Malian Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Study of antiradical activity, phospholipase A and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of eight malian medicinal plants used by traditional healers to treat inflammatory diseases

Pro-inflammatory enzymes play a key role in inflammatory processes and are potential targets of anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the antiradical activity of the extracts and their ability to inhibit phospholipase A and 15-lipoxygenase activity. The hydroethanolic extract of revealed the strongest reducing power with an IC of 7.29 ± 0.61 µg/mL. The three most active extracts on PLA were hydroethanolic extracts of (IC of 21.43 ± 0.66 μg/mL), (IC of 23.72 ± 0.71 µg/mL), (IC of 24.49 ± 0.39 µg/mL). The best inhibitory activity on 15-lipoxigenase was obtained with aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of with IC of 18.35 ± 1.26; 18.47 ± 1.12 µg/mL respectively. The present study showed that extracts of leaves of and roots of have antioxidant activity and effectively inhibit sPLA, and 15-LOX pro-inflammatory enzymes

In vivo validation of anti-malarial activity of crude extracts of Terminalia macroptera, a Malian medicinal plant

BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum malaria is still one of the most deadly pathology worldwide. Efficient treatment is jeopardized by parasite resistance to artemisinin and its derivatives, and by poor access to treatment in endemic regions. Anti-malarial traditional remedies still offer new tracks for identifying promising antiplasmodial molecules, and a way to ensure that all people have access to care. The present study aims to validate the traditional use of Terminalia macroptera, a Malian plant used in traditional medicine.MethodsTerminalia macroptera was collected in Mali. Leaves (TML) and roots ethanolic extracts (TMR) were prepared and tested at 2000 mg/kg for in vivo acute toxicity in Albino Swiss mice. Antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was assessed against a chloroquine resistant strain P. falciparum (FcB1) in vitro. In vivo, anti-malarial efficacy was assessed by a 4-day suppressive test at 100 mg/kg in two malaria murine models of uncomplicated malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi infection) and cerebral malaria (Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA infection). Constituents of TMR were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Top ranked compounds were putatively identified using plant databases and in silico fragmentation pattern.ResultsLethal dose of TML and TMR were greater than 2000 mg/kg in Albino Swiss mice. According to the OECD’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification, both extracts are non-toxic orally. Antiplasmodial activity of T. macroptera extracts was confirmed in vitro against P. falciparum FcB1 strain with IC50 values of 1.2 and 1.6 µg/mL for TML and TMR, respectively. In vivo, oral administration of TML and TMR induced significant reduction of parasitaemia (37.2 and 46.4% respectively) in P. chabaudi chabaudi infected mice at the 7th day of infection compared to untreated mice. In the cerebral malaria experimental model, mice treated with TMR and TML presented respectively 50 and 66.7% survival rates at day 9 post-infection when all untreated mice died. Eleven major compounds were found in TMR. Among them, several molecules already known could be responsible for the antiplasmodial activity of the roots extract of T. macroptera.ConclusionsThis study confirms both safety and anti-malarial activity of T. macroptera, thus validating its traditional use.

Ethnopharmacology, Chemistry and Biological Properties of Four Malian Medicinal Plants.

The ethnopharmacology, chemistry and pharmacology of four Malian medicinal plants, Biophytum umbraculum, Burkea africana, Lannea velutina and Terminalia macroptera are reviewed. These plants are used by traditional healers against numerous ailments: malaria, gastrointestinal diseases, wounds, sexually transmitted diseases, insect bites and snake bites, etc. The scientific evidence for these uses is, however, limited. From the chemical and pharmacological evidence presented here, it seems possible that the use in traditional medicine of these plants may have a rational basis, although more clinical studies are needed.

