TITLE:
Nutraceutical with Anti-Inflammatory Activity for the Management of Airway Remodeling in Bronchial Asthma: Kalanchoe integra Var. Crenata (Andr.) Cuf Leaf Extract
AUTHORS:
Asiedu-Gyekye Isaac Julius, Awortwe Charles, Nyamekye Effah Samuel, Antwi Daniel Ansong, Seidu Mahmood, Adjei Samuel, Banga N’guessan Benoit Kwame, Amoateng Patrick, Nkansah Edwin
KEYWORDS:
Kalanchoe Integra; Asthma; Bronchoconstriction; Goblet Cells; Perivascular Oedema
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.5 No.3,
March
13,
2014
ABSTRACT: Background: Kalanchoe integra is widely used in folklore medicine as an antiasthmatic
agent. Previous studies have shown the ameliorating effect of Kalanchoe integra leaf extract [KILE] on bronchial hyperesponsiveness and inflammation.
Further, the stabilizing effect of Kalanchoe sp on mast cell degranulation,
suggests that Kalanchoe species are suitable candidates for allergic
asthma therapy. This study is designed to investigate the anti-asthmatic
potential of KILE and monitor the accompanying histopathological and
immunobiochemical changes that occur in an animal model of bronchial asthma
using ovalbumin sensitized guinea pigs. Method: Thirty male guinea pigs were
divided into five groups of six animals each. Bronchial asthma was simulated in
guinea pigs using ovalbumin. Both low dose (300 mg/kg) and high dose extract
(900 mg/kg) were administered daily for 42 days. Prednisolone (2.5 mg/kg) was
the standard drug used. Results: Guinea pigs in all KILE treated groups maintained the integrity of their airway
structures: bronchial folds and walls, alveoli, alveolar ducts
and sacs. KILE and prednisolone caused a reduction in immune parameters (p 0.001), extent of bronchoconstriction, bronchial
wall thickness and goblet cell accumulation in the sensitized guinea
pigs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the anti-asthmatic potential of KILE during
prolonged administration by the oral route.