Anti-Asthmatic Potential of Flacourtia indica Merr

The effects of ethanolic extract of leaves of Flacourtia indica (EEFI) on experimental models were evaluated for its antihistaminic activity. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, terpenoids and steroids. Significant increase in preconvulsion time was observed due to pretreatment with Flacourtia indica when the guinea pigs were exposed to histamine. This bronchodilating effect of Flacourtia indica was comparable to Ketotifen fumarate. Thus, the present study revealed EEFI has significant antihistaminic (H receptor 1 antagonist) activity. The Flacourtia indica by virtue of the said action will prove to be very effective in the antihistaminic therapy of asthma. Thus, the antiasthmatic effect produced by ethanolic extract of Flacourtia indica suggested that anti-asthmatic activity could be due to its bronchodilator and mast cell stabilizing property. The possible mechanism of action may be blockade of H and Ach receptors leading to inhibitory of 1