodeling. Modified Guo Min decoction (MGMD) has been an extensive practical strategy for allergic disorders in China. Although its potential anti-asthmatic activity has been reported, the exact mechanism of action of MGMD in asthma remains unexplored.MethodsNetwork pharmacology approach was employed to predict the active components, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of MGMD for asthma treatment, including drug-likeness evaluation, oral bioavailability prediction, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction and analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) terms, and Reactome pathway annotation. Molecular docking was carried out to investigate interactions between active compounds and potential targets.ResultsA total of 92 active compounds and 72 anti-asthma targets of MGMD were selected for analysis. The GO enrichment analysis results indicated that the anti-asthmatic targets of MGMD mainly participate in inflammatory and in airway remolding processes. The Reactome pathway analysis showed that MGMD prevents asthma mainly through regulation of the IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) biosynthesis. Molecular docking results suggest that each bioactive compounds (quercetin, wogonin, luteolin, naringenin, and kaempferol) is capable to bind with STAT3, PTGS2, JUN, VEGFA, EGFR, and ALOX5.ConclusionThis study revealed the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism by which MGMD treatment is effective against airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma through regulating IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and SPMs biosynthesis.

Triterpenoid compound betulin attenuates allergic airway inflammation by modulating antioxidants, inflammatory cytokines and tissue transglutaminase in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice model.

This study hypothesized that to analyse the anti-inflammatory effect of triterpenoid compound betulin in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. In this study, betulin was intraperitoneally administered in OVA-challenged and sensitized mice. The effect of betulin on inflammatory cells, lung function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antioxidants status, oxidative stress markers, serum IgE level and inflammatory cytokines status in BALF was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of tTG, TGF-β1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue was scrutinized by RT-qPCR analysis, and the expression of TREM-1, p-IκB-α and NF-κBp65 proteins in lung tissue was examined by western blot analysis. We found that the betulin treatment has effectively attenuated the proliferation of inflammatory cells, reduced the ROS generation, elevated the antioxidant enzymes and attenuated the level of oxidative markers in asthma induced mice. Moreover, reduced the level of serum IgE and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Betulin treatment down-regulated the expression of MMP-9, tTG and TGF-β1 genes; moreover, betulin treatment effectively down-regulated the TREM-1, p-IκB-α and NF-κBp65 proteins level in lung. Betulin exhibited effective anti-asthmatic activity by attenuating the accumulation of inflammatory cells, expression of tTG, TGF-β1 and MMP-9 genes in lung tissue.

HPTLC Fingerprinting and Anti-asthmatic Activity of Roots of Two Different Sources of Bharangi

HPTLC Fingerprinting and Anti-asthmatic Activity of Roots of Two Different Sources of Bharangi

In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Lepidium sativum (L.) seeds

Lepidium sativum seeds have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of liver dysfunction, jaundice, gastrointestinal disorders and spleen diseases. Furthermore, it was reported that these seeds have also an antioxidant, diuretic, antihypertensive, and anti-asthmatic activities. The present study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic ex-tract of L. sativum Linn. seeds (EELS) in vivo. The anti-inflammatory activity of EELS was tested in mice weighting (25±5) g. Either PBS vehicle (control group), ethanolic extract (50mg/kg) or diclofenac (50 mg/kg), were administered (p.o) for 60 min before an oedema was induced in the mice paw by subcutaneous injection of carrageenan. The mouse-paw volume was meas-ured from 1 h to 6 h after carrageenan injection. Plasma fibrinogen, serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined for each group. The EELS and the standard (diclofenac) reduced significantly (p &lt; 0.05) paw oedema by 40.44 ± 16.36 % and 9.39 ± 1.99%, respectively compared to the control after the sixth hour after injection of carrageenan. Biomarkers of inflammation (serum albumin, CRP and plasma fibrinogen) levels were significantly (p &lt;0.05) optimized in EELS group (assay) compared to the control. The obtained results revealed that the ethanolic extract of L. sativum Linn. seeds has a significant in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

Evaluation of Anti-Asthmatic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Argemone mexicana Stems

Evaluation of Anti-Asthmatic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Argemone mexicana Stems