Review On Anti-Asthmatic Activity Of Ficus Religiosa Leaves

Ficus religiosa L, commonly known as the Peepal tree, is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Moraceae. It is widely used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda for the treatment of respiratory disorders including asthma, cough, bronchitis, and other inflammatory diseases. The leaves of Ficus religiosa contain several bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds, sterols, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, arginine, and alpha-amyrin which are responsible for various pharmacological activities.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by bronchial hyper-responsiveness, reversible airway obstruction, excessive mucus secretion, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty in breathing. Medicinal plants possessing bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and expectorant activities are considered beneficial in asthma management. Extracts of Ficus religiosa leaves have shown promising anti-asthmatic activity through relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles, reduction of airway inflammation, and protection against oxidative stress.

Traditionally, fresh leaf juice mixed with honey is used to relieve cough and breathlessness. Decoctions prepared from the leaves are also used in chronic respiratory conditions. Scientific studies on animal models have demonstrated that ethanolic extracts of Ficus religiosa leaves exhibit bronchodilator and anti-asthmatic effects by reducing histamine-induced bronchospasm and improving respiratory function.

Although several studies support its medicinal potential, extensive clinical studies in humans are still limited. Therefore, Ficus religiosa may serve as a supportive therapy along with conventional anti-asthmatic treatment. Further research is required to establish its safety, efficacy, and clinical application.

ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the respiratory airways characterized by reversible airway obstruction, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, inflammation, and increased mucus production. Narrowing of the airways makes breathing difficult and leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

TYPES OF ASTHMA

1. Allergic Asthma

• Most common type of asthma
• Triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, and animal dander
• Associated with IgE-mediated immune response
• Symptoms occur after allergen exposure

2. Non-Allergic Asthma

• Not associated with allergens
• Triggered by stress, infections, smoke, pollution, and cold air
• Common in adults
• More difficult to control

3. Exercise-Induced Asthma

• Occurs during or after physical activity
• Caused due to heat and moisture loss from airways
• Common in athletes

4. Occupational Asthma

• Caused by workplace exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes, and gases
• Symptoms improve away from workplace

5. Nocturnal Asthma

• Symptoms worsen at night
• Causes sleep disturbance
• Indicates poor asthma control

6. Drug-Induced Asthma

• Triggered by drugs such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and beta-blockers
• Causes bronchospasm in sensitive patients

7. Cough Variant Asthma

• Main symptom is chronic dry cough
• Wheezing may be absent
• Often misdiagnosed

CLASSIFICATION OF ANTI-ASTHMATIC DRUGS

1. Bronchodilators

These drugs relax bronchial smooth muscles and provide quick relief.

β2-Adrenergic Agonists

• Short-acting: Salbutamol, Terbutaline
• Long-acting: Salmeterol, Formoterol

Anticholinergics

• Ipratropium bromide
• Tiotropium

Methylxanthines

• Theophylline
• Aminophylline

2. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

These drugs reduce airway inflammation.

Corticosteroids

• Inhaled: Beclomethasone, Budesonide
• Oral: Prednisolone

Mast Cell Stabilizers

• Cromolyn sodium
• Nedocromil

3. Leukotriene Modifiers

• Montelukast
• Zafirlukast
• Zileuton

4. Monoclonal Antibodies

• Omalizumab
• Mepolizumab

Fig no 1 : Asthma Attack

Fig no 2 : Mechanism Of Asthma

Fig no 3 : Ficus religiosa L.

Materials Used

METHOD :

1. 1. COLLECTION OF PLANT : Fresh leaves of Ficus religiosa were collected from the local market and authenticated.
   2. PREPARATION OF HERBAL POWDER : Fresh leaves were washed and dried under shade or sunlight. The dried leaves were powdered using a grinding mixer and stored in airtight containers.

• 3. PREPARATION OF PLANT EXTRACT
• Fresh leaves were collected and shade dried
• Dried leaves were powdered coarsely
• About 30 g powder was defatted using ethanol by maceration process
• Extract was filtered using vacuum filtration
• Collected extract was stored for further use
  4. PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING

1. Test for Alkaloids

• Mayer’s Test : 1 ml filtrate of peepal leaf extract was treated with Mayer’s reagent. Formation of white or creamy precipitate confirmed the presence of alkaloids.
• Dragendorff’s Test : 1 ml filtrate of peepal leaf extract was treated with Dragendorff’s reagent. Formation of reddish-brown precipitate confirmed the presence of alkaloids.

2. Test for Flavonoids

• Lead Acetate Test : Addition of lead acetate solution to the extract produced yellow precipitate indicating presence of flavonoids.
• Test for Phenolic Compounds : Ferric chloride solution was added to the extract. Formation of black coloration indicated presence of phenolic compounds.

3. Test for Carbohydrates

• Molisch Test : Molisch reagent and concentrated sulfuric acid were added to the extract. Formation of violet ring indicated presence of carbohydrates.

