Objectives:
To study the anti-asthmatic and anti-anaphylactic activities of Blatta orientalis mother tincture (B. orientalis MT), a homeopathic medicine, in experimental animal models.
Methods:
The anti-asthmatic activity of B. orientalis MT was studied in the bronchial hyperactivity models, acetylcholine and histamine
induced bronchospasm, in guinea pigs. Anti-anaphylactic activity was tested by active
and passive anaphylaxis models in rats, anti-eosinophilic activity was tested by milk-induced
eosinophilia in mice.
Results:
Significant protection against acetylcholine and histamine aerosol-induced bronchospasm
in B. orientalis MT treated guinea pigs was seen. In active and passive anaphylaxis albino rat models
significant reduction in mesenteric mast cells degranulation, serum IgE level and
eosinophil cell count was observed in the B. orientalis MT treated rat group when compared with the sensitized control rat group.
Conclusion:
These results reveal broad activity of B. orientalis MT. It may have nonselective anti-asthmatic activity. The anti-anaphylactic activity
of B. orientalis MT may be due to mast cell stabilization, suppression of IgE and eosinophil cell
count.
Keywords
Blatta orientalis
- Asthma - Anaphylaxis - Mast cell - Eosinophil - Homeopathy