title: Bronchodilatory effects of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum and gypenosides III and VIII in anaesthetized guinea-pigs.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaco-Biological Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. circosta@pharma.unime.it
authors.forename: Clara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Circosta
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Pasquale
authors.forename: Dora R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Palumbo
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Occhiuto
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; C474918:gypenoside; D006632:Histamine