Planta Med 2014; 80 - P1L114
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1394771

Siphonochilus aethiopicus, a novel herbal ingredient for the management of asthma and allergies

G Fouche 1, R Nthambeleni 1, S van Rooyen 1, J Senabe 1
  • 1Biosciences, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

CSIR Biosciences interactions with traditional health practitioners led to the identification of a plant, Siphonochilus aethiopicus, commonly known as African ginger. It is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in South Africa, for managing allergic diseases such as colds, influenza and sinus problems. Scientific research conducted, demonstrated the beneficial properties of the plant extract and led to the discovery of the active ingredient, a non-steroidal compound. The plant extract and/or the purified non-steroidal metabolite showed activity in the glucocorticoid receptor, histamine receptor and nuclear factor-κB binding assays as well as the phosphodiesterase IV and 5-lipoxygenase enzymatic assays [2]. All these systems play a crucial role in allergic diseases and inflammation.The organic extract of the rhizomes of the plant demonstrated reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung tissue of animals in an in vivo anti-asthmatic ovalbumin-sensitized mice assay. These effects were comparable to dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used in clinical practice [2]. The organic extracts given orally to rats, did not show any evident signs of toxicity at the test concentrations of 300 – 2000 mg/kg. Collectively, all the pre-clinical results demonstrated the beneficial properties of the plant extract in the improvement of the symptomatology associated with allergic and infectious diseases and provides scientific evidence substantiating its traditional use and inclusion in complementary medicine products. The CSIR was granted a PCT for use of the extract and compound [1] (PCT/IB2007/050649). Different areas in South Africa have already been identified as ideal sites where cultivation programmes have been initiated for the plant species. As there is currently no clinical evidence of its safety and efficacy, the CSIR obtained approval by the Medical Control Council in South Africa to conduct a Phase IA Clinical, Tolerability study this year.

Keywords: Siphonochilus aethiopicus, allergies, asthma, South Africa, Zingiberaceae

References:

[1] Preventative treatment and remission of allergic diseases. International patent WO/2007/113698. R. M. Horak, E. Wadiwala, G. Fouche, M.M. Muranova, V.J. Maharaj, L.G.J. Ackerman. Filed: 28.02.2007.

[2] Investigation of in vitro and in vivo anti-asthmatic properties of Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, G. Fouche, N. Nieuwenhuizen, V. Maharaj, S. van Rooyen, N. Harding, R. Nthambeleni, J. Jayakumar, F. Kirstein, B. Emedi and P. Meoni, 2011, 133 pp 843 – 849.