AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mast cell stabilization and antihistaminic activities of the rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides (COR). Extract of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Fam. Amaryllidaceae) has been reported to possess immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory potentials. In Indian traditional system of medicine it is also used as anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Estimation of histamine release is key parameter for evaluating any target for its anti-allergic potential. The stabilization potential of the alcoholic extract of COR (100-400mg/kg) against mast cell degranulation was studied on isolated mice peritoneal mast cells. The antihistaminic activity was performed by determining the mortality rate of mice upon exposure to compound 48/80 and effect on inhibition of histamine release upon degranulation. RESULTS: The raised number of intact mast cells intimates that the COR stabilized the mast cell degranulation (60.96+/-1.96%) and percentage antihistaminic potential of the extract (63.58+/-1.8 inhibition at dose of 400mg/kg) and it virtues further work towards the isolation of phytoconstituents from this plant. CONCLUSION: This finding provides evidence that COR inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions and mast cell degranulation.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mast cell stabilization and antihistaminic activities of the rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides (COR). Extract of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Fam. Amaryllidaceae) has been reported to possess immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory potentials. In Indian traditional system of medicine it is also used as anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Estimation of histamine release is key parameter for evaluating any target for its anti-allergic potential. The stabilization potential of the alcoholic extract of COR (100-400mg/kg) against mast cell degranulation was studied on isolated mice peritoneal mast cells. The antihistaminic activity was performed by determining the mortality rate of mice upon exposure to compound 48/80 and effect on inhibition of histamine release upon degranulation. RESULTS: The raised number of intact mast cells intimates that the COR stabilized the mast cell degranulation (60.96+/-1.96%) and percentage antihistaminic potential of the extract (63.58+/-1.8 inhibition at dose of 400mg/kg) and it virtues further work towards the isolation of phytoconstituents from this plant. CONCLUSION: This finding provides evidence that COR inhibits mast cell-derived immediate-type allergic reactions and mast cell degranulation.