Antiasthmatic effects of Picrorhiza kurroa: androsin prevents allergen- and PAF-induced bronchial obstruction in guinea pigs.

In the Ayurvedic medicine, Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. is used for the treatment of liver and lung diseases. Using different chemical and pharmacological methods, we could identify the phenol glycoside androsin as active compound preventing allergen and platelet-activating factor induced bronchial obstruction in guinea pigs in vivo (10 mg/kg p.o.; 1 h prior to the inhalation challenge). Histamine release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro was inhibited by other compounds yet to be identified.