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The fluid from the immature flower bud of Spathodea campanulata reduces intraocular pressure in dogs
Author(s) -
Golding Channtal L.S.,
West Manley E,
McKoy MarshaLyn G,
Thomas Everton A
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.623.12
Subject(s) - glaucoma , medicine , intraocular pressure , biology , ophthalmology
The fluid from the immature flower bud of Spathodea campanulata is used in Jamaican folklore medicine for the management of glaucoma. This study investigated the effect of the fluid on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of dogs and compared these results to two known anti‐glaucoma agents. Adult dogs (n=6) obtained from the Animal House at the University of the West Indies (UWI) were anesthetized using sodium pentobarbitone (30mg/kg, I.V.) and the IOP measured using a Schiotz Jewel tonometer. A crude sample ( CMM ) of the fluid from the bud was prepared (0.01 g/ml) and 0.1 ml was topically applied to the left eye and saline (0.1 ml) to the right. IOP was measured at 15‐min intervals for 2.5 h. The experiment was repeated using a higher concentration of CMM (0.02g/ml), 0.3% canasol (plant‐derived anti‐glaucoma drug) and 0.5% timolol maleate. The CMM elicited a dose dependent response with peak activity (32% reduction in IOP) noted within 45 min of administration. Timolol produced a greater decrease in IOP with maximum effect seen at 30 min, while canasol produced its peak activity at 90 min. The results provide preliminary scientific support for use of the fluid from the immature flower bud of Spathodea campanulata as a non‐conventional therapy for glaucoma. Chemical and pharmacological properties of the fluid are being investigated. This study was funded by the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, UWI.