A medicine for the relief and remedy of Asthma
(Bronchial) has been discovered and developed in India by
the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (a unit of CSIR),
Kolkata, Asthma is spreading in an epidemic proportion as
cited by the Journal, NATURE, VOL. 402, 1999. A large
number of people throughout the world are suffering from
this degenerative disease. The available medicines for this
suffocating and life threatening disease provide temporary
relief but also have side effects. Asmon, the herbal
medicine discovered and developed by IICB for the relief
of asthma could therefore provide a major relief.
What is ASMON
A group of Scientists at the Indian Institute of
Chemical Biology (a unit of CSIR), Kolkata, developed ASMON,
a plant based product having plants known to be used by the
people over the centuries. The technology has been
transferred to M/s HERBO CHEM PVT. LTD., Kolkata. The
company received the Drug License for ASMON as a
traditional medicine. Bronchial asthma patients of all
ages can take this medicine safely. Working on the
inhibition of arachidonic acid oxidationby the preparation,
it has been proposed as an anti-leukotriene asthma medicine.
Causes of asthma and current drugs
In an asthmatic attack inflammation involves all or part of the main air passage of the lungs. A large and sometimes massive influx of a blood cells (eosinophils) and other inflammatory cells invade the airway wall, which in turn bring about the swelling and mucus secretion in that narrow passage. Biologically active compound leukotrienes are supposed to be the causative agents and prevention of their production by blocking of the oxidation of Arachidonic Acid (AA) by 5-lipoxygenase is thought to be the best treatment. The new class of drugs namely anti-leukotrienes, represent a new direction in the treatment of this disease3,4. Synthetic drugs developed in this direction and introduced in the west are associated with possible side effects, which have restricted their use.
ASMON inhibits oxidation of the arachidonic acid
in an ex vivo blood assay system wherein the blood cells
were stimulated by calcium ionopher or known stimulator to
enhance their oxidative activity. It is known that Guinea
pig blood incubated with arachidonic acid, upon stimulation
with the stimulator, such as calcium ionophore (A23187)
shows 10-fold increase in leukotriene B4 production from the
arachidonic acid path way. IICB's experiment with both
human and Guineapig blood cells showed ADMON's strong
activity in inhibiting Arachidonic acid oxidation2. All the
leukotriences including LK B4, formed from the oxidation of
arachidonic acid are considered as the principal mediator of
asthma, since leukotrienes are the molecules that contribute
to the inflammation, swelling (edema), bronchoconstriction
(tightening of muscles around the airways) and mucous
secretion seen in the airways of patients with asthma. Any
substance that inhibits the oxidation of the arachidonic
acid may be considered a potential therapeutic agent for the
treatment of bronchial asthma1. ASMON helps to control
asthma symptoms including the acute breathing problem
arising out of bronchial asthma. ASMON offers asthma
patients a new treatment option to enhance the control of
their asthma by inhibiting the oxidation of Arachidonic
acid. ASMON users have improved airway function with
gradual elimination of the currently used medication. When
used by patients with mild-to-moderate-to-acute asthma, who
were using the inhaled beta-agonists daily, ASMON decreased
the number of beta-agonist puffs needed per day gradually.
In a few cases the inhaled beta-agonists puffs have been
stopped totally. The reduction in the use of these
medications was accompanied by improvements in the lung
function. Daytime and night-time symptoms have shown
dramatic improvements in many patients.
DOSE OF ASMON.
ASMON is recommended for treatment of all casesof bronchial asthmatic problems including acute episodes. This is purely a herbal drug. It is derived from plants known for human use over centuries and is quite safe.
The recommended dosage of ASMON is two to three, 500-mg capsules, or tour to five 300-mg per day or as per the physician" s advice. For liquid preparation the
recommended dose is 2 spoon full thrice daily before
breakfast and two meals. br>
References
1. Biochem, Pharmacol,1992 Jan 22, 43, 337-82
2. IICB, Data file: Results of inhibition of Arachidonic
acid oxidation by ASMON
3. Lipworth BJ; Leukotriene receptor antagonist Lancet:
1999, 353, 57-62
4. Holgate ST, Sampson AP; Antileukotriene therapy Future
direction, Am.J. Respir, Crit. Care Med. 2000, 161,
S141-S153.
ASMON
MANUFACTURED BY:
HERBOCHEM REMEDIES INDIA (P) LTD.
REGD. OFFICE & WORKS AT: NARENDRAPUR-743508
SALES OFFICE: 45, PRATAP ADITYA PLACE
CALCUTTA-700 026
Phone: 033-466 6059
033-463 5942
COMPOSITION:
M. paniculata Linn.Syn. M. exotica 90 mg.
H. abelmoschus 50mg
T. ammi 50mg
S. aromaticum 10 mg.
A. vasica Nees 100 mg.
E. hirta 100 mg.
M. koiniegii 100 mg.
Additional Information of Asthma Drug
Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis is one of the major approaches as leukotrienes are accepted as the major mediators of asthma. Th2 cytokines are also involved in the late phase asthmatic reactions, the additional approach is based on the inhibition of these Th2 cytokine (IL-4) synthesis and enhancement of Th1 cytokine (IFN-gamma) production.
Our prepared fraction (MK-5) showed inhibition of 5-
lipooxygenase mediated arachidonic acid oxidation signifying
blockage of leukotriene synthesis and shifting towards Th1
type response from Th2 type. Our fraction MK5 blocked
leukotriene synthesis and upregulated Th1 type resonse which
enhances IFN-gamma production.
In addition, MK5 also augmented IL-2 and TNF-alpha
production without having significant effect on Th2 type
response (IL-4). On the other hand, fraction J-7-C has
only marginal effect on leukotriene synthesis but
significantly reduced Th2 response and enhanced Th1 type
response. Combinations of MK5 and J07-C inhibited
leukotriene synthesis, suppressed Th2 response and enhanced
Th1 response and thus blocking the asthma producing symptoms
by two-prong effect i.e. by mediating lymphokine pathway
(IL-2, IL-R4, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) and leukotriene
pathway. This is the best strategy as marked by all current
information on Asthma.
All these are included in the present patent application
which is being processed for filing. Scientific name of the
plants used for Asthma medicine are given below:
| Common Name Botanical Name |
| KAMINI M. Paniculata |
| LATAKASTURI H. abelmoschus |
| JOAN T. Ammi |
| LABANGA S. Aromatica |
| BASAK A. Vasica Nees |
| DUDHI E. hirta |
|
SUGANDHI NEEM |
