The pharmacological activities of vasicine and vasicinone are well known.
Recent investigations on vasicine showed bronchodilatory activity comparable to
theophylline, both in vitro and in vivo. Both the alkaloids in combination
showed pronounced bronchodilatory activity.
Vasicine also exhibits strong respiratory stimulant activity. There has also
been a report of thrombopoetic4 (platelet-increasing) activity with vasicine.
Uterine stimulant activity and moderate hypotensive activity of the alkaloids
have been observed. (http://thestar.com.my/)
Adulsa(Adhathoda vasica), also known as vasaka, is distributed all over
the plains of India & in lower Himalayan ranges, ascending to a height of 1.5 m. The plant has been recommended by
Ayurvedic physicians for the management of various types of respiratory
disorders. It possesses potent
bronchodilatory, expectorant, anti-spasmodic
and anti-septic properties. It also possesses significant antimicrobial activity
against gingival inflammation and pyorrhea. It has also shown Uterine stimulant
activity, moderate hypotensive activity and thrombopoeitic activity. The leaves
of the plant contain two major alkaloids called vasicine and vasicinone which
are responsible for its medicinal properties. The bronchodilatory &
expectorant properties of the leaves are attributed to vasicine. Recent
investigations on vasicine showed bronchodilatory activity comparable to
theophylline, which is a methylxanthine drug used in therapy for respiratory
diseases such as COPD or asthma. (http://www.associatedcontent.com/)
Deoxypeganine (an alkaloid) present in Peganum harmala has been reported
to be helpful in treating Alzheimer dementia. Deoxypeganine has been
investigated in detail in the former Soviet Union and its pharmacological
actions have been intensively researched. Pharmacological studies in America
have revealed that Deoxypeganine has activity similar to reversibly acting
cholinesterase inhibitors. Deoxypeganine inhibits acetylcholinesterase and
monoamine oxidase, thereby preventing the degradation of acetylcholine and
dopamine. Deoxypeganine is known to cross the blood-brain barrier. (http://www.ethnoleaflets.com/)
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