Abstract:
Background: Polyscias fruticosa is been used in Ghanaian folkloric medicine for the management
of asthma and its related complications.
Aim: This study evaluated the muco-suppressant, anti-tussive, and safety profile of an ethanolic
leaf extract of Polyscias fruticosa in its use as an anti-asthmatic.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana and the School of Physical Sciences,
University of Cape-Coast, Cape-Coast, Ghana; between December, 2013 and May, 2014.
Methodology: Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out on the extract. Ammonium
chloride-induced tracheal mucus phenol red secretion in ICR mice and the suppression of citric
acid-induced cough in Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs were determined after treatment of experimental
animals with 100 mg/kg sodium cromoglycate, or 20 mg/kg dihydrocodeine respectively, as well as
with 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg of the extract. A 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg dose of the extract was
administered daily for 28 days to groups of guinea pigs to establish a safety profile in a sub-chronic
toxicity study.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins and cyanogenetic
glycosides, alkaloids, and sterols. The extract significantly inhibited (P ≤ .01 - 0.001) tracheal
mucus phenol red secretion, and suppression of citric acid-induced cough. There were no
significant changes in body weight, haematological profile, as well as liver and kidney functions in
the sub-chronic toxicity study.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the ethanolic leaf extract of Polyscias fruticosa has muco-
suppressant and anti-tussive properties, and is safe to use; hence a suitable adjunct/remedy for
the management of asthma.
