ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LUFFA CYLINDRICA AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THEOPHYLLINE

Asthma is a chronic allergic inflammatory condition of the lungs that is clinically defined by bronchial obstruction caused by hyperresponsive bronchial wall inflammation and bronchial smooth muscle contraction. Conventional anti-asthmatic medicines are frequently linked with side effects, poor patient compliance, and noncompliance with complex treatment regimens. As a result, there is an unmet medical need for complementary and alternative medicines to reduce these adverse effects and improve clinical results. Ayurveda has traditionally suggested a variety of indigenous plant-based treatments for bronchial asthma and allergies. Luffa cylindrica Linn is traditionally used to treat bronchitis, bronchial asthma, skin problems, rheumatoid arthritis, and fever. The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Luffa cylindrica leaves (HAELC) using various experimental models, such as histamine-induced contraction of goat tracheal chain, clonidine-induced catalepsy, milk- induced eosinophilia, passive paw anaphylaxis, and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation. To determine its pharmacological potential, the ethanolic extract of Luffa cylindrica (ridge gourd) was compared to the standard bronchodilator theophylline.