Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Natural Products

Biography

Biography: Rifat Roshan

Abstract

Natural products have been used by human beings for treating different pathological conditions since the time immemorial. Numerous plants have been reported to have antitussive  activity.  The aim of our present study was to evaluate the  antitussive effect of ethanolic extract of Fragaria nubicola (Hoof. f) L (Rosaceae) the doses of 100, 200 and  400 mg/kg in healthy albino rats. As we know that cough is a symptom and also a defensive reflex  of removing the noxious, irritating substances and pathogens from larynx, trachea and bronchi . Cough is usually consider as the disease, related to lungs. Fragaria nubicola is commonly known as wild strawberry, found in wooded valleys at a height of  1500-3600m. Whole herb, fruits and leaves of Fragaria nubicola are used traditionally to treat different ailments. Dried roots, leaves and  fresh fruits are useful in treating fever, cough and cold. Based on traditional use as antitussive agent the purpose of our study was to perform the antitussive effect on rats. In this study  cough was induced by sulphur dioxide induction method. Animals were divided into eight groups of ten animals each and all the drugs were administered orally. Group I served as control group while group II served as standard. A dose-dependent inhibition of cough was observed for all extracts . At doses  of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg  the extract was  proved highly significant  compared to standard . So it proves and supports  traditional use of plant  for relieving cough.