Anti-tussive activity of Ashtangavaleha prepared by two different methods against sulphur dioxide induced cough in mice

Abstract

Context: Control of cough remains a major unmet medical need. There is a need to have safe and effective anti-tussive drug that can alleviate chronic cough without developing side effects. Ashtangavaleha is an effective compound formulation for combating the disease asthma. Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate anti-tussive activity of two different samples of Ashtangavaleha prepared with classical (AC) and modified methods (AM) in sulfur dioxide (SO2)-induced cough in mice. Materials and Methods: Batches of both samples of Ashtangavaleha, namely AC and AM were prepared by following standard manufacturing procedures. Anti-tussive activity was carried out against SO2-induced cough reflex in mice. Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 30 ± 5 g were selected and divided into four groups of six animals each. Test drugs were administered orally at a dose of 2.6 mg/kg. Recodex (Codeine phosphate [2 mg/ml] and chlorpheniramine maleate [0.8 mg/ml]) was used as standard drug. Results: Both test drugs showed significant (P < 0.001) anti-tussive activity against SO2-induced cough reflex. AC significantly reduced the number of cough reflexes by 40.18%, whereas AM reduced it to 34.97%. Conclusion: Both the trial drugs have highly significant anti-tussive effect in SO2-induced cough reflex comparable to the standard drug. Thus, both drugs AC and AM can be safely administered to alleviate cough.

Keywords

• Antitussive
• Ashtangavaleha
• Avaleha
• Ayurveda
• cough