Anti-allergic Assessment of Ethanol Extractives of Quisqualis Indica Linn

Abstract

The present work was aimed at finding out the anti-allergic activity of ethanol extracts of Quisqualis indica Linn. (EEQI) by in-vitro and in-vivo murine models. Worldwide, the rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases has continued in the industrialized world for more than 50 years. About 0.05–2% of the population is estimated to experience anaphylaxis at some point in life. Quisqualis Indica Linn in an ornamental plant that has been rarely used as a herbal medicine, however, the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and immunomodulatory activity, which have some pathological relevance with anaphylaxis. The objective of the present research was to investigate, scientifically explore and understand the probable anti-anaphylactic mechanism of ethanol extracts of Quisqualis indica Linn. via different preclinical models. In-vitro study was done on de-granulated mesenteric mast cells induced by compound 48/80 and in-vivo study was done by Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis (PCA) model. In the in-vitro study degranulated mesenteric cells were grouped into negative control (compound 48/80 treated), positive control (Disodium cromoglycate + 48/80 treated) and 3 test groups (EEQI 10 μg/ml + 48/80 treated, EEQI 50 μg/ml + 48/80 treated and EEQI 100 μg/ml + 48/80 treated). The number of degranulated mast cells was counted and compared within the different treatment groups. In the in-vivo study, the rats were first grouped into negative control (vehicle only), positive control (Disodium cromoglycate) and 2 test groups (EEQI: 100 and 200 mg/kilogram). The animals were pretreated for 12 days. On the 12th day, all the rats were immunized with serum anti-ovalbumin (obtained from an already sensitized rat) by the intradermal route. After 24 h of serum injection, Evans blue dye containing oval albumin was administered intravenously in all groups. Three days later, the rats were taken down for the severity of the anaphylactic reactions. EEQI significantly attenuates mast cell degranulation and maintains cell intactness as compared to control (P < 0.001). It was set up to support the degree of anaphylaxis as compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The outcomes of the work revealed the preventive effect of Quisqualis indica Linn. against allergic manifestations.