Effect of Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans houtt.) in experimentally induced allergic asthma in male wistar Rats

Abstract

Several drugs are mentioned in Ayurveda for anti-asthmatic properties under the term shwasahara. Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) is a unique speice explained by acharyas for the treatment of various disorders including shwasa (Asthma), Kasa (Cough), Atisaara (Diarrhoea) etc. In present study, Jatiphala was tried for its effect on experimentally induced allergic asthma in male wistar rats. Jatiphala was collected & subjected to fine powder. Rats were grouped in three groups & sensitized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) & aluminium hydroxide & then challenged with OVA – PBS (phosphate buffer solution) aerosols. The blood parameters like TC, DC, AEC, Serum IgE & BALF cellular differential count was measured along with histological analysis of lung. Jatiphala group significantly reduced the eosinophil count in blood, IgE, AEC and number of inflammatory cells in BALF & lung tissues. Results revealed that Jatiphala may have an anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effect on allergic bronchial asthma