Effects of a Hydro-ethanolic Extract of Scoparia dulcis on Systemic Inflammation and Cachexia in an Allergic Asthma Model
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 10, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Chronic allergic lung diseases, such as allergic asthma, are often marked by increased systemic inflammatory responses and cachexia co-morbidities. Objectives: The study aimed at evaluating the systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-cachectic properties of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis (SDE) in an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model. Methodology: Allergic asthma was induced by challenging OVA-sensitized guinea-pigs intranasal with 1% ovalbumin. Levels of C-reactive proteins in animal serum, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and erythrocyte levels, as well as the total and differential blood cell counts were determined (as measures of systemic inflammation) for blood samples obtained from OVA-induced allergic animals treated with 2 ml/kg normal saline, 10 mg/kg salbutamol, 10 mg/kg prednisolone, and 50, 100 or 250 mg/kg of the plant extract. Changes in body weights for each treatment regime were also measured over the period. Results: SDE showed a dose-dependent reduction (p ≤ 0.001) in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the body weights of OVA-induced allergic animals, and improved significantly (p ≤ 0.001) levels of red blood cells after treatment. However, total and differential white blood cells were significantly elevated (p ≤ 0.05) after the OVA-induced asthma. Treatments with the plant extract and prednisolone significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) elevated white blood cells and its differentials, as well as elevated serum C-reactive proteins (> 12.0 but ≤ 24.0 ± 1.0 mg/l) to within normal levels in OVA-induced allergic guinea-pigs. Conclusion: The hydro-ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis has significant systemic anti-inflammatory properties, and ameliorative effect on pulmonary cachexia. This makes it a possible remedy for allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Authors and Affiliations
Jones Ofori-Amoah, George Asumeng Koffuor, Felix Amissah, George Owusu, Aaron Opoku Antwi, Verner Ndudiri Orish
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP328708
- DOI 10.9734/JAMPS/2016/29032
- Views 68
- Downloads 0
Prescribing Errors in Nigeria’s Healthcare System; Exploration towards Promoting Rational Prescribing for Improved Patient Care
Rational prescribing is vital to achieving rational drug use but limited studies exist on the prescription practices, causes, and types of prescription error in developing countries. Prescription error is one of the lead...
Pattern of Adverse Drug Reaction to Antiepileptic Drugs at a Tertiary Hospital in North-Central Nigeria: A Prospective Observational Study
Background: Epilepsy is a common neurologic condition affecting 0.5-1% of the popula¬tion. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major health problem to the individual as well as for the society. There is insufficient awar...
Compositions of Thunbergia grandiflora Leaf and Root Essential Oils
Fresh samples of leaves and roots of Thunbergia grandiflora were collected from forest- reserved area, Ibadan, Nigeria for extraction of their volatile oils. Hydro-distillation method was used in an all-glass Clevenger a...
A Comprehensive Review on Ethno-Medicine, Phytochemistry and Ethnopharmacology of Chrysophyllum albidum
Chrysophyllum albidum (Sapotaceae), commonly called white star apple is a very useful medicinal plant common in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. This review is an update assemblage on the traditional,...
Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women towards Management of Pregnancy-induced Hypertension in Southwest Nigeria
The study explores the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards the management of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). It was a descriptive study, sampling technique was purposive and data was collected using a...