Evaluation of essential oils For anti-asthmatic activity by Using animal models

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The therapeutic management of asthma relies heavily on bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory inhalers, which, although effective, often require long-term use and can be associated with various side effects. Seeking alternatives to mitigate or potentially eliminate these side effects has led to exploration of alternative and complementary medicinal systems, including the use of medicinal plants in folklore therapy. While many plants have been traditionally used for treating various ailments, their diverse ethno-pharmacological applications lack conclusive scientific evidence for safe and rational use. Nevertheless, the phytochemical composition of plants continues to provide a rich source of novel chemical entities for drug discovery. Essential oils derived from plants have long been employed in traditional medicine for respiratory infections and are now being recognized in mainstream medicine for their therapeutic potential in conditions such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. These essential oils demonstrate antiinflammatory effects on the respiratory tract, offering promising avenues for both acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Objective: The present investigation aimed to evaluate the activity of the essential oil of Mentha arvensis L. Origanum vulgare L, Moringa oleifera, Zanthoxylum armatum, Zingiber officinale, Angelica glauca, Alpinia galangan, Curcuma domestica, Cinnamomum camphora and Cinnamomum aromaticum on exogenously induced bronchoconstriction in experimental animals.