ROLE OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA (LOTUS) STEM AS IMMUNITY BOOSTER AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOOD

In China and India, Nelumbo nucifera, a perennial aquatic plant, has been used as a medicinal herb. The various sections of plants, such as leaves, seeds, flowers and rhizomes, have been reported to have beneficial effects in the treatment of pharyngopathy, pectoralgia, spermatorrhoea, leucoderma, smallpox, dysentery, cough, haematemesis, epistaxis, haemoptysis, haematuria, metrorrhagia, hyperlipidaemia, fever, cholera, hepatopathy and hyperdipsia in the traditional medicine system. Different pharmacological activities such as anti-ischaemic activity, antioxidant activity, hepato- protective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-fertility activity, anti- arrhythmic activity, anti-fibrosis activity, antiviral activity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, psychopharmacological activity, antipyretic activity, immune-modulatory activity, hypoglycaemic activity, aldose reductase inhibitory activity, antibacterial, aphrodisiac activity, anti-platelet activity, cardiovascular activity, anti-obesity activity, lipolytic activity, hypo-cholesterolaemic activity, hepato-protective activity, anticancer activitydiuretic activity, antioxidant activity have been clinically evaluated for N.nucifera. Different pharmacological activities such as anti-ischaemic activity, antioxidant activity, hepato-protective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-fertility activity, anti-arrhythmic activity, anti- fibrosis activity, antiviral activity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, psychopharmacological activity, diuretic activity, antioxidant activity have been clinically evaluated for N.nucifera. A wide number of phytoprinciples from the plant have been isolated. The present review seeks to consolidate the traditional, ethno-botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological data available on N.nucifera stem and to explore its role as an immunity booster and anti-inflammatory food.

A randomized open label efficacy clinical trial of oral guava leaf decoction in patients with acute infectious diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is amongst the first ten causes of death and its treatment faces an increased threat of drug resistance. Previous studies on the guava leaf decoction (GLD) revealed its suitability for use in infectious diarrhoea of unknown etiology.ObjectiveThe objective of this trial was to establish efficacy, dose and safety of GLD prepared from the Indian Sardar variety in adults with acute infectious diarrhoea.MethodsThe current trial was an open efficacy randomized 5-day, parallel group multi-arm interventional study. Amongst 137 adults (18–60 years) suffering with acute diarrhoea, 109 were included (57% females, 43% males). Three doses of GLD (6-leaf, 10-leaf and 14-leaf) were compared with controls receiving oral rehydration solution. Decrease in stool frequency and improvement in consistency were the outcomes measured. The data was analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc test, Kruscal-Wallis test and Chi-Square test where applicable.ResultsThe trial showed that the 14-leaf (7.4 g) decoction was the most effective. Administration of the decoction, thrice daily helped the patients regain normalcy in 72 h as opposed to 120 h in controls. Safety of the intervention was reflected by normal levels of haemoglobin, liver and kidney parameters. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionThe 14 leaves decoction was a safe treatment for adult acute uncomplicated diarrhoea of unknown etiology. Moreover due to component synergy and divergent mechanisms of action, it could possibly combat the generation of drug resistance and destruction of gut microbiota. Hence GLD has the potential for development as a first line treatment for diarrhoea.

Antidiarrhoeal and antioxidant properties of ethanol leaf extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi.

This study was carried out to establish the antidiarrhoeal and antioxidant properties of the ethanol leaf extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi in wistar albino rats. The effect of the ethanol extract on castor oil induced diarrhoea, motility of the GIT using the charcoal plug method and castor oil induced intestinal fluid accumulation in rats were evaluated. The antioxidant potential of the leaf extract was investigated by measuring its capability for scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The phytochemical constituents and the oral acute toxicity of ethanol leaf extract were also determined in rats. Generally, the ethanol leaf extract at all doses used, was found to posses significant (P<0.05) concentration dependent antidiarrhoeal, antimotility and antienteropooling activity. The leaf extract also exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannin, cardiac glycosides, steroids, flavoniods and saponins. The LD50 in rats was above 5000 mg/kg. The ethanol leaf extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi has demonstrated strong antidiarrhoeal, antimotility, antienteropooling and antioxidant activities, supporting previous claims of its traditional use in the treatment of different diseases.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Aristolochia argentina Gris. (Aristolochiaceae) in rodents.

