Inhibitory action of water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula on systemic and local anaphylaxis

We investigated the effects of the water soluble fraction of Terminalia che bula (Combretaceae) (WFTC) on systemic and local anaphylaxis. WFTC administ ered Ih before compound 48/80 injection inhibited compound 48/80-induced an aphylactic shock 100% with doses of 0.01-1.0 g/kg. When WFTC was administer ed 5 or 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, the mortality also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by 63.5 +/- 7.8% by oral administration of WFTC (1.0 g/kg). When WFTC was pre treated at concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 g/kg, the serum histami ne levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. WFTC (0.01-1.0 mg/ml) al so significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. However, WFTC (1.0 mg/ml) had a significant incr easing effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-oc pr oduction from RPMC. These results indicate that WFTC may possess a strong a ntianaphylactic action. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights r eserved.