Pharmacological evaluation of the ethanolic extract of alpinia calcarata rhizomes for anti-asthmatic activity

Zaman Muminuz; Madhavi Kumari M; Purna Nagasree Kurre

doi:10.37022/jpmhs.v8i4.152

Authors

Muminuz Zaman Department of Pharmacology, Avanthi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cherukupally (Vill), Chittivalasa (P.O.), Bhogapuram (M), Vizianagaram (Dist) – 531162, A.P.
M.Madhavi Kumari Department of Pharmacology, Avanthi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cherukupally (Vill), Chittivalasa (P.O.), Bhogapuram (M), Vizianagaram (Dist) – 531162, A.P.
Purna Nagasree Kurre Department of Pharmacology, Avanthi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cherukupally (Vill), Chittivalasa (P.O.), Bhogapuram (M), Vizianagaram (Dist) – 531162, A.P.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37022/jpmhs.v8i4.152

Keywords:

Alpinia calcarata, Anti-asthmatic activity, Histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, Milk-induced eosinophilia, Flavonoids, Phytochemical screening, Antioxidant

Abstract

The present study investigates the anti-asthmatic activity of the ethanolic extract of Alpinia calcarata rhizomes (EEAC) using histamine aerosol-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and milk-induced leukocytosis and eosinophilia in mice. The rhizomes were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using ethanol through Soxhlet extraction, yielding 17% w/w extract. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids, proteins, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides. Acute toxicity studies, conducted as per OECD guidelines 423, showed no mortality up to 2000 mg/kg, indicating the extract’s safety. In vivo studies demonstrated significant protection against histamine-induced bronchospasm, with maximum protection (62.62%) observed at 200 mg/kg, comparable to the standard drug chlorpheniramine maleate. The extract also significantly reduced milk-induced leukocytosis and eosinophilia, indicating anti-inflammatory potential. The anti-asthmatic effects may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and steroids, known for their bronchodilatory and antioxidant properties. The results validate the traditional use of Alpinia calcarata in asthma management and suggest further studies to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects.

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