The roots of Aristolochia argentina are used in folk medicine for the treatment of colitis, diarrhoea and hemorrhoids. In this study, based on ethnobotanical lead, we evaluated the antidiarrhoeal activity of Aristolochia argentina lyophilized aqueous extract (AALE) in rats and mice using various models. The castor oil and magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea, the small intestinal transit in mice and the intestinal fluid accumulation were used in this study. At the doses of 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg p.o., the AALE showed significant antidiarrhoeal activity in both models. The AALE significantly reduced the intestinal fluid accumulation in the castor oil induced enteropooling. AALE delays small intestinal transit possibly, at least in part, involving opioid and α2-adrenergic receptors. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and anthraquinones. The results suggest that AALE showed antidiarrhoeal activity by inhibiting intestinal motility and enteropooling property, justify its use in traditional medicine.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Methanolic Extract of Rumex maritimus L. (Polygonaceae).

The aim of this current study was to evaluate phytochemistry along with pharmacological activities of the whole plant of Rumex maritimus L. (Family: Polygonaceae). Phytochemical analysis of the extract of R. maritimus indicates the presence of Reducing Sugar, Glycoside, Gum, Tannin and Alkaloid type compounds and the pharmacological attention of these compounds prompted us to check R. maritimus for possible anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and antidiarrheal activities in a dose dependent manner. The dried plants were subjected to successive extraction with methanol and the extract was used to investigate the activities. The extract of plants produced good diarrheal inhibition in castor oil induced diarrhea in mice (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight) which was comparable to the standard drug Loperamide at the dose of 3 mg/kg of body weight. The alcoholic extract was showed anti-bacterial activity against the tested microorganisms (both gram positive as well as negative bacteria). This study reveals the potent anti-oxidant activity that is (IC50~80 μg/ml) to that of standard drug ascorbic acid (IC50 about ~7 μg/ml) in-vitro when tested in 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine and its further investigation.

Antidiabetic and antidiarrhoeal potentials of ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of Cynodon dactylon Pers

Objective: To explore the antidiabetic and the antidiarrhoeal effects of ethanolic extracts of Cynodon dactylon Pers. aerial parts (EECA) in Wistar rats. Methods: To assess the antidiabetic activity of EECA, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) model and alloxan induced diabetic test (AIDT) model were performed. The EECA was used at the doses of 2 g/kg, 1 g/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight in OGTT model and 1.5 g/kg was used for AIDT model. Castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model and gastrointestinal motility test with barium sulphate milk model were performed for evaluating the antidiarrhoeal effects at doses of 1 g/kg, 750 mg/kg respectively. Results: The dose 2 g/kg in OGTT and 1.5 g/kg in AIDT model blood glucose levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in Wistar rats that showed antidiabetic effect of EECA. After administration of EECA at the dose of 1 g/kg, the extract showed significant (P < 0.05) antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model. The results were also significant (P < 0.05) in barium sulphate milk model for the same dose by using above mentioned animals. Conclusions: It is concluded that EECA contains both antidiabetic and the antidiarrhoeal properties.

Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial profiles extracts of the leaves from Trichilia emetica Vahl. (meliaceae)

Objective: To evaluate anti-diarrhoeal and antimicrobial activities of the bioactive fraction of Trichilia emetica in order to provide a scientific basis for the management of gastroenteritis in Burkina Faso. Methods: To do this, polyphenols content of extract and fractions were investigated. Folin- Ciocalteu, AlCl

Antidiarrhoeal evaluation of rhizomes of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch. ex Wydler: Antimotility and antisecretory effects.

The antidiarrhoeal activity of Cryptocoryne spiralis rhizomes extract (250, 500, 750 mg/kg, po) was evaluated using faecal excretion, castor oil-induced diarrhoea, small intestinal transit, intestinal fluid accumulation, gastric emptying and PGE2 induced enteropooling models in rats. In addition, various biochemical estimations, histopathological studies and antibacterial evaluations on strains responsible for diarrhoea were also performed. The results illustrated a significant reduction in normal faecal output rate after 5th and 7th h of treatment, while castor oil-induced diarrhoea model depicted a protection of 55.44% at same dose level from diarrhoea. The other models except, gastric emptying test demonstrated more pronounced effect at same dose level. A significant inhibition in nitric oxide, increase in carbohydrates, protein, DNA, Na+ and K+ level with minimum degeneration of colonic fibrous tissues and potent antibacterial activity were also observed. The antidiarrhoeal potential of C. spiralis may be as a result of antimotility and antisecretory type effect mediated through nitric oxide pathway.

Antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanolic leaves extracts of Dissotis thollonii Cogn. (Melastomataceae)

Objective: To investigate the phytochemical test and selected pharmacological activities (antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activity) of the aqueous and methanolic leaves extracts of Dissotis thollonii Cogn. (Melastomataceae) (D. thollonii). Methods:The aqueous and methanolic extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial activities on the in vitro growth of 2 clinical isolates (Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella flexneri), and 5 reference bacteria strains [Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 (E. coli), E. coli ATCC 10536, Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048 and E. coli ATCC 11775] by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and bactericidal concentrations using broth microdilution method as well as on the infectious, secretory and osmotic induced diarrhoea models in rats. Results:The aqueous extract inhibited the in vitro growth of all bacteria tested (the 05 reference bacteria strains and the 02 clinical isolates), with MICs values comprised between 32 and 512 μg/mL, whereas the methanolic extract has done the same with the MICs values located between 128 and 512 μg/mL. In vivo, the methanolic and aqueous extracts provoqued at all doses, a significant decrease (P Conclusions:The leaves of D. thollonii thus have antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal effects, which could result from their activities on blocking the inhibiting effects of the bacterial enzymes, inhibiting the bacterial protein synthesis, allowing the rupture of the lipopolysaccharidic membrane, as well as on inhibiting prostaglandins-E2 synthesis or increasing the hydroelectrolytic reabsorption. These results attestted the ethnopharmacological use of D. thollonii leaves in the treatment of diarrhoea and gastro-intestinal infections.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of rind of Punica granatum.

Punica granatum (Family: Punicaceae) is a widely consumed fruit in Bangladesh locally known as Anar or Bedana. Traditionally the plant is used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhage, tuberculosis and chronic periodontitis. The present study was undertaken in order to justify and authenticate the traditional use of rind of P. granatum fruit in diarrhoea. Methanolic extract of the rind of the fruit was tested in castor oil- and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhoea in mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The results of the present study revealed signifi-cant antidiarrhoeal activity (p<0.001) in both animal models. The extract inhibited 31.25% defaecation at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 53.75% at the dose of 400 mg/kg in castor oil-induced diarrhoea while standard drug loperamide inhibited 71.25% defaecation. In magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhoea the inhibition of defaecation was 45.71 and 57.14% at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively while loperamide inhibited 64.29% defaecation. The antidiarr-hoeal effect of the extract was concentration dependent in both castor oil-induced diarrhoea and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhoea. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids that may play key role in its antidiarrhoeal activity. The results of the present study validate the folkloric use of the rind of P. granatum in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of rind of Punica granatum.

Punica granatum (Family: Punicaceae) is a widely consumed fruit in Bangladesh locally known as Anar or Bedana. Traditionally the plant is used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhage, tuberculosis and chronic periodontitis. The present study was undertaken in order to justify and authenticate the traditional use of rind of P. granatum fruit in diarrhoea. Methanolic extract of the rind of the fruit was tested in castor oil- and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhoea in mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The results of the present study revealed signifi-cant antidiarrhoeal activity (p<0.001) in both animal models. The extract inhibited 31.25% defaecation at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 53.75% at the dose of 400 mg/kg in castor oil-induced diarrhoea while standard drug loperamide inhibited 71.25% defaecation. In magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhoea the inhibition of defaecation was 45.71 and 57.14% at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively while loperamide inhibited 64.29% defaecation. The antidiarr-hoeal effect of the extract was concentration dependent in both castor oil-induced diarrhoea and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhoea. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids that may play key role in its antidiarrhoeal activity. The results of the present study validate the folkloric use of the rind of P. granatum in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Evaluation of Analgesic, Antidiarrhoeal and Cytotoxic Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Bacopa monnieri (L).

Aims: The crude ethanolic leaf extract of Bacopa monnieri (L) Penn. (family: Scrophulariaceae) was evaluated for its possible phytochemical nature (group determination of plant constituent) and selected pharmacological activities (analgesic, antidiarrhoeal and cytotoxic activity) growing in Bangladesh. Methodology: The antinociceptive activity was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing model, antidiarrhoeal activity by castor oil induced diarrheal method and cytotoxicity by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Results: Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of B. monnieri indicated the presence of reducing sugar, tannins, steroid, alkaloid, saponin and gum types of compounds. The ethanolic extract of B. monnieri has effect on acetic acid induced writhing in mice. At the dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of body weight, the extract produced 36.69% and 59.17% writhing inhibition in test animals respectively. The results were statistically significant (p <0.01 and p <0.001) and was comparable to the standard drug Diclofenac Na, which showed 72.78% at a dose of 25 mg/kg weight. The ethanolic extract of B. monnieri has effect on castor oil induced diarrhea in mice. The result showed that the extract decreased the mean number of defecation which were 35.42 % and 47.92 % (p <0.001) at the doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively. The latent period for the extract treated group was increased (p <0.01) as compared to control group. The ethanolic of extract of B. monnieri showed significant toxicity to the brine shrimp nauplii. The concentrations of crude extract for 50% mortality (LC50) and 90% mortality (LC90) were 40 μg/mL and 150 μg/mL respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, the obtained results tend to suggest the antinociceptive, antidiarrhoeal and cytotoxic activities of crude ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri leaves and thus provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of this plant part as a remedy for pain and diarrhoea.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of leaf methanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina

Objective:To evaluate the antidiarrhoeal property of methanol extract of the leaves of Rauwolfia serpentina (R. serpentina) in experimental diarrhoea induced by castor oil in mice. Methods:Doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg R. serpentina leaf methanol extracts were administered to castor oil induced diarrhoea mice to determine its antidiarrhoeal activity. Results: All doses of the extract and the reference drug atropine sulphate (3 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a dose-dependent reduction in intestinal weight and fluid volume. The extracts also significantly reduced the intestinal transit in charcoal meal test when compared to diphenoxylate Hcl (5 mg/kg, p.o.). Conclusions: The results show that the extract of R. serpentina leaves has a significant antidiarrhoeal activity and supports its traditional uses in herbal medicine.

Antidiarrhoeal activity on platycladus orieantalis extract.

Platycladus is a distinct genus of evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family Cupressaceae, containing only one species, Platycladus orientalis, also known as Chinese Arborvitae or Biota. It is a small, slowgrowing tree, to 15-20 m tall and 0.5 m trunk diameterThe different parts of the plant are traditionally used as a diuretic, anticancer, anticonvulsant, stomachic, antipyretic, analgesic and anthelmintic [4,5 ]. The plant has not been explored for its anti diarrhoeal activity so far. The bio active fraction has been prove that it contain three major iridoid glycosides. These iridoids glycoside was subjected to anti diarrhoeal activity against validated experimental models like Castor oil induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal motility tests & PGE2-induced enteropooling. The extract inhibited castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats; it also reduced gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration. The obtained data demonstrated the excellent anti-diarrhoeal activity of P.Orieantalis and thus have great potential as a source for natural health products.

Assessment of antidiarrhoeal activity of Desmostachya bipinnata L. (Poaceae) root extracts / Evaluación de la actividad de antidiarreica de extractos de la raíz de Desmostachya bipinnata L. (Poaceae)

Desmostachya bipinnata root has been used in the Indian traditional system of medicine for treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. The antidiarrhoeal effect of both alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the roots of Desmostachya bipinnata were studied in rats against castor oil induced diarrhoea and charcoal meal test at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The alcoholic extract and to a lesser extent aqueous extract significantly reduced the weight of the faces and decreased the propulsion of charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterol, terpenoids, polyphenolics, protein and carbohydrates. These results may support the fact that this plant is used traditionally to cure diarrhoea.

La raíz de Desmostachya bipinnata ha sido utilizada en el sistema tradicional de medicina Hindú para el tratamiento de diarrea y disentería. El efecto antidiarreico de los extractos alcohólicos y acuosos de los extractos de la raíz de Desmostachya bipinnata fueron estudiados en ratas, utilizando la diarrea inducida por aceite de castor y el ensayo de la prueba por carbón en dosis de 200 y 400 mg/kg de peso corporal. El extracto alcohólico y en menor grado, el extracto acuoso, redujeron significativamente la propulsión de carbón a través del tracto gastrointestinal. El análisis de los extractos mostrarón la presencia de alcaloides, glicósidos, flavonoides, taninos, fitoesterol, terpenoides, polifenoles, proteínas y carbohidratos. Estos resultados pueden apoyar el hecho de que esta planta sea usada tradicionalmente para curar la diarrea.