Immunomodulating effects of Biophytum petersianum, a Malian medicinal plant

Immunomodulating effects of Biophytum petersianum, a Malian medicinal plant

Pectic Polysaccharides Isolated from Malian Medicinal Plants Protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae in a Mouse Pneumococcal Infection Model

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pectic polysaccharides BP-II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 isolated from the Malian medicinal plants Biophytum petersianum, Opilia celtidifolia and Cola cordifolia, respectively, were able to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice. The pectin preparations were administered intraperitoneally 3h before challenge with S.pneumoniae serotype 6B. Blood samples were obtained from all animals before and at 3h, 24h and 72h after challenge with the pneumococci. The number of bacteria in blood was recorded and the blood concentration of a range of cytokines measured. The pretreatment with BP-II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 demonstrated a protective activity against S.pneumoniae serotype 6B infection, albeit at different range of concentrations. The pectins showed no direct antibacterial effects towards S.pneumonia; however, they induced the production of a range of cytokines and chemokines. We have previously shown that BP-II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 exhibit complement fixation activity and also that BP-II and Oc50A1.I.A stimulate macrophages to produce NO. The observed clinical effect might therefore be linked to the ability of the pectic polysaccharides to stimulate the innate immune system.

Flavonoids from Biophytum petersianum, a Malian medicinal plant

6-[6-Deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl)-β-L-ribo-hexopyranos-3-ulos-1-yl]-apigenin (cassiaoccidentalin A) was isolated from the plant. This is a very rare flavonoid, having been reported once before in nature. A second flavonoid has been assigned the structure apigenin 6-(2-propenoic acid). This is a new natural product. Protocatechuic acid (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) was also isolated and identified. This is a fairly common compound in nature.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Three Malian Medicinal Plant Parts

This study evaluates the levels of total polyphenolic compounds in three Malian medicinal plants and determines their antioxidant potential. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of polyphenolics contained in plants extracts were carried out by RP-C18 RP–HPLC using UV detector. The antioxidant activity was determined by three tests. They are phosphomolybdenum, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic)] tests. The total phenolic and the total flavonoid contents varied from 200 to 7600 mg 100 g−1 dry weight (dw), expressed as gallic acid equivalents and from 680 to 12 300 mg 100 g−1 dw expressed as catechin equivalents, respectively. The total anthocyanin concentrations expressed as cyanin-3-glycoside equivalent varied from 1670 to 28 388 mg 100 g−1 dw. The antioxidant capacity was measured by determining concentration of a polyphenolic (in mg ml−1) required to quench the free radicals by 50% (IC50) and expressed as vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity. The IC50 values were ranked between 2.68 and 8.80 μg ml−1 of a solution of 50% (v/v) methanol in water. The uses of plants are rationalized on the basis of their antioxidant capacity.

Antitussive activity of polysaccharides isolated from the Malian medicinal plants

From the leaves of popular Malian medicinal plants Trichilia emetica (TE) and Opilia celtidifolia (OC), and fruits of Crossopteryx febrifuga (CF) water and water–ethanol soluble polysaccharide materials were isolated. The results of chemical analysis of the crude polysaccharides showed the dominance of the arabinogalactan (∼54%) and the rhamnogalacturonan (∼30%) in T. emetica leaves, the arabinogalactan (∼60%), the rhamnogalacturonan (∼14%) and the glucuronoxylan (∼14%) in O. celtidifolia leaves, and pectic type of polysaccharides (∼75%) with a lower content of the arabinogalactan (∼17%) in C. febrifuga fruits . The plant polysaccharides showed various biological effects on the citric acid-induced cough reflex and reactivity of airways smooth muscle in vivo conditions. T. emetica and O. celtidifolia polysaccharides possessed significant cough-suppressive effect on chemically induced cough. Furthermore, values of specific airways resistance pointed on bronchodilatory property of polysaccharides isolated from O. celtidifolia. However, the crude extract from C. febrifuga in the same dose as T. emetica and O. celtidifolia did not influence the experimentally induced cough as well as reactivity of airways smooth muscle despite of the fact that the water–ethanol extract is recommended for cough therapy in Mali in the form of syrup.

