Anti-asthmatic effects of <I>Warburgia ugandensis</I> using balb/c mouse model for asthma

Abstract

Background: W. ugandensis is widely used by herbalist due to its therapeutic properties with observation studies suggesting it can manage asthma. This research sought to find out the anti-asthmatic effects of W ugandensis using BALB/c mouse model for asthma.
Methodology: Percent protection to developing airway resistance by measure of Pre-Convulsion Time (PCT), efficacy in reduction of inflammatory cells count and Nitric Oxide levels in BALF were assessed. Animals were induced with asthma and challenged with methacholine one hour after final OVA inhalation to determine baseline PCT. Intervention was done with (500mg/kg, 250mk/kg, negative control (NS), positive (budesonide) then challenged with methacholine 72 hours after final OVA inhalation, PCT taken was compared to the baseline PCT and percent protection calculated. Hemocytometer was used to determine total inflammatory cell count and four- part differential counts of 200 cells per slide performed for differential cell count. NO level was determined using Griess reagent protocol.
Results: PCT was not significantly different across all groups before intervention (p>0.05). Percent inhibition for 500mg/kg of W. ugandensis was 88.02±1.72b was not significantly different from positive control 82.03±1.29b. Negative control recorded highest total cell count (619.67±15.50a) most being eosinophils (494.33±12.01) and decreased significantly following interventions p<0.05. NO was highest in negative control (494.33±12.01a) and decreased significantly with interventions, positive control (0.082±0.003d), 250mg/kg (0.114±0.00c) and 500mg/kg (-0.013±0.003d) p<0.05.
Conclusion: Results attested that W. ugandensis stem bark extract has anti-asthmatic effects though there is need for further validation of anti-asthmatic potent molecules to augment the findings.