Pharmacological evaluation of antiasthmatic activity of methanolic extract of Cichorium intybus seeds

Abstract

Cichorium intybus (chicory) belongs to family Asteraceae, has been reported to exhibit diverse activities in biological systems including the respiratory system. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the anti-asthmatic possessions of methanolic extract of Cichorium intybus seeds (MECIS) by using various animal model on laboratory animals. Methanolic extract of the Cichorium intybus showed a significant bronchodilatory and anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic avtivity in histamine induced bronchospasm, clonidine induced catalepsy, passive paw anaphylaxis and OVA (ovalbumin) induced allergic asthma models respectively. Histopathological examination of lung tissue showed that methanolic extract of seeds of Cichorium intybus protected the lungs from severe changes caused by OVA. The number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and IL-4 level in serum was significantly decreased. Results obtained in the present investigation provided evidence that methanolic extract of seeds of Cichorium intybus showed antiasthmatic properties. The traditional use of seeds of Cichorium intybus against asthma could be attributed to the antiasthmatic activity.