Pharmacological screening of Malian medicinal plants used against epilepsy and convulsions

Ethnopharmacological relevance Several medicinal plants are used in Mali to treat epilepsy and convulsions. So far, no studies have investigated the pharmacological effect of these plants. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antiepileptic potential of the ethanolic extracts of 11 Malian medicinal plants. Materials and methods The extracts were screened for antiepileptic properties in the mouse cortical wedge preparation and in the [ 3H]-flumazenil binding assay. Two of the plant extracts were investigated for anticonvulsive properties in the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling model in mice. Possible side effects on motor impairment were evaluated using the rota-rod test. Results Extracts of 10 of the 11 medicinal plants showed affinity to the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABA A receptor. Seven of the 11 extracts inhibited the spontaneous discharges (SEDs) in the mouse cortical wedge preparation, with the extracts of Flueggea virosa and Psorospermum senegalense being the most potent. However, when tested for in vivo anticonvulsive properties these two extracts failed to show any effect on PTZ-induced seizures in mice. Conclusions The pharmacological screening of the ethanolic extracts of 11 Malian medicinal plants in vitro lead to the identification of several extracts with potential anticonvulsant properties.

Pectic polysaccharides from Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch, and their activation of macrophages and dendritic cells

The Malian medicinal plant Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch (Oxalidaceae) is used as a treatment against various types of illnesses related to the immune system, such as joint pains, inflammations, fever, malaria, and wounds. A pectic polysaccharide obtained from a hot water extract of the aerial parts of B. petersianum has previously been reported to consist of arabinogalactans types I and II (AG-I and AG-II), probably linked to a rhamnogalacturonan backbone. We describe here further structural characteristics of the main polysaccharide fraction (BP1002) and fractions obtained by enzymatic degradations using endo-alpha-d-(1-->4)-polygalacturonase (BP1002-I to IV). The results indicate that in addition to previously reported structures, rhamnogalacturan type II and xylogalacturonan areas appear to be present in the pectic polymer isolated from the plant. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the presence of branched structures, as well as a polydisperse nature. We further tested whether the BP1002 main fraction or the enzymatically degraded products could induce immunomodulating activity through stimulation of subsets of leukocytes. We found that macrophages and dendritic cells were activated by BP1002 fractions, while there was little response of T cells, B cells, and NK cells. The enzymatic treatment of the BP1002 main fraction gave important information on the structure-activity relations. It seems that the presence of rhamnogalacturonan type I is important for the bioactivity, as the bioactivity decreases with the decreased amounts of rhamnose, galactose, and arabinose. The demonstration of bioactivity by the plant extracts might indicate the mechanisms behind the traditional medical use of the plant.

Cell protective antioxidants from the root bark of Lannea velutina A. Rich., a Malian medicinal plant

Antioxidants (radical scavengers and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors) in semipolar extracts of root bark from the Malian medicinal plant Lannea velutina have been investigated. A series of proanthocyanidins with degree of polymerization from 2 to more than 12 have been isolated, in addition to the monomeric substance, catechin. The major constituents have a degree of polymerization of ten or more. Most structures are proposed to be derived from a common biosynthetic route in which catechin is introduced as the terminal unit and epicatechin units are extenders. Catechin, dimeric, trimeric, decameric and dodecameric proanthocyanidins have been assayed as scavengers of the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl and as inhibitors of the peroxidizing enzyme 15-lipoxygenase. All of them were shown to be effective radical scavengers (50% radical scavenging at concentrations of 5-7 microgram/mL) and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors (50% inhibition at 10 - 18 microgram/mL). When epicatechin and trimeric proanthocyanidin were tested as antioxidants in cells, they gave a significant reduction in endogenously produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Key words: Lannea velutina, Anacardiaceae, medicinal plant, antioxidant, radical scavenging, 15-lipoxygenase, proanthocyanidins, electrospray mass spectrometry.

