Abstract:
Background: Scoparia dulcis is used in Ghanaian folkloric medicine for the
management of asthma and its related complications. This study was therefore
aimed at evaluating the anti-tussive, muco-suppressant and expectorant properties
of hydroethanolic extract of S. dulcis (SDE), and to ascertain its safety for use in
asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease management.
Methods: The number of coughs induced in guinea pigs using citric acid and the
concentration of phenol red secreted in tracheae of mice were measured. Preliminary
phytochemical analysis was conducted on the extract using standard procedures.
Safety for use of the extract was assessed by conducting an acute and delayed
toxicity test.
Results: The extract showed a dose-independent inhibition (p ≤ 0.001) of cough
elicited by 7.5% citric acid, and a dose-dependent increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the amount
of phenol red output in mice tracheae similar to that of ammonium chloride. For
the muco-suppressant activity, SDE dose-dependently reduced (p ≤ 0.001) the
concentration of ammonium chloride-induced phenol red secretions from mice
tracheae. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids,
glycosides, saponins, steroids, and phenolic compounds. No acute and/or delayed
toxic symptoms were observed after an oral administration of up to 5 g/kg of S. dulcis
extract.
Conclusion: The results showed that S. dulcis extract has anti-tussive, muco-
suppressant and, expectorant and/or mucolytic properties; making it a possible
remedy for asthma, and obstructive pulmonary disease.
