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Research: AKAH and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 99
Abstract
AKAH and colleagues, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nsukka, Nigeria, peterakah@hotmail.com, have evaluated the anti-asthmatic properties of Asystasia gangetica leaf extracts.
Background
The leaf of Asystasia gangetica is used in Nigeria for the management of asthma. This study attempted to investigate the pharmacological properties of the plant.
Methodology
Extracts using various organic solvents were tested for their anti-asthmatic properties on isolated lung tissue.
Results
The extracts did not exhibit any contractile or relaxant properties in isolated tissue preparations. However they inhibited the contractions evoked by spasm-producing substances. They also showed anti-inflammatory activity. Acute toxicity tests established an i.p.LD(50) of over 2 grams per kg n mice.
Conclusion
The study supports the use of Asystasia gangetica leaf in Nigerian folk medicine for the management of asthma.
References
Akah PA, Ezika AC, Nwafor SV, Okoli CO, Enwerem NM. Evaluation of the anti-asthmatic property of Asystasia gangetica leaf extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 89 (1): 25-36, Nov 2003.