Polysaccharides with complement fixing and macrophage stimulation activity from Opilia celtidifolia, isolation and partial characterisation

Aim of the study The present study is aimed to determine the bioactivity and structure of polysaccharides present in the leaves from the Malian medicinal plant Opilia celtidifolia [Guill. & Perr. Endl. ex Walp (Opiliaceae)]. Materials and methods The polysaccharides from the leaves of Opilia celtidifolia were isolated from water extracts of the leaves using gelfiltration and anion exchange chromatography giving the fractions Oc50A 1 and Oc50A 2. Monosaccharide composition was determined by gas chromatography of the derived TMS-derivatives of the methyl-glycosides. Linkages were determined of the partly methylated, partly acetylated alditol acetates obtained after a process including reduction, methylation, hydrolysis, reduction and acetylation followed by GC-MS. Effects on the complement system and the macrophages were determined using specific methods aimed for studying those activities. Results The polysaccharide fractions isolated from the leaves of Opilia celtidifolia has high complement fixing activity and induce nitrite oxide release from macrophages in a dose dependent manner. The fractions had an ICH 50 of 0.5 and 0.9 μg/ml respectively in the complement fixing assay. They induced the release of 7.2 and 7.3 μM of nitrite oxide from macrophages respectively at a dose of 100 μg/ml. The monosaccharide composition in Oc50A 1 and Oc50A 2, analysed, showed the presence of arabinose (26.7 and 13.2%), galactose (31.5 and 28%) and galacturonic acid (5.3 and 7.8%) respectively. The Yariv test confirmed the presence of arabinogalactan type II in both fractions. Structural analyses did also show the presence of terminal and 1-4 linked galacturonic acid and terminal and 1-2 linked rhamnose. Endo-polygalacturonanase treatment was performed to isolate the heavily substituted parts of the polysaccharides. These parts contained the same monosaccharides in similar proportion, and showed stronger dose dependent complement fixing activity and also stimulated macrophages to release nitrite oxide. Conclusions The leaves of Opilia celtidifola contains polysaccharides of pectic type that have both complement fixing and macrophage stimulating activity.

An immunomodulating pectic polymer from Glinus oppositifolius

An immunomodulating pectic polymer, GOA1, obtained from the aerial parts of the Malian medicinal plant Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Aizoaceae) has previously been reported to consist of arabinogalactans type I and II, probably linked to a rhamnogalacturonan backbone. To further elucidate the structure of the polymer GOA1, enzymatic degradation studies and weak acid hydrolysis were performed. Five different glycosidases were used, endo-α- d-(1 → 4)-polygalacturonase, exo-α- l-arabinofuranosidase, endo-α- l-(1 → 5)-arabinanase, endo-β- d-(1 → 4)-galactanase and exo-β- d-galactosidase. It appears that GOA1 may contain a structural moiety consisting of a 1,3-linked galactopyranosyl (Gal p) main chain with 1,6-linked Gal p side chains attached to position 6 of the main chain. The 1,6-linked Gal p side chain may be branched in position 3 with arabinofuranosyl (Ara f) side chains. A 1,4-linked Gal p backbone which might carry side chains or glycosyl units attached to position 3 is also a structural element in the polymer. We further show that GOA1 induce proliferation of B cells and the secretion of IL-1β by macrophages, in addition to a marked increase of mRNA for IFN-γ in NK-cells. To elucidate structure–activity relations the native polymer and the digested fractions were tested for complement fixing activity and intestinal immune stimulating activity. The partial removal of Ara f residues after enzymatic degradations did not affect the bioactivities, while the acid hydrolysed fraction showed reduced complement fixing activity. A decrease in Ara f units, 1,3,6-linked Gal p units and a partial hydrolysed rhamnogalacturonan backbone, in addition to a reduction in molecular weight are factors that might have contributed to reduced bioactivity.

Characterization and partial purification of cystatins from Malian medicinal plants

