This study was carried out to examine the effect of methanol extract of Ory
za saliva L. (Dong-Jin in Korean, abbreviate as Os-DJ hereafter) on anaphyl
axis. Os-DJ (10(-5) to 1 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphyla
xis induced by compound 48/80 in rats. When Os-DJ was pretreated at concent
ration ranging from 10(-5) to 1 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduc
ed in a dose-dependent manner. Os-DJ (1 g/kg) also significantly inhibited
local anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. Moreover, Os-D
J dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast
cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNPIgE. These results ind
icate that Os-DJ possess antianaphylactic activity by inhibition of histami
ne release from mast cells in vivo and in vitro.