Abstract
In the present investigation, we studied the effect of hydroethanolic extract of an Ayurvedic drug, Bharangyadi on various experimental models of bronchial asthma. The polyherbal compound Bharangyadi contains Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Sati (Hedychium spicatum) & Pushkarmula (Inula racemosa) as ingredient herbs. Significant (P < 0. 05) increase in preconvulsion time was observed on pre-treatment with Bharangyadi extract when the guinea pigs were exposed to histamine aerosol. This bronchodilating effect of Bharangyadi compound was comparable to Mepyramine malate. Alcoholic extract of Bharangyadi produced significant dose dependent protection by egg albumin induced anaphylaxis. Antimicrobial activity of the polyherbal compound was tested against various respiratory pathogens like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Our data suggest that antiasthmatic activity of Bharangyadi compound may be due to its bronchodilator, anti-allergic and antimicrobial activity. The study evidence that drug has potent bronchodilator and anti-anaphylactic properties.
