Anti-asthma potential of dried Draco Spilopterus Wieg. 1834 (Philippine Flying Dragon) using mesenteric mast cell count by atopic allergy method

Decocted Draco spilopterus has been utilized in the Philippines for the treatment of asthma associated with its strong folkloric beliefs however no scientific evidence was available to prove such claims. Thus, the researchers ventured into this study to determine the anti - asthma potential of dried D. spilopterus on male albino rats using mesenteric mast cell count by atopic allergy method. Fifteen D. spilopterus were used in the study. Decocotion was the extraction method employed. Seven male albino rats were used in each trial and randomly divided into different test  groups which were as follows: Treatment groups (600, 800 and 1000 mg/kgbw); negative control group (water); positive control group (Prednisolone 10 mg/kgbw); untreated group; and normal group. Mesentric mast cell count by atopic allergy method was employed in this study. Results revealed that the test solutions with a dose of 600, 800 and 1000 mg/kgbw elicited a mean anti-asthmatic activity of 42.25, 66.44 and 89.32%, respectively. The median effective dose was 663.90 mg/kgbw. The anti - asthma activity was dose - related; with increasing dose, the disrupted mast cell decreases. The test solution obtained from D. spilopterus is a potential alternative in the management of asthma but further studies have to be conducted.    Key words: Draco spilopterus, mesenteric mast cell count.