Evaluation of Antiasthmatic Activity of Tamarix gallica

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.