Preliminary Phytochemical and Anti-asthmatic Studies on Stem Bark of Balanites roxburghii Planch.

Abstract

The present study deals with the phytochemical screening and effect of ethanolic extract of stem bark of Balanites roxburghii Planch. on experimental models of bronchial asthma. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds as chemical constituents. Significant increase in preconvulsion time was observed due to pretreatment with Balanites roxburghii when the guinea pigs were exposed to acetylcholine (Ach) and histamine. This bronchodilating effect of Balanites roxburghii was comparable to Ketotifen fumarate. Thus, present study revealed that the ethanolic extract of stem bark of Balanites roxburghii has significant antihistaminic (H1 receptor antagonist) activity. The Balanites roxburghii Planch. by virtue of the said action will prove to be very effective in the antihistaminic therapy of asthma.