| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
|
| Year : 2012 | Volume
: 4
| Issue : 4 | Page : 203-207 |
|
|
Evaluation of the protective and ameliorative properties of Garcinia kola on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs
Mina T Ibulubo1, Gerald I Eze1, Raymond I Ozolua2, Doroteo Baxter-Grillo1, Dickson O Uwaya2
1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Raymond I Ozolua
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Benin City-300001
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.102262
|
|
|
Background: Garcinia kola is popularly used in African traditional medicine for the relief of acute bronchoconstrictive episodes. Objective: In this study, we examined the anti-asthmatic and morphological effects of the ethanol extract of G. kola in animal model. Materials and Methods: Guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and then given doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days. Theophylline (10 mg/kg/day) was used as a standard. At the end of the exposure, the animals were exposed to 0.2% histamine aerosol in a chamber. Lymphocyte count, bronchial histology and morphometry were done. Results: Compared with non-sensitized controls, 200 mg/kg/day dose of the extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time taken for onset of preconvulsive dyspnea while the dose of 400 mg/kg/day significantly (P < 0.01) reduced bronchial wall thickness. Lymphocytes counts were not significantly affected but the bronchi of extract-treated animals were histologically clearer of lesions visible in the sensitized. Conclusion: These protective and ameliorative properties lend credence to the use of G. kola in ethnomedicine. |
|
|
|
| [FULL TEXT] [PDF]* |
|
 |
|