Cysteine proteases (CPs) expressed by Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) participate in the hydrolysis of host hemoglobin [1]. Cystatins are proteinaceous CP inhibitors (CPIs) present in humans as well as in plants. Two Malian medicinal plants used against schistosomiasis, Securidaca longepedunculata Fres (root: SR and leaf: SL) and Stylosanthes erecta Beauv. (aerial part: SE), were investigated for presence of cystatins. Cystatins were purified by extraction of powdered plant material with Tris-HCl, followed by affinity chromatography, gel filtration (GF) and anion exchange chromatography (AEC). S. mansoni CPs activity and protease inhibitory assays were performed using fluorogenic substrates according to [2]. High papain inhibition observed in all crude extracts indicated presence of CPIs. The papain inhibitory activity in the three extracts eluted into one single peak each, after affinity chromatography. These fractions were resolved by GF into papain inhibitory activities consistent with the presence of cystatins. SmCP activities were also inhibited by these cystatins. The strongest papain and SmCPs inhibitory activities were observed in SR. After AEC, one papain inhibitory peak which weakly inhibited SmCP was obtained from SR. On SDS-PAGE (under reduction), this peak appeared as a single 88kDa- band. The purified cystatins were characterized with respect to their papain and SmCPs inhibitory activities and by Mr. Cystatins with strong papain and moderate SmCPs inhibitory activity are isolated from the extracts and could participate into the antischistosomal activity of the studied plants.

Characterization of cysteine proteases in Malian medicinal plants

Extracts form 10 different Malian medicinal plants with a traditional use against schistosomiasis were investigated for their possible content of proteolytic activity. The proteolytic activity was studied by measuring the hydrolysis of two synthetic peptide substrates Z–Ala–Ala–Asn–NHMec and Z–Phe–Arg–NHMec. Legumain- and papain-like activities were found in all tested crude extracts except those from Entada africana, with the papain-like activity being the strongest. Cissus quadrangularis, Securidaca longepedunculata and Stylosanthes erecta extracts showed high proteolytic activities towards both substrates. After gel filtration the proteolytic activity towards the substrate Z–Ala–Ala–Asn–NHMec in root extract of Securidaca longepedunculata appeared to have Mr of 30 and 97 kDa, while the activity in extracts from Cissus quadrangularis was at 39 kDa. Enzymatic activity cleaving the substrate Z–Phe–Arg–NHMec showed apparent Mr of 97 and 26 kDa in extracts from roots and leaves of Securidaca longepedunculata, while in Cissus quadrangularis extracts the activity eluted at 39 and 20 kDa, with the highest activity in the latter. All Z–Phe–Arg–NHMec activities were inhibited by E-64 but unaffected by PMSF. The legumain activity was unaffected by E-64 and PMSF. The SDS-PAGE analysis exhibited five distinct gelatinolytic bands for Cissus quadrangularis extracts (115, 59, 31, 22 and 20 kDa), while two bands (59 and 30 kDa) were detected in Securidaca longepedunculata extracts. The inhibition profile of the gelatinolytic bands and that of the hydrolysis of the synthetic substrates indicate the cysteine protease class of the proteolytic activities. Several cysteine protease activities with different molecular weights along with a strong variability of these activities between species as well as between plant parts from the same species were observed.

Bioactive pectic polysaccharides from Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC., a Malian medicinal plant, isolation and partial characterization

Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Aizoaceae) is a Malian medicinal plant used against various types of illnesses related to the immune response, like joint pains, inflammations, fever, malaria and wounds. Two pectin type polysaccharides, GOA1 and GOA2, being isolated from a 50 °C water extract from the aerial parts of Glinus oppositifolius were investigated for their activity towards the complement system and different leukocyte subsets because of the assumed effects on conditions related to the immune system. The polysaccharide polymer in GOA1 was shown to contain considerable amounts of the neutral sugars arabinose (26.4 mol%) and galactose (42.9 mol%), and methylation analysis indicated the presence of arabinogalactans type I (AG-I) and type II (AG-II). GOA2 was rich in galacturonic acid (68.3 mol%), along with rhamnose, arabinose and galactose. Structural studies indicated that rhamnose and galacturonic acid might constitute a rhamnogalacturonan backbone, often found in pectic substances, with side chains consisting of arabinose and galactose. Both GOA1 and GOA2 were shown to exhibit potent dose-dependent complement fixating activities, and induced chemotaxis of macrophages, T cells and NK cells.

