Evaluation of the Anti-asthmatic and Expectorant potentials of Dregea volubilis

Abstract

Arial part of Dregea volubilis has been documented as an effective
medicinal plant for the management of asthma in traditional medicine.
The present study was designed to evaluate Anti-asthmatic and
expectorant activity of methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis.
Acute toxicity studies of methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis were
performed in accordance with OECD guidelines. The sensitized guinea
pigs were screened out and divided into control, extract and standard
treated groups. Anti-asthmatic activity of methanolic extract was
evaluated by using in vitro goat tracheal chain preparation model and in
vivo broncho-protective test method using aminophylline as a standard
drug. Expectorant activity was evaluated by phenol red secretion
experiments. Methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis was found to be safe
up to 2000 mg/kg, body weight. The extract showed presence of
carbohydrates, flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids and steroids.
Dose response studies of methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis were conducted at 100 µg/ml in vitro and
200, 400 mg/kg p.o. in vivo models. The treatment with methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis at
different dose level showed that significant anti-asthmatic activity. Methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis
also showed significant expectorant activity compared with the control in phenol red secretion
experiments. The results of the present study provide evidence that methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis
can be used as an anti-asthmatic and expectorant herbal medicine.