Anticough Activity of Psidium Guajava L. (Myrtaceae) Leaf Extract in Ayurveda

The anticough activity of Psidium guajava L. (MYRTACEAE) leaf extract was evaluated in animal modules rat. The results showed that water extract of leaves at doses of 2 and 5 gm/kg decreased the frequency of cough induced by capsaicin aerosol by 35% and 54% respectively, as compared to the control within 10 minutes at injection of the extract, (P<0.01). However, the anticough activity is less potent than that of 3 mg / kg dextromethorphan which decreased frequently of cough by 78% (P<0.01). An experiment on isolated rat tracheal muscle showed that the extract directly stimulated muscle contraction. This effect was antagonized by an atropine. These results suggest that guava leaf extract is well-suited for the treatment of cough.