ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of C. minima in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>An allergic rhinitis animal model induced by ragweed pollen was established. After treatment with an active extract of C. minima, histopathological changes in the nasal mucosa of guinea pig were observed by transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In the allergeic rhinitis model group, there appear a large number of lysosomes in the nasal epithelium with organelles vacuolated and nucleus deformed. Cells in the proper lamina of connective tissue were disarranged with organelles damaged, and there was also infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in the connective tissue. However, in the treatment group receiving C. minima extract, the pathological changes mentioned above were significantly decreased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>C. minima is effective in treating allergic rhinitis.</p>