Antiasthmatic Effects of <i>Galphimia glauca</i>, Gallic Acid, and Related Compounds Prevent Allergen- and Platelet-Activating Factor-Induced Bronchial Obstruction as well as Bronchial Hyperreactivity in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

A methanolic extract from Galphimia glauca (320 mg/kg, orally) inhibited acute bronchial reactions to allergen (ovalbumin, 10 mg/ml) and platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1 μg/ml) inhalation challenges, but not to histamine or acetylcholine in spontaneously breathing guinea pigs. Furthermore, the PAF-induced bronchial hyperreactivity was markedly reduced. Gallic acid and related compounds as well as the flavonoid, quercetin, were identified as active compounds. Gallic acid, methyl gallate and quercetin showed significant effects after a single oral dose of 45 mg/kg, tetragalloyl quinic acid after 5 mg/kg. Continuous treatment of the animals with one certain fraction (GG II, 3 days, 3 × 2 mg/kg) containing all active compounds reduced allergen- and PAF-induced bronchial reactions by more than 70%.

Anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin and isoquercitrin in experimental murine allergic asthma

“…Furthermore, fl avonoids suppress the production of Th2-type cytokines by activated human basophils [43]. Quercetin and isoquercitrin have been shown to inhibit the bronchial obstruction induced by different stimuli in models of allergic asthma [17,18]. However, the anti-infl ammatory activity of quercetin and isoquercitrin has never been studied in a murine model of asthma.…”

“…In addition, it has been demonstrated that quercetin and isoquercitrin, respectively, reduce PAF-induced and leukotriene-induced bronchoconstriction in a murine model of asthma [17,18]. Therefore, it is possible that quercetin and isoquercitrin inhibit PAF and leukotriene production in cells.…”

“…Quercetin induces signifi cant gene expression and production of Th-1-derived interferon (IFN)-g, as well as downregulating Th-2-derived IL-4 production by normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells [16]. In a guinea pig model of asthma, quercetin prevented allergen-induced and platelet-activating factor-induced bronchial obstruction, as well as bronchial hyperreactivity [17]. Isoquercitrin also demonstrated anti-asthmatic activity by inhibiting of carbachol-and leukotriene D4-induced contraction in guinea pig airways [18].…”

A comparison on the metabolic profiling of the Mexican anxiolytic and sedative plant Galphimia glauca four years later

“…Alcoholic extract of Galphimia glauca showed antiallergic activity in rodents due to tetragalloylquinic acid and other compounds (Neszmélyi et al, 1993). Methanolic extracts inhibit acute bronchial reactions to allergens and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in guinea pigs (Dorsch et al, 1992).…”

A Homoeopathic Proving of Galphimia glauca

“…Several studies have demonstrated that methanolic extracts obtained from this plant species possess an anxiolytic effect comparable to that of lorazepam [8][9][10][11]. Due to its anti-allergic effects, Galphimia glauca is also used to treat allergies [12,13]. The use of Galphimia glauca had already become established in homoeopathic practice before the first proving of the substance was conducted.…”