Antiasthmatic related properties of Abrus precatorius leaves on various models

Asthma is a multifaceted inflammatory disorder which results into narrowing of airway with broncho-constriction and spasm. As the complex pathophysilogy of asthma, various animal models are generally used to investigate the immunological and physiological pathogenesis of disease. Abrus precatorius Linn (Fabacease) is a climbing shrub. The leaves and roots are sweet in taste and traditionally used for the treatment of asthma, bronchititis, and inflammation. A. precatorius possesses different pharmacological activities. Hence the objective of this study was to evaluate antiasthmatic activity of ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves using various models.

In present study ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves was evaluated for antiasthmatic activity using carrageenan induced paw edema in rats [100-150 mg/kg], histamine induced bronchospasm in guinea pig [200-400 mg/kg] and histamine induced contraction of goat tracheal chain [2.5-25 μg/ml].

Result of study revealed that ethanol extract of A. precatorius significantly exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in rats, oral treatment of extract on guinea pig significantly increases histamine induced preconvulsive dysponea times and the ethanol extract of plant increases got tracheal chain precontracted with histamine.

Hence present study concludes that ethanol extract of A. precatorius possesses antiasthmatic activity.