Abstract

ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LUFFA CYLINDRICA AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THEOPHYLLINE

V. Ragul*, Charles K., Harikumaran K., Kumaran S., Puvin A., M. Gunal

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic allergic inflammatory condition of the lungs that is clinically defined by bronchial obstruction caused by hyperresponsive bronchial wall inflammation and bronchial smooth muscle contraction. Conventional anti-asthmatic medicines are frequently linked with side effects, poor patient compliance, and noncompliance with complex treatment regimens. As a result, there is an unmet medical need for complementary and alternative medicines to reduce these adverse effects and improve clinical results. Ayurveda has traditionally suggested a variety of indigenous plant-based treatments for bronchial asthma and allergies. Luffa cylindrica Linn is traditionally used to treat bronchitis, bronchial asthma, skin problems, rheumatoid arthritis, and fever. The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa cylindrica leaves (HAELC) using various experimental models, such as histamine-induced contraction of goat tracheal chain, clonidine-induced catalepsy, milk- induced eosinophilia, passive paw anaphylaxis, and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation. To determine its pharmacological potential, the ethanolic extract of Luffa cylindrica (ridge gourd) was compared to the standard bronchodilator theophylline. Phytochemical research revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phenols. Colorimetric assays were used to quantitatively estimate total phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid content. Pretreatment with HAELC (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy, decreased milk-induced eosinophilia, suppressed passive paw anaphylaxis, and decreased eosinophil and macrophage counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in OVA-induced airway inflammation models. Histopathological study also demonstrated that HAELC therapy significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissue. These findings demonstrate HAELC's strong anti-asthma potential, which can be related to its anti-allergic, bronchodilating, antihistaminic, adaptogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the results corroborate Luffa cylindrica's traditional use and show its potential as a natural and effective alternative or supplement to conventional theophylline-based asthma therapy.

Keywords: Luffa cylindrical, Ethanolic extract, Phytochemicals, Bronchodilator, Anti- inflammatory activity, Theophylline.