Tylophora indica (Antamul)
Tylophora indica (Antamul) Tylophora indica is commonly known as Antamul or Indian ipecac. Tylophora is a climbing perennial plant that grows in India. The leaves of Tylophora have been traditionally used for treating asthma, earning the name of Tylophora asthmatica. In folk medicine, it has been used for other respiratory problems such as allergies, bronchitis and the common cold. It is also believed by some to have laxative and other purgative properties. Additionally, it has been employed to treat dysentery and joint pain. Major constituents of Tylophora include tylophorine and tylophorinine alkaloids The occurrence of adverse events that occur when the leaf of Tylophora is taken orally seems to be reduced when the leaves are taken in capsule form instead of chewing. Its well-known medicinal and pharmacological activities include: Bronchodilator Effects: The alkaloid of Tylophora indica in 0.2-0.8mg doses caused direct bronchodilator response in rats. A study was conducted in 25 bronchial asthma patients to assess the efficacy of Tylophora indica leaves on bronchial tolerance to histamine and methacholine inhalation challenge. The concentration of histamine and methacholine chloride used for the inhalation challenge in two nebulizers was 5mg and 3.3mg/mL respectively. The patients were then instructed to take one leaf of Tylophora indica daily early in the morning, for six days once the reduction in FEV1 was obtained. The results of the study indicate that the prolonged therapeutic effect of Tylophora indica leaves observed in the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma is not due to antihistaminic or anti-cholinergic properties. Anti-inflammatory Activity: Tylophorine, a major alkaloid of Tylophora, is believed to be responsible for the leaf's anti-inflammatory action. Tylophorine appears to inhibit systemic anaphylaxis, Schultz-Dale's reaction and immunocytoadherence in guinea pigs and rats Immune System:Tylophora may act by depressing cell-mediated immunity or stimulating phagocytosis and concurrently inhibiting humoral immunity Anti-histamine Activity: Tylogenin, a steroidal aglycone extracted from Tylophora was found to inhibit IgE-induced basophil mediator release or allergic reactions with potency greater than dexamethasone in the human leukocyte-dependent histamine release (p<0.05) Safety Profile The safety of Tylophora indica has not been fully evaluated and there are no serious side effects reported so far. Tylophora is possibly unsafe in patients with cardiovascular disorders, organ transplants and diabetics. There is insufficient evidence to recommend Tylophora in pregnancy, lactation and children under the age of 2 years. Herb Drug interactions Bronchodilators: Positive Interaction: Tylophora may increase bronchodilation. Antidepressants/CNS Stimulants: Tylophora was found to have CNS depressant effects in high doses Corticosteroids: A study conducted on dexamethasone treated male rats to evaluate the effect of Tylophora asthmatica on the adrenal gland and its function results showed that Tylophora antagonized dextmethasone/hypophysectomy-induced suppression of the pituitary Antacids: Tylophora leaf extract of Tylophora conspicua exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration, possibly through gastric acid inhibition Selected relevant published references • Indian J Med Res 1980;71:940-948 • Planta Med 1991;57(5):409-413 • Phytother Res 2000;14(5):378-380. • Indian J Med Res 1975;63(5):661-670 • Aspect Aller Appl Immunol 1975;8:95-100.