DefinePK

Research Objective

To review plant-based antitussive agents that have been studied in vivo in various cough models as potential alternatives to conventional antitussive agents with fewer side effects and lower addiction potential.

Methodology

This article is a review that synthesizes findings from various in vivo studies investigating the antitussive properties of plant-derived compounds. The studies utilized different cough models, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), citric acid, ammonia, acetic acid, and capsaicin-induced coughs in animal models (rats, mice, guinea pigs).

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Literature Search on Plant-Based Antitussives"] --> B["Identify Cough Models Used"];
    B --> C["Review Studies on SO2-Induced Cough"];
    B --> D["Review Studies on Citric Acid-Induced Cough"];
    B --> E["Review Studies on Ammonia-Induced Cough"];
    B --> F["Review Studies on Acetic Acid-Induced Cough"];
    B --> G["Review Studies on Capsaicin-Induced Cough"];
    C --> H["Extract Key Findings on Plant Efficacy and Safety"];
    D --> H;
    E --> H;
    F --> H;
    G --> H;
    H --> I["Synthesize Findings on Promising Plant Remedies"];
    I --> J["Compare Efficacy and Safety with Conventional Drugs"];
    J --> K["Formulate Conclusion on Natural Antitussives"];
    K --> L["Propose Future Research Directions"];                    

Discussion

The review highlights the limitations and side effects associated with conventional antitussive drugs such as codeine and dextromethorphan, including addiction, abuse, and potential organ damage. It emphasizes the growing interest in natural remedies due to their perceived safety and efficacy. The article discusses various plant extracts and compounds that have shown promising results in animal models, suggesting their potential for developing novel, safer, and more affordable antitussive agents.

Key Findings

Several plant-sourced agents demonstrated potent antitussive effects comparable to or exceeding those of standard drugs like codeine and dextromethorphan. These agents also exhibited better safety profiles and lower addiction potential. Examples include Caesalpinia pulcherrima, arabinogalactan from Withania somnifera, vitexin from Jatropha mutabilis, Napoleonaea vogelii, Rosa damascene, and Hedera helix.

Conclusion

Plant-derived compounds offer a promising avenue for developing effective and safer antitussive agents. Further research, including large-scale human studies and dose standardization, is needed to fully realize the potential of these phytochemicals as alternatives to conventional treatments.

Fact Check

1. Claim: Standard antitussive agents like dextromethorphan (DXM) and codeine produce various side effects.
Confirmation: The text details side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, liver and kidney function impact, and potential for abuse and death with DXM and codeine.
2. Claim: Chronic cough affects around 10% of adults globally.
Confirmation: The text states, "Chronic cough affects around 10% of adults globally."
3. Claim: Caesalpinia pulcherrima extract at 400 mg/kg showed 98.35% inhibition of cough reflex after 60 minutes, which was higher than codeine (97.5%).
Confirmation: The text states, "The percentage inhibition of cough by codeine (standard drug) was 97.5% at the 60-minute mark, while 200mg/kg extract showed 97.65% and 400mg/kg exhibited 98.35% inhibition in cough reflex, respectively, after 60 minutes."

Mind Map