4. Test for Saponins : The extract was shaken with water. Formation of persistent foam indicated presence of saponins.

PREPARATION OF TABLET FORMULATION

Step 1: Preparation of Extract : Dry the extract in hot air oven to obtain dry powder.

Step 2: Sieving : Pass all ingredients through sieve no. 60 to ensure uniform particle size.

Step 3: Mixing : Mix extract powder, microcrystalline cellulose, and mannitol. Add crospovidone and mix thoroughly for 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Lubrication : Add magnesium stearate and talc. Mix gently for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Compression : Compress the blend using single punch or rotary tablet machine using low compression force.

Step 6: Packaging : Store tablets in airtight containers protected from moisture.

EVALUATION OF POWDER BLEND

1. Repose

Angle of repose is the maximum angle formed between the surface of powder heap and horizontal plane. It indicates flow property of powder blend.

5. Procedure

1. Funnel was fixed at a suitable height.
2. Powder blend was allowed to flow through the funnel freely onto graph paper.
3. Powder formed a cone-shaped heap.
4. Height (h) and radius (r) of heap were measured.
5. Angle of repose was calculated.

5. Formula

Where:

• θ = Angle of repose
• h = Height of powder cone
• r = Radius of cone

5. Interpretation

2. Bulk Density

Bulk density is the ratio of mass of powder to bulk volume before tapping.

5. Procedure

1. Accurately weighed powder blend was transferred into graduated cylinder.
2. Initial volume occupied by powder was noted.
3. Bulk density was calculated.

5. Formula

Where:

• ρb = Bulk density
• M = Mass of powder
• V b = Bulk volume

3. Tapped Density

Tapped density is the ratio of mass of powder to tapped volume after mechanical tapping.

5. Procedure

1. Measuring cylinder containing powder was tapped mechanically for 100 taps.
2. Final volume was recorded.
3. Tapped density was calculated.

5. Formula

Where:

• ρt = Tapped density
• M = Mass of powder
• Vt = Tapped volume

4. Carr’s Compressibility Index

Carr’s index indicates compressibility and flow behavior of powder blend.

5. Procedure

Calculated using bulk density and tapped density values.

5. Formula

Where:

• TD = Tapped density
• BD = Bulk density

5. Interpretation

5. Hausner’s Ratio

Hausner’s ratio indicates interparticle friction and flowability of powder.

5. Formula

5. Interpretation

5. Significance

• Indicates flow efficiency
• Predicts powder handling property

1. Weight Variation Test

5. Principle: This test ensures uniformity of tablet weight and dose.
5. Procedure

1. Twenty tablets were selected randomly.
2. Individual tablet weights were measured using digital balance.
3. Average weight was calculated.
4. Individual weights were compared with average weight.

2. Thickness Test

5. Principle: Thickness determines uniformity in tablet size.
5. Procedure

1. Thickness of tablets was measured using Vernier caliper.
2. Average value was calculated.

3. Hardness Test

5. Principle: Hardness indicates mechanical strength of tablets
5. Procedure

1. Tablets were placed between jaws of Monsanto hardness tester.
2. Pressure required to break tablet was recorded.

4. Friability Test

5. Principle: Friability determines resistance of tablets to abrasion and shock.
5. Procedure

1. Preweighed tablets were placed in Roche friabilator.
2. Apparatus rotated at 25 rpm for 4 minutes.
3. Tablets were dedusted and reweighed.

5. Formula

Percentage Friability (F) = (Iw – Fw) / Iw x 100

Where:

• F = Friability
• W1 = Initial weight
• W2 = Final weight

5. Disintegration Test

5. Principle: Determines time required for tablet to break into small particles.
5. Procedure

1. Tablets were placed in disintegration apparatus containing distilled water at 37±0.5°C.
2. Time required for complete disintegration was recorded.

6. Dissolution Study

Drug release study was performed using dissolution apparatus maintained at 37 ± 0.5°C and analyzed using UV spectrophotometer.

IN-VITRO ANTI-ASTHMATIC STUDY

1. Fresh goat trachea was collected from slaughterhouse
2. Trachea was washed with physiological salt solution
3. Tracheal rings were prepared and mounted in organ bath
4. Tissue was stabilized for 30 minutes
5. Histamine was added to induce contraction
6. Test formulation containing Ficus religiosa extract was added

Reduction in histamine-induced contraction indicated bronchodilator activity.

CONCLUSION

Ficus religiosa leaves possess significant anti-asthmatic potential due to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and other phytoconstituents. The plant exhibits bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and expectorant activities which are beneficial in asthma management. Formulation of fast disintegrating tablets containing Ficus religiosa extract may provide rapid onset of action and improved patient compliance. Further clinical studies are necessary to establish its therapeutic efficacy and safety in humans.

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