Ibulubo M.T., Eze G.I., Ozolua R.I., Baxter-Grillo D., Uwaya D.O.
Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City-300001, Nigeria
Ibulubo, M.T., Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Eze, G.I., Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Ozolua, R.I., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City-300001, Nigeria; Baxter-Grillo, D., Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Uwaya, D.O., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City-300001, Nigeria
Background: Garcinia kola is popularly used in African traditional medicine for the relief of acute bronchoconstrictive episodes. Objective: In this study, we examined the anti-asthmatic and morphological effects of the ethanol extract of G. kola in animal model. Materials and Methods: Guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and then given doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days. Theophylline (10 mg/kg/day) was used as a standard. At the end of the exposure, the animals were exposed to 0.2% histamine aerosol in a chamber. Lymphocyte count, bronchial histology and morphometry were done. Results: Compared with non-sensitized controls, 200 mg/kg/day dose of the extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time taken for onset of preconvulsive dyspnea while the dose of 400 mg/kg/day significantly (P < 0.01) reduced bronchial wall thickness. Lymphocytes counts were not significantly affected but the bronchi of extract-treated animals were histologically clearer of lesions visible in the sensitized. Conclusion: These protective and ameliorative properties lend credence to the use of G. kola in ethnomedicine.
alcohol; Garcinia kola extract; histamine; theophylline; aerosol; animal experiment; animal model; article; bronchospasm; controlled study; drug activity; drug dose comparison; drug screening; dyspnea; guinea pig; histopathology; lymphocyte count; morphology; morphometrics; nonhuman; randomized controlled trial; statistical significance; traditional medicine; treatment outcome
