Antiallergic activity of Skimmia anquetilia on ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, paw oedema and mast cell degranulation

Asthma, allergic rhinitis, acute dermatitis, allergic skin reactions, hypersensitivity reactions and other autoimmune illnesses remain difficult to treat. The purpose of this study was to prepare Skimmia anquetilia (SA) extracts and test their antiallergenic characteristics in various types of animal models. A total of nine groups of five animals each were used in this investigation. Ovalbumin (OA) was used as an allergen to sensitise the animals and bring about atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, paw oedema and mast cell degranulation. Doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of essential oil and hydroalcoholic extracts were administered to the animals for testing.

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified active constituents including α‑pinene, α‑phellandrene, geijerene, 3‑carene, β‑ocimene and others. SA extract treatment resulted in improved overall health and reduced nasal allergy symptoms such rubbing, sneezing and redness. Essential oil from the SA plant reduced eosinophil infiltration into bronchioalveolar fluid. The platelet and mean platelet volumes returned to normal after treatment with SA essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract. When administered, SA completely counteracted the spleen-enlargement effects of ovalbumin. Inhibition of ovalbumin-induced histopathological alterations in skin, lungs and spleen was achieved with administration of SA essential oil and extract.

This study concludes that the essential oil of SA has better promising results compared to extract for treating atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, stabilising mast cell membranes, preventing entry of eosinophils into the lungs and maintaining skin, spleen and lung architecture. The authors suggest that further work is required to be done to isolate SA’s active ingredients and assess their detailed mechanism of action.