Antitussive effects of Curcuma aromatica extract in mice cough model.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antitussive activity of ethanolic extract of Curcuma aromatica rhizomes on sulfur dioxide induced cough in mice
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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G.D. Marina, T.R Prashith Kekuda, S.J Sudarshan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antitussive activity of ethanolic extract of Curcuma aromatica rhizomes on sulfur dioxide induced cough in mice
Year: 2008
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Curcuma aromatica, a perennial herb belonging to the Zingiberaceae family and found across India, has been traditionally utilized for its various therapeutic properties, including as a cough remedy. This study investigates the antitussive effects of ethanolic extract from the rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica, particularly in the context of cough induced by sulfur dioxide (SO�) in mice. Previous research has highlighted the pharmacological potential of its rhizomes due to their active components, and this investigation aims to provide experimental support for its efficacy in reducing cough frequency when compared to the widely used antitussive agent, codeine phosphate.
Antitussive Activity of Curcuma Aromatica
The study demonstrates that the ethanolic extract of Curcuma aromatica exhibits significant antitussive activity in a dose-dependent manner. At dosages of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg per kilogram of body weight, the extract achieved cough inhibition rates of 68%, 74%, and 79% respectively after 90 minutes of administration, marking a notable reduction of cough frequency compared to the control group. The results indicate that not only does the extract have a comparable effect to codeine phosphate, but it may also present fewer side effects commonly associated with synthetic cough suppressants, such as constipation and respiratory depression. This builds a compelling case for the traditional use of Curcuma aromatica in managing coughs.
Conclusion
The findings of this study substantiate the antitussive efficacy of Curcuma aromatica, both confirming its traditional application and suggesting its potential as a safe and effective alternative to standard cough suppressants. The extract demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on cough frequency in mice subjected to sulfur dioxide-induced cough, pointing toward its therapeutic viability. Given the ongoing need for safer cough relief options, particularly those with minimal side effects, Curcuma aromatica could be further explored and developed into herbal medicinal products for cough treatment.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Curcuma aromatica and its traditional uses?
Curcuma aromatica is a perennial herb found in India. Its rhizomes are used externally for bruises, sprains, skin infections, and internally for coughs, bronchitis, and to improve complexions, being recognized for their tonic and carminative properties in Ayurveda.
How was the extract of Curcuma aromatica prepared for the study?
The ethanolic extract was prepared by collecting and authenticating rhizomes, drying and powdering them, and then extracting with 70% ethanol using the Soxhlet method. The extract was then concentrated and dried under vacuum.
What was the method used to evaluate antitussive activity in mice?
A sulfur dioxide-induced cough model was employed. Mice were subjected to this irritant, and the frequency of coughs was recorded before and after administering either the extract or a standard antitussive agent, Codeine phosphate.
What were the results of the antitussive activity of the extract?
The ethanolic extract showed significant cough inhibition in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest dose (400 mg/kg) producing a 79% reduction in cough frequency 90 minutes after administration, demonstrating its potential effectiveness as a cough suppressant.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antitussive effects of Curcuma aromatica extract in mice cough model.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In pharmacological studies, 'activity' refers to the biological effect or response elicited by a substance when administered to a living organism. In this context, the antitussive activity of the ethanolic extract of Curcuma aromatica is evaluated, showing its effectiveness in reducing cough induced by sulfur dioxide in mice. This is crucial for determining the therapeutic potential of the extract.
2) Drug:
In the context of this study, 'drug' refers to a substance used for medical treatment. The ethanolic extract of Curcuma aromatica is being tested as a potential cough suppressant, compared to conventional antitussive agents such as codeine phosphate. Understanding its pharmacological properties is essential for developing new therapies for cough management.
3) Toxicity:
Toxicity denotes the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. Acute toxicity studies of the ethanolic extract indicated no harmful effects up to 4.0 g/kg body weight in mice, suggesting that this extract may provide therapeutic benefits with minimal risk of adverse effects, a vital element in drug development.
4) Water:
In experimental pharmacology, water is often used as a solvent for creating solutions, delivering drugs, or measuring gas pressure. In this study, water is involved in the apparatus for monitoring sulfur dioxide gas pressure, which triggers cough responses in mice and thus is integral to the experimental methodology.
5) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study of drugs, their actions, and effects on biological systems. This study investigates the pharmacological properties of Curcuma aromatica's extract, assessing its potential therapeutic applications and biological mechanisms against coughs, thereby contributing to the field of herbal medicine.
6) Ocimum sanctum:
Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as holy basil, is recognized for its medicinal properties. It is referenced in the study due to its assessment of antitussive activity. By comparing different herbal extracts, researchers explore their effectiveness, thereby fostering an understanding of traditional medicines within modern scientific frameworks.
7) Discussion:
The discussion section of a research article interprets the results and is key for placing experimental findings in context. This section evaluates the significance of the antitussive activity of Curcuma aromatica, addressing its traditional uses and the need for effective cough suppressants, thus linking the study's findings to broader implications.
8) Irritation:
Irritation refers to the stimulation of sensory nerves, often leading to a reflex action such as coughing. In this study, sulfur dioxide serves as an irritant that induces cough in mice, allowing researchers to gauge the effectiveness of Curcuma aromatica's extract as a cough suppressant, establishing its pharmacological relevance.
9) Depression:
Depression in this context refers to a potential side effect of some cough-suppressant drugs, particularly opiates like codeine. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives that do not produce such adverse effects, emphasizing the importance of floral extracts like Curcuma aromatica in drug development with fewer side effects.
10) Drowsiness:
Drowsiness is a common side effect associated with many pharmacological agents, particularly sedatives and certain cough suppressants. The study implies that Curcuma aromatica may provide an effective antitussive alternative that minimizes such side effects, aiming for enhanced patient safety and comfort in cough management.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation. This study exemplifies the application of scientific principles to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal extract, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary research methodologies to better understand and validate its medicinal uses.
12) Mahendra (Mahemdra, Maha-indra):
Mahendra refers to one of the authors of the cited reference that discusses Indian medicinal plants. This highlights the interconnectedness in the research community, emphasizing that the research on Curcuma aromatica is built upon a foundation of previous scholarly work that informs current investigations and traditional medicine practices.
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating from India that utilizes natural remedies and emphasizes the balance of bodily systems. The study's reference to Curcuma aromatica's traditional uses aligns with Ayurvedic practices, showcasing the relevance of exploring these remedies through modern scientific validation for their therapeutic potential.
14) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the field concerned with health and healing practices. This study focuses on the potential medicinal properties of Curcuma aromatica, aiming to offer insights into its efficacy as a contemporary treatment option, thereby merging traditional medicinal approaches with contemporary research paradigms.
15) Quality:
Quality in this context refers to the effectiveness and safety profile of herbal drugs. The study emphasizes quality control in evaluating Curcuma aromatica's anti-cough properties, which is vital for its acceptance into pharmacotherapy as a reliable and potent alternative to conventional medications.
16) Cancer:
Cancer reference in this study highlights the broader applications of Curcuma aromatica, as other studies have indicated its potential in inhibiting tumor growth. Understanding its pharmacological properties may lead to further inquiries into its role not only as an antitussive but also in oncology.
17) Blood:
Blood is essential to various physiological processes and is often a site of concern in traditional medicine for treating ailments. The mention of blood diseases in the context of Curcuma aromatica acknowledges the herb's wider medicinal applications, highlighting its relevance in Ayurvedic practices and potential therapeutic explorations.
18) Diet:
Diet refers to the kinds of food that promote health and vitality. The study implies that incorporating herbal elements like Curcuma aromatica into a balanced diet could bolster health, suggesting a holistic approach towards wellness where traditional herbal use combines dietary considerations for enhanced efficacy in treating ailments.
19) Worm:
The mention of worms relates to the traditional use of various Curcuma species in treating parasitic infections. The reference emphasizes the diverse historical applications of these plants, suggesting that their pharmacological qualities may come from an established understanding of their utility across multiple health issues, including gastrointestinal parasites.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Antitussive effects of Curcuma aromatica extract in mice cough model.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Statistical analysis, Control group, Acute Toxicity Studies, Ethanolic extract, Dose-dependant manner, Experimental evidence, Curcuma aromatica, Sulfur dioxide, Fresh rhizomes, Standard laboratory condition, Cough suppressant, Antitussive activity, Saponification.