Antidiarrhoeal property of the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of Anthocephalus cadamba / Propriedade antidiarréica do extrato hidroetanólico dos topos floridos de Anthocephalus cadamba

A propriedade antidiarréica do extrato hidroetanólico dos topos floridos de Anthocephalus cadamba foi avaliada em animais experimentais. O extrato hidroetanólico seco (250-500 mg/kg massa corpórea, v.o.) exibiu uma diminuição dose-dependente do número total de excrementos na diarréia induzida por óleo de castor em camundongos. O extrato também causou uma redução significativa (p < 0.01) e dose-dependente do acúmulo de fluidos intestinais e do trânsito gastrointestinal de 64,59 por cento e 71,19 por cento nas doses de 250 e 500 mg/kg. As taxas de redução foram de 37,85 por cento e 74,91 por cento, respectivamente, com o grupo controle e da droga padrão.

The antidiarrhoeal property of the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of Anthocephalus cadamba was assessed on experimental animals. The dry hydroethanolic extract (250-500 mg/kg body mass, p.o.) exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in the total number of faecal droppings in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The extract also produced a significant (p < 0.01) and dose-dependent reduction in intestinal fluids accumulation and in the gastrointestinal transit from 64.59 percent and 71.19 percent at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. The reduction rates were 37.85 percent and 74.91 percent, respectively, with the control and standard drug group.

Pharmacological studies of ethanolic extracts of Maytenus rigida Mart (Celastraceae) in animal models

The crude ethanol extract (EEOH) of the bark of Maytenus rigida Mart (Celastraceae) a plant used in Brazil herbal traditional medicine, was tested for anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antidiarrhoeal activities in animal models. No acute toxicological sign was observed in animals treated with the highest dose (5000 mg/kg, p.o. or 2000 mg/kg i.p.) of EEOH. The extract doses of 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg revealed a significant inhibitory effect (P < 0,01) in carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema and exhibited ulcer-protective properties against ethanol-induced ulceration in rats. An anti-diarrhoeal activity (P < 0.01) was also observed in castor-oil-induced diarrhoeal in mice. The intestinal transit was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced, however the pretreatment did not reduce the weight of intestinal contents. These results support the popular applications of Maytenus rigida for the treatment of inflammation, ulcer and diarrhoea in Brazil herbal traditional medicine.

O extrato etanólico bruto (EEOH) da casca de Maytenus rigida Mart (Celastraceae) uma planta da medicina popular do Brasil, foi testado para a atividade antiinflamatória, antiúlcera e antidiarréica em modelos animais. Não foi observado sinal de toxicidade aguda nos animais tratados com doses elevadas do EEOH (5000 mg/kg, v.o. ou 2000 mg/kg i.p.). O extrato nas doses de 250, 500 e 750 mg/kg mostrou um significante efeito inibitório (P < 0,01) no edema de pata induzido por carragenina e exibiu propriedade protetora contra a ulceração induzida por etanol em ratos. Também uma atividade antidiarréica (P < 0,01) foi observada na diarréia induzida por óleo de rícino em camundongos. O trânsito intestinal foi reduzido significativamente (P < 0.01), porém o pré-tratamento não reduziu o peso do conteúdo intestinal em ratos. Os resultados dão suporte à utilização de Maytenus rigida na medicina popular do Brasil para o tratamento da inflamação, da úlcera e da diarréia.

The effect of antidiarrhoeal drug on mouth-to-anus transit-time and duration of diarrhoea in infantle diarrhoea.

The investigators studied mouth-to-anus transit-time (MATT) and duration of diarrhoea (DD) in 40 infants, aged 2 to 24 months, who presented with acute diarrhoea with moderate to severe dehydration. Each patient was put either into Group I, II, III or IV. AII groups received ORS as a rehydrating solution (with carmine red in the first dose of ORS ). Groups II, III and IV were given lacteol fort, smectite and kaloin-pectin, respectively, in addition to ORS. The investigators found no significant difference among the four groups in terms of MATT and DD. It is concluded that the addition of anti-diarrhoeal drugs to ORS in infants with diarrhoea had no significant difference in terms of MATT and DD.

The relationship between conditioning factors and spouse support in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The relationship between basic conditioning factors and spouse support was studied in 100 COPD patients (81 males, 19 females) who attended the COPD clinic at Siriraj Hospital. The questionnaire used was modified from Robert House by Supaporn Duang-Pang with confident equal to 0.81. The date was analysed with the SPSS/PC program for Pearson’s correlation coefficient and t-test. Sixty-six per cent of COPD patients received moderate support from their spouses, 32 percent received good support and 12 per cent were give poor support. Factors that received good support include concern for patient’s symptoms after receiving medical attention and financial support for medical expenses. Factors that received poor support were the inability of the spouse to acknowledge any mental feeling of ill-health, and support in daily activities. There was no significant correlation between age, sex, education level, duration of the illness, occupation, income and spouse support.