Phytopharmacological Evaluation of Fagonia cretica (L.) With Special Reference to Anti-Asthmatic Activity

Abstract

Fagonia cretica L. commonly known as “Dhamaso” (Zygophyllaceae) is a small spiny undershrub, mostly found in dry areas, calcareous rocks and desserts in India, tropical Africa, Chile and South West USA and the whole plant powder has been reported traditionally to be used as a cure of asthma. In Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, people take whole plant decoction (10-15ml) twice a day to cure asthma. It is reported to contain abundant amount of flavonoids. Pharmacognostical, physicochemical and pharmacological parameters for the whole plant powder were studied. Macroscopical and microscopical parameters of the plant powder were studied. The physicochemical parameters like total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive value, alcohol soluble extractive value were evaluated. The powder was extracted with water and methanol to yield aqueous extract (28%) and methanolic extract (14%). These extracts were subjected to determination of total flavonoid content. The methanolic extract contained the higher amount of the flavonoids compared to the aqueous extract. Both aqueous and methanolic extract of the plant powder were used for evaluating the anti asthmatic, anti allergic and anti inflammatory activity. Both the extracts showed the bronchodilatory effects on histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs in dose dependent manner with maximum protection at the dose of 300 mg/ kg for both the extracts. The inhibition of both the extracts against histamine induced contractions in isolated guinea pig ileum was also carried out. Methanolic extract showed more potent inhibition of contraction compared to aqueous extract and showed more effect than the standard Aminophylline showing potent inhibitory activity. At the dose of 200 mg/kg both the extracts almost inhibited the guinea pig ileum contraction.Both the extracts showed the anti allergic activity against mast cell degranulation in rat mesentery. The aqueous and methanolic extracts showed maximum protection at the doses of 30 μg/ml where methanolic extract showed percent protection even more than the standard Ketotifen showing potent mast cell stabilizing activity. The anti inflammatory effects of both the extracts were studied using inhibition against Carageenan induced paw edema in rats. The methanolic extract showed maximum inhibition at the dose of 200 mg/kg which was higher compared to the aqueous extract. However, the drugs did not show more potent activity than the standard Ketotifen. The powder of the plant Fagonia cretica was found rich in flavonoids which may be responsible for its anti asthmatic, anti allergic and anti inflammatory effects. Thus, it can be concluded that the bronchodilatory, anti allergic and anti inflammatory effects of the drug can be attributed to these constituents. From the above results, it can also be concluded that the drug possesses anti histaminic, anti muscarinic, anti inflammatory, mast cell stabilization effects. The traditional use of Fagonia cretica powder in the treatment of asthma has been explored scientifically.