[Effects of mao-bushi-saishin-to (MBST) on experimental allergic models in rats]

Effects of oral administration of MBST on 48 hr homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and allergic rhinitis in rats were examined. Administration of MBST (1,000 mg/kg/day) for 5 consecutive days with the final dosing at 1 day before antigen challenge did not effect on PCA. However, the reaction was significantly inhibited when the drug (1,000 mg/kg) was singly given 1 hr before antigen challenge. The drug (1,000 mg/kg, 1 hr prior to antigen challenge) tended to reduce the dye leakage into nasal cavities by antigen, while it did not affect on the anaphylactic histamine release into the cavities. The component of the chinese plants in the formula inhibiting the dye leakage was found to be Mao. However, l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine, which are contained in Mao in a large amount, did not contribute to the inhibiting effect on dye leakage. These results suggest that MBST may be therapeutically effective for atopic disease including rhinitis, through the mechanism other than the inhibition of histamine release.