Antianaphylactic, mast cell stabilizing and antiasthmatic activity of AHR-1 (a polyherbal formulation)

Abstract

Objective: This work was mainly aimed to study the anti-anaphylactic, mast cell stabilizing and antiasthmatic activity of AHR-1 (a polyherbal formulation) which contain various herbal extracts. Methods: The antianaphylactic activity of AHR-1 was evaluated in rats using active anaphylaxis model.Rats were then observed for onset of symptoms of anaphylaxis reaction such as increased respiratory rate, dyspnea, cyanosis and mortality. Serum IgE, leukocyte, eosinophil countand % polymorphs were calculated. Mast cell stabilizing effect was investigated by in vitro challenge of antigensensitized rat intestinal mesenteries. Antiasthmatic effect was studied in guinea pigs using histamine-induced bronchospasm, in which occurrence of preconvulsive dyspnea (PCD) was noted as end point. Results: Anaphylactic shock caused by intravenous antigen challenge showed 83% mortality with a significant (P<0.001) increase respiratory symptom score.Treatment with AHR-1(250 and 500 mg/kg) reduced the mortality and respiratory symptom score (P<0.05,P<0.001), respectively. AHR- 1 (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly and dose dependently decreased Serum IgE (P<0.05, P<0.001), AEC (P<0.05, P<0.001), total leukocytes (P<0.05, P<0.01) and % polymorphs (P<0.01,P<0.001), respectively as compared to sensitized control group. Sensitized control rats were produced a significant (79%) mesenteric mast cell degranulation, but pre-treatment with AHR-1 (100 and 200µg/ml) produced in a significant (p<0.001) reduction in the number of degranulated mast cells when challenged with horse serum. AHR-1 significantly increased the time of PCD (P<0.001) as compared to control. Conclusion: From these finding, we concluded that AHR-1 is might be effective in treatment various hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylactic shock and asthma.