A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Azadirachta indica on Bronchial Smooth Muscles and Mast Cells

Objective: The present study was designed to assess the protective effect of Azadirachta indica on bronchial smooth muscles and mast cells. Methods: Azadirachta indica (200 mg/kg p.o.) leaf juice was administered to animals and its protective effect was determined on histamine aerosol induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs, comp 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation and active anaphylaxis in rats. Results: A significant protection against histamine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs was observed. There was 63% delay in onset of dyspnoea in A. indica treated animals against that of 16% in control animals. A. indica neither could prevent mast cell degranulation nor could protect against active anaphylaxis. Conclusion: The results of the present preliminary study reveal that A. indica has bronchoprotective role. Moreover, it also suggests that mechanisms other than that associated with mast cell degranulation or active anaphylaxis are possibly involved in bronchoprotective role of A.indica.