Abstract

POTENTIAL OR ROLE OF RHEUM EMODI IN ASTHMA: AS AN ANTIOXIDANT

Nargis Firdaus, Uzma Viquar*, Munnawar Hussain Kazmi

ABSTRACT

Respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are sig nificantly increasing global health problem. These diseases are characterized by airway inflammation, which develops in response to various stimuli. Activation of airway inflammatory cells leads to the release of excessive quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress. Antioxidants provide protection against the damaging effects of oxidative stress and thus may be useful in the management of inflammatory airways disease. Large numbers of synthetic antioxidants are available commercially, but most of these antioxidants display some side effects, due to which the researchers are now focusing on finding the natural sources of antioxidants. Rising demand of plant-based medicines necessitates screening of their bioactive constituents for novel compounds of therapeutic importance and many scientific investigations have been concentrated on this area. Rheum emodi (Revandchini) is a medicinal herb with potent anti-oxidative activity and its effects may contribute to the Stilbenoids and Resveratrol in this plant. Many studies detected the phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of rhizomes, fruits, leaves and callus of R. emodi that can be beneficial for protecting the human body against various diseases. The beneficial effect of this herb in asthma and other respiratory problems has been mentioned in unani classical literature but there are no pre-clinical and clinical trial data are available to support the use of Rheum emodi to prevent asthma or pulmonary allergic conditions. Research studies are warranted for future research endeavors as the efficacy study of Rheum emodi in asthma.

Keywords: Antioxidants, Asthma, Resveratrol, Revandchini, Rheum emodi.