Effect of Nardostachys Jatamansi and Rhus Succedanea against Histamine and Serotonin Responses on Lung Perfusion and Tidal Air Changes.

Alcoholic extracts of N. jatamansi and R. succedanea, the two common Ayurvedic antiasthmatic drugs, were found to inhibit histamine and serotonin induced reduction in tidal air recorded as overflow of air insufflated through the lungs in spinal dogs. Inhibitory effects of the drugs against the bronchoconstrictors was also indicated fi om the reduction in perfusion pressure through isolated guineapig or rat lungs. Reduction in the outflow caused by perfusion of histamine and serotonin was also antagonised by the alkaloidal fraction of N. jatamallsi.