A survey of toxic plants on the market in the district of Bamako, Mali: traditional knowledge compared with a literature search of modern pharmacology and toxicology

In Mali, the empirical knowledge on plant medicine is held by traditional practioners. Scientific studies have been carried on some plants and they have confirmed their local uses, but few data are available on the toxicity of Malian medicinal plants. In the present work, we record the toxic plants used as medicines in the Bamako district, Mali, with the aim to evaluate the knowledge of traditional healers and herbalists on the toxicity of the plant used. A survey was carried out on the market places in the Bamako district and 106 healers and herbalists were interviewed. A survey of the scientific literature was conducted to verify or sustain the claimed toxicological data. Nineteen plants are arranged according to their frequency of quotation based on the questionnaire. The information includes the botanical name, literature survey on the pharmacology of the plants, the healers’ knowledge on plant toxicity and its prevention by some of the healers.

The malian medicinal plant Trichiliaemetica; studies on polysaccharides with complement fixing ability

Trichilia emetica is a tree or bush that has many different traditional uses in Mali, amongst others the leaves have been used as a woundhealing remedy. As polysaccharides have been isolated from other plants that have a long tradition as woundhealing remedies, it was of interest to study the polysaccharides of T. emetica as well. The polysaccharides were extracted at 50 and 100 °C, and the polymeric material was separated into neutral and acidic polymers by anion exchange chromatography. The complement fixation ability of the different fractions was determined. The Acidic fraction 4 of the 100 °C extract was the most active, but most of the other fractions were also quite active. Structural studies showed that the most active fraction was a pectin of the rhamnogalacturonan type 1 with side chains of the arabinogalactan type II. Removal of terminal arabinofuranosides lead to a drop of the activity indicating that this structural unit may be involved in the bioactive site of the molecule.

Screening of Malian medicinal plants for antifungal, larvicidal, molluscicidal, antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.

A total of 78 different extracts from 20 medicinal plants belonging to 14 plant families from Mali were tested for their antifungal, larvicidal, molluscicidal, antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. Dichloromethane, methanol, water and ethanol extracts were used. TLC autobiography for antifungal activity was run with Cladosporium cucumerinum and Candida albicans. Extracts were also tested on the larvae of the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. Molluscicidal activities were established with the snails Biomphalaria glabrata, Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus. beta-Carotene and DPPH solutions sprayed on TLC plates were used for antioxidant and radical scavenging assays. Of the extracts investigated, 20% were antioxidant and radical scavengers, 19% fungicidal, 30% were larvicidal and 11% were molluscicidal. Three of the plant extracts, from Cussonia barteri (Araliaceae), Glinus oppositifolius (Aïzoaceae) and Lannea velutina (Anacardiaceae) gave positive responses in all four tests.

Effects of some Malian medicinal plants on the respiratory tract of guinea-pigs.

Crossopteryx febrifuga, Pteleopsis suberosa and Entada africana are used in Mali traditional medicine for fever and various respiratory diseases. We have investigated the effects of these three drugs in the form of a decoction on the respiratory tract using different experimental models. On citric acid-induced cough in guinea-pigs, the three drugs significantly decreased the number of coughs at the doses of 250 (P < 0.01), 500 (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) and 1000 (P < 0.01) mg kg(-1). The percent inhibition was respectively 62.86, 69.03 and 77.44% for C. febrifuga, 57.80, 53.90 and 61.40% for E. africana, and 37.13, 42.44 and 73.72% for P. suberosa. Codeine phosphate (10 mg kg(-1)) used as reference drug showed an inhibition of 76.32%. E. africana (1000 mg kg(-1)) reduced (65% inhibition) significantly (P < 0.05) bronchoconstriction induced by histamine (99.25% and 34.00% for control and extract, respectively). Furthermore, E. africana (1000 mg kg(-1)) provoked a bronchodilatation response when administered under basal conditions. On antigen-induced bronchospasm, C. febrifuga protected (54% inhibition) sensitized guinea-pigs with a pulmonary ventilation pressure (PVP) of 24.87% (control value < 55.00%). P. suberosa was inactive in both experimental models. The reference drug, disodium cromoglycate (10 mg kg(-1), i.v.) protected significantly (P < 0.05) with a PVP of 12.00% (78% of inhibition). This study confirmed the traditional use of these plants in the treatment of cough and other respiratory disorders.