Abstract:
The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate antiasthmatic activity of extract of
aerial parts of Tamarix gallica. Antiasthmatic activity of methanolic extract T. gallica
was evaluated in guinea pigs and rats. Bronchodilating activity of extract was evaluated
against 0.1% histamine aerosol induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Methanolic extract
of T.gallica in dose of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg were administered orally. Spasmolytic
activity of the extract was studied against contraction induced by histamine (100μg/ml).
The mast cell stabilizing activity of methanolic extract of T.gallica (1, 2 and 3mg/ml) and
anti-anaphylactic activity of methanolic extract of T.gallica (100, 200 and 300mg/kg)
were investigated against compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and egg
albumin induced anaphylaxis in rats, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity of
methanolic extract of T.gallica (100, 200 and 300mg/kg) was investigated against
carrageenan induced paw edema in rats. Treatment with methanolic extract of T.gallica
showed significant (**P<0.01) protection against histamine aerosol induced
bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Methanolic extract of T.gallica dose dependently protected
the mast cell degranulation induced by compound 48/80. Significant inhibition (*P<0.05,
**P<0.01) of egg albumin sensitized paw edema was observed and carrageenan induced
paw edema was observed by administration of methanolic extract of T.gallica as
compared to control. Histamine induced contraction of guinea pig ileum was significantly
inhibited (**P<0.01, ***P<0.001) by extract of T.gallica. All these results suggest that
methanolic extract of T.gallica has not only bronchodilating activity but also mast cell
stabilizing activity, antianaphylatic activity & anti-inflammatory activity, which could be
helpful in preventing asthmatic attacks.
