An evaluation of the Bronchodilator properties of Mentha longifolia and Artemisia afra, traditional medicinal plants used in the Western Cape.

Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to investigate the claims that Mentha longifulia (ML) and Artemisia afra (AA) have anti-asthmatic properties. To realize this objective we were to determine the effects that the plants may have on contractions induced by agonists (e.g. methacholine, histamine, and leukotriene D+) and also to partially investigate the mechanism that may be involved' We hypothesized that extracts of Mentha longifotia arrd Artemisia afra would have respiratory airway smooth muscle relaxant properties and would be able to reverse methacholine and/or,histamine and/or leukotriene D+-induced contractions. plants were collected from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Institute and aqueous extracts prepared. Solutions of plant extracts were injected into an organ bath containing a zigzagcut guinea pig tracheal strip that had been pre-contracted with methacholine, histamine or leukotriene D+.