Mast Cell Stabilizing Activity ofBauhinia variegata

The effect of Bauhinia variegata (Caesalpiniaceae) stem bark extracts on mast cell stabilizing activity was investigated to explore the scientific basis for the use of the decoction of its stem bark in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory complications in traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. The authenticated plant material was defatted using petroleum ether and extracted with ethanol and distilled water to obtain ethanol (BVE) and aqueous (BVA) extract, respectively. The stabilization potential was studied on mouse mast cells and anti-anaphylactic activity was evaluated by determining the mortality rate of mice treated with toxicant (compound 48/80). The BVE (400 mg.kg−1) significantly protected mast cell from degranulation (71.18%) and reduced the mortality (50%) when compared to standard drug disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) used in the study. BVE possessed potent mast cell stabilizing activity, suggesting potential for use in the treatment of asthma.