The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2014;3(5):337-342 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2014.3506

Research Article

Anti-inflammatory and safety assessment of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms (Araliaceae) leaf extract in ovalbumin-induced asthma

George Asumeng Koffuor¹ , Alex Boye¹ , Jones Ofori-Amoah² , Samuel Kyei³ , Samuel Abokyi³ , Raymond Appiah Nyarko¹ , Ruth Naalukyem Bangfu¹

George Asumeng Koffuor,Alex Boye,Jones Ofori-Amoah,Samuel Kyei,Samuel Abokyi,Raymond Appiah Nyarko,Ruth Naalukyem Bangfu

1. Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape-Coast, Ghana
2. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
3. Department of Optometry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract

Background: Polyscias fruticosa is a plant used in the traditional management of asthma in Ghana. Aim: This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory property of an ethanolic leaf extract of Polyscias fruticosa and safety for use in ovalbumin-induced asthma. Methodology: The total and differential white blood cell counts, C-reactive protein level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were determined for blood samples obtained from Duncan Hartley guinea-pigs following sensitization (150 µg OVA + 100 mg aluminium hydroxide, I.P), OVA aerosol challenge, and treatment with 2 ml/kg normal saline, 10mg/kg prednisolone and 100, 250 or 500 mg/kg of the extract. An acute and delayed toxicity study was also conducted. Results: White blood cells and its differentials were significantly elevated (P ? 0.05) after OVA-induced asthma. Treatments with the extracts and prednisolone significantly reduced (P?0.05) elevated white blood cells and its differentials. Elevated serum C-reactive protein (? 6.0 ± 0.00 mg/l) was reduced to within normal levels, and there was a significant decrease (P ? 0.01) in erythrocyte sedimentation rates in PFE and prednisolone-treated animals following OVA-induced asthma. PFE showed no significant toxic effect at lower doses (NOAEL: < 1000 mg/kg) Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of Polyscias fruticosa reduces white blood cell count and its differentials in blood, hence its anti-inflammatory effect; a useful property in the treatment of asthma.