Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1999 May; 21(4): 303-8.

Effects of Sho-seiryu-to on experimental allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs.

Sakaguchi M, Mase A, Ikeda Y, Iizuka A, Imamura S, Komatsu Y, Ukai K, Sakakura Y.

Central Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan. hirokoma@po.iijnet.or.jp

The effects of Sho-seiryu-to, an antiallergic Kampo medicine, on experimental allergic rhinitis were investigated in actively sensitized guinea pigs. The number of sneezes and scratches by the animals after a topical antigen challenge was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with Sho-seiryu-to (1000 mg/kg per os p.o.). The antigen-induced eosinophil infiltration in the nasal mucosa was significantly inhibited by Sho-seiryu-to (1000 mg/kg p.o.). Sho-seiryu-to (100 mg/kg p.o.) also reduced the increase in dye leakage to the nasal cavity induced by the antigen challenge and the antigen-induced decrease in volume of the nasal cavity was inhibited. Moreover, Sho-seiryu-to (1000 mg/kg p.o.) suppressed the volume change in the nasal cavity induced by leukotriene D4. These results demonstrate that Sho-seiryu-to inhibits experimental allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs, confirming that the agent may be beneficial for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.