STUDY THE EFFICACY OF CUCURBITA MOSCHATA LINN. SEEDS EXTRACT (CMSE) AGAINST OVALBUMIN INDUCED ALLERGIC ASTHMA IN GUINEA PIGS

Abstract

Aim of the study: The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Cucurbita moschata Linn. Seeds extract (CMSE) against ovalbumin induced allergic asthma in guinea pigs.

Method: Extraction of seeds was carried out in methanol by maceration process. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemicals screening for the qualitative assessment of different phytoconstituents present in it. Further, the quantitative estimation of total flavonoid content in the extract was carried out by spectrophotometry. Pharmacological evaluation of the extract against the ovalbumin (OVA) induced asthma was carried out at two dose levels i.e. 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg. Dexamethasone was used as the standard drug (2.5mg/kg). Test and standard drugs (CMSE and dexamethasone) were administered before challenging the animals with aerosolized 0.5% OVA. Bronchoconstriction and lung functions in animals subjected to different treatments were measured. Leucocyte count in blood samples (taken from each animal) and Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (collected from lung) was done using an automated hematology analyser. Estimation of histamine in lungs was done by fluorometry.

Results and conclusion: Percent yield of the seed extract was 5.73%. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, fats and fixed oils. The total flavonoid content in the extract was found to be 0.102 gram equivalent of Catechin. Increased respiratory rate, leucocyte count and histamine was observed in disease controlled animals. Treatment with CMSE (at both dose levels) and dexamethasone showed increase in tidal volume and normalized the respiratory rate.Also, CMSE at low dose (500mg/kg) was found sufficient to control the severity of the asthmatic response. Leucocyte count and histamine in treated animals were decreased. Results indicate that CMSE possess beneficial effects against asthma.