Bronchodilatory effect of Sphaeranthus indicus linn against allergen induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs

The methanolic extract of whole plant of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn and its various fractions were tested for their bronchodilatory effect against histamine induced acute bronchospasm in guinea pigs. The methanolic extract and its fractions viz. petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform and ethyl acetate exhibited significant protection against bronchospasm, induced by histamine in guinea pigs. However significant (p<0.001) protection was exhibited by methanolic extract which was comparable with Chlorophenarmine maleate (2mg/kg) included as the standard in the study. The results of present study suggest that, the plant Sphaeranthus indicus shows the bronchodilatory activity.