Antiasthmatic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Sphaeranthus indicus

Sphaeranthus indicus auct. Non L. (Asteraceae) commonly known as Gorkhmundi. It is used for various ailments in Indian system of traditional medicines. Methanolic extract of aerial parts was evaluated for antiasthmatic activity. Histamine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs and egg albumin induced bronchospasm in guinea pig model were performed and various parameters were investigated like PCD time, serum bicarbonate level, differential leukocytes count and histopathological changes in lung. Biochemical estimation like glutathione (GSH) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total proteins were also checked. The result showed that it significantly increased preconvulsion dyspnoea (PCD) time, decreased differential leukocyte counts and serum bicarbonate level. It decreased the oxidative burden by reducing the MDA level and increasing the GSH level which was imbalanced in asthmatic condition, also shown significant action on total protein level. The drug also reduced the inflammation and dilated the bronchioles. All these data suggested that S. indicus is having promising antiasthmatic activity.