EVALUATION OF ANTI-ASTHMATIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CYNODON DACTYLON LEAVES

Abstract

In the present study Cynodon dactylon leaves ethanolic extract and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were used to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity, using various experimental in vivo and in vitro animal models. Ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated for its anti-asthmatic activity by in vitro models (isolated guinea pig ileum preparation and isolated guinea pig tracheal chain preparation) in vivo models (Histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs and milk induced eosinophilia in mice model). Ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon and its ethyl acetate fraction at the concentration of 10 mg significantly antagonized the effect of histamine induced contraction on isolated guinea pig ileum preparation. Ethyl acetate fraction of Cynodon dactylon showed the maximum spasmolytic activity and significantly extended the latent period of convulsion as compared to standard (Ketotifen fumarate) upon histamine and acetylcholine exposure in a dose dependent manner. The study concluded that, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of Cynadon dactylon was shown significant anti-asthmatic activity.