Quisqualis indica Linn.: HRLCMS/MS profiling and anti-asthma activity of leaf extracts

Abstract

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, involving various cells and cellular elements precisely eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and macrophages. Worldwide, about 300 million people are affected by asthma, and is expected that 100 million people may get affected, in 2025. Quisqualis indica is commonly planted as an ornamental plant in India; and has medicinal uses. Therefore, the petroleum ether (60–80 °C) LPE and methanolic extract LME of the Quisqualis indica leaves were analyzed for anti-asthmatic activity by mast cell degranulation and Milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis in mice. Results It was found that Quisqualis indica leaf extracts exhibited protection against the degranulation of mast cells and a reduction in the difference count of leucocytes and eosinophils. LPE and LME (400 mg/kg) have shown 33% and 63% of mast cell protection. LME has shown the most significant mast cell stabilizing action comparable with the standard drug. The extracts decreased the difference count of leucocytes and eosinophils. LME (400 mg/kg) has shown a difference in eosinophil count and a decrease in leukocyte count most comparable with the standard Dexamethasone. Methanolic extract analyzed for phytochemicals by High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy /Mass Spectroscopy method showed the presence of various Phyto-compounds. Conclusion From the analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Quisualis indica revealed the presence of phytocompounds such as Apigenin7-glucoside, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Quercitrin, Kaempferol, etc. The significant decrease in eosinophil and leukocyte count in animals might be due to the higher content of Tannin and flavonoids. A reduction in leukocyte and eosinophil is regulated by type 1 hypersensitivity and adaptogenic factors hence Quisqualis indica is effectively helpful in allergy conditions like asthma. Graphical abstract