Abstract

EVALUATION OF HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF FICUS BENGALENSIS FOR THE ANTI-ASTHMATIC ACTIVITY USING VARIOUS ANIMAL MODELS

Abstract

Objective- To evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of Ficus bengalensis leaves. Materials & Methods- The hydroalcoholic (30% ethanolic) Ficus bengalensis leaf extract (HFBLE) was prepared. The antiasthmatic activity of HFBLE was evaluated using various experimental models like histamine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs, studies on isolated guinea pig ileum and goat tracheal strip preparation. Results- 500 mg / kg of FBHLE significantly (p<0.01) inhibited the contraction induced by the histamine on guinea pig ileum and broncoconstriction. FBHLE also showed significant (p<0.01) and very significant (p<0.0001) inhibition of invivo and invitro mast cell degranulation, respectively, at 500mg/kg. Over 50% inhibition of contraction was exhibited at the highest test dose of 200μg/ml of Ficus bengalensis hydroalcoholic leaf extract of (FBHLE) in guinea pig ileum and goat tracheal tissue. Conclusion- Anti-athmatic activity of Ficus bengalensis (FBHLE) can either be due to spasmolytic activity, bronchodilation properties, or because of inhibition of mast cell degranulation

Keywords: Ficus bengalensis, asthma, trachea, histamine, mast cells, rats, guinea pig, goat trachea.