Effects of Aqueous Extract of Sterculia setigera Delile (Sterculiaceae) on Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm

Abstract

Sterculia setigera Delile (Sterculiaceae) is a plant commonly used in African traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia to treat many pathology including cough and asthma. The present study aim to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Sterculia setigera leaves on exercise-induced bronchospasm in athletes. Subjects underwent a treadmill bronchial test and a spirometry test before and after treatment with this aqueous extract. The comparison of subjects ventilatory parameters is carried out and certain inflammatory proteins tested. The results showed that aqueous extract of Sterculia setigera leaves improved significantly the ventilation parameters of subjects and declined the percentage in forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1). Subjects Blood concentration in C-reactive protein (CPR) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were also be reduced. These results justify the traditional use of Sterculia setigera in the treatment of asthma and cough in Benin. This extract can therefore be used in the treatment of asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in elite athletes.