title: Investigation of in vitro and in vivo anti-asthmatic properties of Siphonochilus aethiopicus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, characterized by increased sensitivity to bronchoconstriction associated with infiltration of immune cells, mucus hypersecretion and structural remodelling of the airways. In South Africa, the indigenous plant Siphonochilus aethiopicus, is used by traditional health practitioners to treat colds, wheezing of the chest, coughs, influenza, sinus problems and mild asthma. In this study we aimed to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of S. aethiopicus in vitro and its efficacy in a mouse model of allergic asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  The dried and powdered S. aethiopicus plant material was extracted separately with organic solvents (diethyl ether, ethanol) and water. Dried extracts as well as a purified furanoterpenoid compound present in the extracts were screened in vitro in a glucocorticoid and histamine H(1) receptor binding assay and a phosphodiesterase IV enzyme inhibition assay. Extracts were also evaluated for efficacy against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway disease in mice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Biological assaying of extracts of the plant and the isolated furanoterpenoid showed significant in vitro inhibition of glucocorticoid and histamine H(1) receptor binding and phosphodiesterase IV activity, supporting a possible anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and bronchodilatory effect. Administration of S. aethiopicus extracts to OVA-sensitized and challenged mice significantly reduced lung inflammation and the percentage of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid but did not influence airway hyperreactivity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides evidence that S. aethiopicus has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties in vitro and in vivo. These findings may support anecdotal accounts of its effectiveness against asthma, sinusitis, colds and flu.
authors.affiliation: Biosciences, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. gfouche@csir.co.za
authors.forename: Gerda
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fouche
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nieuwenhuizen
authors.forename: Vinesh
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Maharaj
authors.forename: Schalk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: van Rooyen
authors.forename: Nial
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Harding
authors.forename: Rudzani
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nthambeleni
authors.forename: Jaisubash
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jayakumar
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kirstein
authors.forename: Babele
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Emedi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meoni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020834:Ethnopharmacology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000276:immunology; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry; D013019:South Africa; D030521:Zingiberaceae / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010047:Ovalbumin