BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the anti-allergic activity of corilagin and also postulates the possible mechanism of its action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Corilagin was given orally at dose of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day. All the animals (guinea pigs, rats, and mice) were sensitized for allergy such as eosinophilia and leukocytosis induced by milk; degranulation of mast cell by compound 48/80; and passive and active anaphylaxis. Moreover, the antagonistic effect was determined by estimating the effect of corilagin on contraction of guinea pig tracheal chain and ileum induced by Ach and histamine, respectively.

RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the leukocyte and eosinophil counts in the corilagin-treated group compared to the negative control group. Treatment with corilagin significantly protects the degranulation of mast cells, and it also has significant anti-muscarinic and antihistaminic activity by reducing the muscle contraction induced by Acetylcholine (Ach) and histamine in guinea pig tracheal chain and ileum.

CONCLUSIONS: Corilagin possess anti-anaphylactic and anti-allergic activity by inhibiting the release of mediators from mast cells and by decreasing the serum concentration of immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Keywords: Allergy and Immunology, Anaphylaxis