Original Articles
B. Thendral Hepsibha
Abstract
Life style modification and increase in pollution h ave contributed to airway inflammation in asthma. M ast cells by degranulation releases histamine and play a key rol e in the pathogenesis of type I allergy and asthma. Leaves of Azima tetracantha is used in traditional medicine f or the treatment of cold and cough. Study aim was t o scientifically validate the potential of Azima tetr acantha leaf extracts to inhibit peritoneal mast ce ll degranulation induced by compound 48/80. The bioactive constituen ts in the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methan ol leaf extracts of Azima tetracantha were authenticated by HPTLC finger printing. The extracts with phenols, flavonoids and tannins as its phytoconstituents significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation in a dose depende nt manner. The petroleum ether extract at 250mg/Kg, 500 mg/Kg and 1000mg/Kg showed 23±1.62%, 43±3.09% and 49±2.54% o f intact mast cells while ethyl acetate extract showe d 32±2.04%, 49±2.89% and 66±3.47% respectively. Met hanol extract comparatively produced a better mast cell p rotecting effect by showing 40±2.76%, 52±2.65%and 7 1±3.76% at the dose range of 250mg/Kg, 500 mg/Kg and 1000mg /Kg. The mast cell stabilizing effect shown by the extracts of Azima tetracantha confirms its candidature as anti- allergic plant in treatment of asthma.