Evaluating Muco-suppressant, Anti-tussive and Safety Profile of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms (Araliaceae) in Asthma Management

Abstract

Polyscias fruticosa is been used in Ghanaian folkloric medicine for the management of asthma and its related complications. Aim: This study evaluated the muco-suppressant, anti-tussive, and safety profile of an ethanolic leaf extract of Polyscias fruticosa in its use as an anti-asthmatic. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana and the School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape-Coast, Cape-Coast, Ghana; between December, 2013 and May, 2014. Methodology: Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out on the extract. Ammonium chloride-induced tracheal mucus phenol red secretion in ICR mice and the suppression of citric acid-induced cough in Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs were determined after treatment of experimental animals with 100 mg/kg sodium cromoglycate, or 20 mg/kg dihydrocodeine respectively, as well as with 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg of the extract. A 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg dose of the extract was administered daily for 28 days to groups of guinea pigs to establish a safety profile in a sub-chronic toxicity study. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins and cyanogenetic glycosides, alkaloids, and sterols. The extract significantly inhibited (P ≤ .01 - 0.001) tracheal mucus phenol red secretion, and suppression of citric acid-induced cough. There were no significant changes in body weight, haematological profile, as well as liver and kidney functions in the sub-chronic toxicity study. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the ethanolic leaf extract of Polyscias fruticosa has mucosuppressant and anti-tussive properties, and is safe to use; hence a suitable adjunct/remedy for the management of asthma.