ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mahuangbujaseshintang (MBST) and soshihotang (SST) have been used for treatment of chronic disease of respiratory tract. It is necessary to clarify the mechanism of anti-allergic effects and to standardize the extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of MBST and SST were evaluated on histamine release in rat mast cells ex vivo. Several hours after administration of the extracts, mast cells were stimulated by DNP-ascaries and histamine contents were measured. Time course structural change of the cells was examined by dynamic study. In order to evaluate the effect of the extracts on the nasal patency, acoustic rhinometry was performed after administering of leukotriene D4 to both nasal cavities of guinea pig (GP). We examined the effects of the extracts with double-blind study, and also studied change of nasal patency after challenge of antigen by acoustic rhinometry in patients with allergic rhinitis. RESULTS: MBST at 4 hr and SST at 3 hr after oral administration remarkably inhibited histamine release from rat mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. MBST-treated GPs failed to show bi-phasic phenomena which indicated to reduce nasal volume at the time of early and late phases in allergic inflammation. Both groups of patients who took MBST and SST for 1 week or 2 weeks showed significant decreased symptom severity index (SSI) from treatment week 2 (p<0.05). The percent volume change after challenge of the antigen was decreased in 31 patients who took the extracts for 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that the herb medicine of MBST and SST may be effective for allergic rhinitis.