Calotropis gigantea Linn Flowers: A Novel Approach to Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disorder characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway obstruction. Conventional treatments often involve medications with potential side effects and complex regimens, which can lead to poor adherence. To address this, there is a growing interest in complementary therapies, such as Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system offers a range of plant-based remedies for bronchial asthma and allergic disorders, which may provide additional therapeutic benefits and improve patient compliance. Calotropis gigantea Linn (Asclepiadaceae), a plant with therapeutic potential, has been used to treat various ailments like asthma, snakebites, rheumatic conditions, dental issues, skin disorders, and childbirth pain. This study aimed to investigate the anti-asthmatic properties of different solvent extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous) derived from its flowers, based on its traditional use and rich phytochemical profile. The extract was tested in various animal models of asthma, including histamine-induced contraction of goat tracheal chain, clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice, and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. The study found that Calotropis gigantea flowers ethanol extract (CGFEE) significantly reduced the severity of asthma symptoms in these models. CGFEE at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg, i.p., significantly inhibited histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, clonidine-induced catalepsy, and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. CGFEE decreased inflammation, suppressed the release of inflammatory cells, and inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness. The results suggest that CGFEE possesses potent anti-asthmatic activity, likely due to its combination of anti-allergic, bronchodilatory, anti-histaminic, and anti-cataleptic properties. This study provides scientific evidence to support the traditional use of Calotropis gigantea in the management of asthma.