Preliminary investigation of the aqueous leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum George Don (Sapotaceae) in laboratory-induced cough
Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences,College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Pmb 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
Research Article
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2021, 01(01), 006–017.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2021.1.1.0045
Publication history:
Received on 12 June 2021; revised on 15 July 2021; accepted on 17 July 2021
Abstract:
Cough is the most common symptom of respiratory diseases, however, in distressing and severe cases, opioids are effective, but their use has been challenged by side effects such as sedation, constipation; also, by some addictive liability, as well as the compromise of respiratory function. Therefore, there is a dire need for effective antitussives that will override the limitations of the opioids. Chrysophyllum albidum (Linn), family Sapotaceae, and also known as African star apple is primarily a forest tree species with its natural occurrences in diverse ecozones in Uganda, Nigeria and Niger Republic. Across Nigeria, it is known by several local names, for example, as ‘Agbalumo’ in Yoruba, and is generally regarded as a plant with diverse ethno-medicinal uses, including the treatment of cough and asthma. The present study was designed to evaluate possible antitussive activity of Chrysophyllum albidum.
Cough was induced in the animals using 25 % ammonium hydroxide- and acetic acid (concentrated), after which the mice were randomized into treatment groups as follows: (Group 1, normal control), 10 mg/kg dextromethorphan (Group 2), 5.7 mg/kg codeine (Group 3), 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, Chrysophyllum albidum (groups 4, 5 and 6). Cough induction was carried out in an enclosed dessicator for one minute and the number of coughs was, counted and recorded for five minutes. The animals were further exposed at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes.
The same procedure was repeated for acetic acid-induced cough. Chrysophyllum albidum showed significant antitussive activity (p<0.001) in both ammonium hydroxide and acetic acid-induced cough model.
The findings in this study validates the folkloric use of Chrysophyllum albidum in alleviating cough.
Keywords:
Chrysophyllum albidum; Cough; Mice; Leaf; Aqueous extract; Antitussiv
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