Expectorant activity of formulations from Plectrantus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng (French oregano)

[摘要] INTRODUCTION: Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng is a widely used vegetable species because of its antiasthma, bronchodilating and antiflu properties. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the expectorant effect of several formulations. METHODS: the effects of extracts, syrups and tablets obtained from Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng dry leaves through the staining method using tracheobronchial secretion red phenol in mice. RESULTS: the administration of aqueous extract and of fluid extract as well as the syrups produced from the extracts resulted in significant increase of red phenol concentration in the tracheobronchial secretion of mice. Both the aqueous and the hydroalcohol extracts have expectorant activity; the aqueous extract-made syrup was effective at 50 mL/kg dose, with an effective mean dose of 41,91 ml/kg; fluid extract-made syrup was effective at 50 and 37,5 mL/kg, being 34,64 mL/kg the effective mean dose and finally 100 mg tablets showed their expectorant action at doses of 34 and 68 mg/kg. In turn, the acute administration of 100mg tablets had the same expectorant effect as bromhexine and salbutamol. CONCLUSIONS: these formulations showed some expectorant effect under the experimental conditions of the study.

[学科分类] 药理学

[关键词] : Plectranthus amboinicus;mice;expectorant activity;red phenol;tracheobronchial secretion