Lagundi Leaves Extract (Vitex Negundo) As a Bronchodilator Component In An E-Vape Juice

Abstract

Introduction

Cigarette smoking damages each organ of the body that causes numerous illnesses and lessens the strength of smokers all in all. About 10.7 million Filipinos or 12 percent of the entire Philippine population are suffering from asthma. Dr. Teresita de Guiais, one of the investigators of this study called Asthma Insights and Reality in the Asia Pacific Region (AIRIAP) was worried that four percent of the patients are not being given preventive medicine. In the report of ABS-CBN news, the e-cigarette is famous for smokers as an alternative cigarette because it is less harmful to their health, but it is not safe because there are some adverse effects in youth and on the second-hand smokers. With this, the researcher came up with the idea of using the electronic vape as a medium to be used as a bronchodilator, which can be a substitute to inhalers and nebulizers.

Methods

An experimental type of research was employed in this study. An extract out of Lagundi Leaves was used in making the Bronchodilator e-juice, where there are three experimental Set-ups (Set-up A, Set-up B, and Set-up C) with different amounts of extract. The bronchodilator e-juice was tested in mice's trachea based on their width and length. It was evaluated after 15-30 minutes if there will be a significant change. There are two controlled set-up, the pure extract set-up (set-up D) and the positive control set-up (Terbutaline). An observation table is used as a tool for the gathering of data in the experiment, and the T-test was used for statistical analysis and has been interpreted.

Results

Resultsrevealedthat after fifteen (15) to thirty (30) minutes all tracheas in the different set-ups except for the set-up D, (the controlled group or the pure Lagundi leaves extract) dilated but varied in time. Based on the striking findings, the researcher concluded that more Lagundi extract in the solution would result in faster dilation of the trachea. The Lagundi served as the bronchodilator in the different solutions except for set-up D.

Discussions

With this study, the researcher recommends that the technology of electronic vaping must not be trifled away, for it can still be used in some medical interventions. Moreover, the use of Lagundi as the main ingredient of the e-juice is supported and advocated by studies. Also, the electronic vape is not included in Executive Order 26, which prohibits smoking in public places.