Evaluation of the protective and ameliorative properties of Garcinia kola on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND

Garcinia kola is popularly used in African traditional medicine for the relief of acute bronchoconstrictive episodes.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we examined the anti-asthmatic and morphological effects of the ethanol extract of G. kola in animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and then given doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days. Theophylline (10 mg/kg/day) was used as a standard. At the end of the exposure, the animals were exposed to 0.2% histamine aerosol in a chamber. Lymphocyte count, bronchial histology and morphometry were done.

RESULTS

Compared with non-sensitized controls, 200 mg/kg/day dose of the extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time taken for onset of preconvulsive dyspnea while the dose of 400 mg/kg/day significantly (P < 0.01) reduced bronchial wall thickness. Lymphocytes counts were not significantly affected but the bronchi of extract-treated animals were histologically clearer of lesions visible in the sensitized.

CONCLUSION

These protective and ameliorative properties lend credence to the use of G. kola in ethnomedicine.