ABSTRACT
Asthma is a common respiratory disease that is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnoea, reversible or variable airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). It begins, usually from childhood, when an individual is sensitized to common inhaled allergens such as dust, pollen, animal dander, etc. During sensitization, the introduction of the inhaled allergen provokes the production of antibodies, especially IgE antibodies. When the individual is later exposed to the allergen, the IgE antibodies cross-links with the allergen, causing the granulation of the mast cells and other inflammatory cells and the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, cytokines, prostaglandins,etc., therefore causing an allergic reaction in the airways. Many inhaled corticosteroids and other inhalers have been used in treating this disease but they have side effects. But it was found that some plants could be able to treat asthma. This research was done to check the effectiveness of Adansonia digitata in treating asthma induced in guinea pigs and also to check the levels of eosinophils in the blood plasma of the treated guinea pigs. This was done by preparing the extract, sensitizing and challenging the guinea pigs by inducing asthma and treating some of them by administering the extract. After the experiment, it was found that Adansonia digitata was able to give the treated guinea pigs a significant percentage of protection. Therefore, Adansonia digitata had anti-asthmatic activity and can be used as an alternative in the treatment of asthma.
