Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Boerhaavia diffusa alkaloidal fraction

The alkaloidal fraction of Boerhaavia diffusa was studied for its effect on cellular and humoral functions in mice. Oral administration of the fraction (25-100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited SRBC-induced delayed hypersensitivity reactions in mice. However, the inhibition was observed only during post-immunisation drug treatment, while no effect during pre-immunisation drug treatment was observed. A significant dose-related increase in antibody titre was observed during pre- and post-immunisation treatment. The alkaloidal fraction failed to show any blastogenic responsiveness of murine splenocytes to Concanvalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Similarly, it did not display any mitogenic activity. Thus, the present study has shown the in vivo immunostimulatory activity of B. diffusa alkaloidal fraction without an in vitro effect.

Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. wood oil

The volatile oil extracted by steam distillation of the wood of Cedrus deodara was examined for its oral anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. It produced significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and of both exudative-proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation in adjuvant arthritic rats at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. The oil at both tested doses was found to possess analgesic activity against acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate reaction in mice.

Mast cell stabilizing and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. wood oil

Volatile oil of C. deodara, administered orally at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, significantly inhibited the pedal edema induced by compound 48/80 in rats. The oil significantly inhibited compound 48/80 induced degranulation of isolated rat peritoneal mast cells at concentrations ranging from 25-200 micrograms/ml. C. deodara wood oil also significantly inhibited the enzyme lipoxygenase at a concentration of 200 micrograms/ml. Thus, the anti-inflammatory activity of C. deodara wood oil could be attributed to its mast cell stabilizing activity and the inhibition of leukotriene synthesis.

Antiallergic potential of furosemide

Recent reports have indicated the effectiveness of furosemide in inhibiting responses to inhaled allergen and in treating allergic conjunctivitis. In the present study furosemide was tested for its antiallergic potential using compound 48/80 induced paw edema and in vitro mast cell degranulation. Furosemide was found to significantly inhibit compound 48/80 paw edema and compound 48/80 induced histamine release. Furosemide was also found to inhibit histamine release during passive peritoneal anaphylaxis in rats. The results suggest that furosemide may be inhibiting the release of mediators of anaphylaxis from the mast cells.