Bronchodilatory effects of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum and gypenosides III and VIII in anaesthetized guinea-pigs.
The bronchodilatory activity of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino leaves was investigated in anaesthetized guinea-pigs and compared with two of its isolated gypenosides (III and VIII). The results showed that the intravenous administration of the decoction of G. pentaphyllum (2.5, 5 or 10 mg kg(-1)) decreased bronchial resistance in basal conditions and significantly (P < 0.01) reduced (68% inhibition) the bronchoconstrictor action of histamine. Furthermore, the extract antagonized (80% inhibition) the bronchoconstrictor response induced by the antigen in sensitized guinea-pigs. Gypenosides III (0.7 mg kg(-1), i.v.) and VIII (0.3 mg kg(-1), i.v.) caused a similar protective effect in both experimental models used; however, the duration and the intensity of the action was less than that of the extract containing corresponding quantities of gypenosides III and VIII. This study confirmed the validity of the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Circosta
Clara
C
Pharmaco-Biological Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. circosta@pharma.unime.it
De Pasquale
Rita
R
Palumbo
Dora R
DR
Occhiuto
Francesco
F
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D029774:Gynostemma / Q000737:chemistry; D006632:Histamine; D008297:Male; D029592:Oleaceae / Q000276:immunology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects
D000941:Antigens; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; C474918:gypenoside; D006632:Histamine