ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL VALIDATION OF TRADITIONAL CLAIMS OF BARLERIA PRIONITIS, LINN FOR ITS ANTI-ASTHMATIC POTENTIAL

Abstract

 Barleria prionitis, Linn (BP) is well known ethno medicinal plant have been known for various
traditional claims as well rich source of bioactive phytochemicals. It has been traditionallyused
for the treatment of variety of respiratory disorders such asthma. However, it has not been
scientifically evaluated for these pathological conditions evidences, this piece of research is an
attempt validate and corroborate the same.
BP whole plant was successively extracted with hexane, chloroform, acetone and ethanol. Obtained
extracts were screened for phytochemical profile, these extracts were standardized for the content of
TPC and TFS. Furthermore these extracts were assessed for antioxidant potential using DPPH and
ABTS assay. % histamine release was calculated as an indication of mast cell stabilization. Finally
extracts were screened for broncho-relaxation effect against histamine induced tracheal contraction
which was expressed as % broncho-relaxation.
Successively obtained extracts of whole plant of BP showed presence of prominent phytochemical
such as alkaloids, polyphenols, steroids and terpenoids. Standardization of extracts revealed highest
TFC and TPC in ethanol extract exhibiting 19.12 RE mg/g & 24.11 GAE mg/g as comparedto other
extracts. When successively obtained extracts subjected to DPPH and ABTS assay BP-ET extract
exhibited best radical scavenging effects with IC50 values of 36.39 &25.72 respectively.
Furthermore % histamine release in terms of mast cell stabilization exhibited by ethanol extract
was 10.96 at 50 mg/ml. Finally, among all extracts screened for broncho relaxant effect against
histamine induced contraction, BP-ET showed 94.12% relaxation at 0.6ml.
Overall finding of present work concludes that, successively obtained whole plant BP extract
revealed presence of prominent phytochemicals such as alkaloids, polyphenols, steroids and
terpenoids. These phytochemicals attributes for its overall anti-oxidant, mast cell stabilization and
broncho-relaxant effects.