Beneficial Effect of Achyranthes apsera Linn. In Toluene-Di-Isocyanate In- duced Occupational Asthma in Rats

In the present investigation, we have studied the bronchoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. in toluene diisocyanate (TDI) induced occupational asthma in wistar rats. Wistar rats were divided into four different groups of eight animals each. All animals except control group were sensitized by the intranasal application of 10% TDI to induce airway hypersensitivity. At the end of the study, after provocation with 5%TDI the symptoms were observed in all animals. The total and differential leucocytes were counted in blood and bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid. Liver homogenate was utilized for assessment of oxidative stress and lung histological examination was performed to investigate the inflammatory status in the airway. TDI sensitized rats exhibited asthmatic symptoms while A. aspera and dexamethasone treated rats did not show any airway abnormality. The neutrophils and eosinophils in blood were decreased significantly; the total cells and each different cell in particular eosinophils in BAL fluid were markedly decreased in treatment groups as compared to TDI sensitized rats. The antioxidant activity and histopathological observations also showed protective effect. From all above findings and observations, it can be concluded that A. aspera has beneficial role in occupational asthma.