Abstract
The effects of the alcoholic extract, the petroleum ether fraction, and the aqueous
fraction of the alcoholic extract of Tylophora asthmatica on weight of the adrenal gland and its functional activities (as evidenced by its
cholesterol and vitamin C content, plasma steroid, hydroxyproline content in skin)
and pituitary-adrenal axis were studied using normal, unilaterally adrenalectomised,
dexamethasone-treated (steroid suppression of ACTH), and stereotaxically hypophysectomised
male albino rats. The extracts showed similar actions (i.e. stimulation of adrenals
as indicated by increase in weight and decrease in cholesterol and vitamin C contents).
The plasma steroid level was increased but skin hydroxyproline level findings were
not conclusive. T. asthmatica was found to antagonise dexamethasone/hypophysectomy-induced suppression of pituitary
on activity of the adrenals. It may be concluded that T. asthmatica may act by a direct stimulation of the adrenal cortex.
Key words
Tylophora asthmatica
- anti-asthmatic activity - effects on adrenal gland - pituitary-adrenal axis - stimulation
of adrenal cortex
