Inhibition of immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions by water extract of white eggplant (Solanum melongena).

We investigated the effect of water extract of Solanum melongena(SMWE) on immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions. Nonimmunologic anaphylactic reaction was induced by compound 48/80 injection. Oral administration of SMWE (1 g kg(-1)) completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction. Immunologic anaphylactic reaction was generated by sensitizing the skin with anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE followed 48 h later with an injection of antigen. Oral administration of SMWE (0.01--1 g kg(-1)) significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-DNP IgE to between 83.10 +/- 1.67% and 70.17 +/- 2.17%. SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) also inhibited histamine release activated by compound 48/80 to between 93 +/- 2.65 and 70 +/- 1.50%. Moreover, SMWE (0.01--1 mg ml(-1)) had a significant inhibitory effect on IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells. These results indicate that SMWE inhibits immunologic and nonimmunologic stimulation-mediated anaphylactic reactions and TNF-alpha secretion from mast cells. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.