MAST CELL STABILIZATION ACTIVITY OF GISEKIA PHARNACEOIDES LINN. (MOLLUGINACEAE)

In the traditional system of medicine the plant Gisekia pharnaceoides Linn. (Molluginaceae) is being used in the treatment of allergic conditions rhinitis, asthma and in scabies, leprosy and urolithiasis. It also has broncholytic and anti arrhythmic properties. The present study was to evaluate preliminary phytochemical tests and mast cell stabilization of mesenteric cells of male wistar rats. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, flavanoids and glycosides. The mast stabilization activity showed the highly significant inhibition of degranulation of mast cells to an extent of 61% at a concentration of 200?g/ml which is similar to the standard drug Sodium chromo glycolate (50?g/ml). The result showed significant mast cell stabilization of Gisekia pharnaceoides Linn. thereby scientifically proving the use of Gisekia pharnaceoides in the traditional system of medicine.