Phytomedicine. 2002 Jul; 9(5): 438-41.

The anti-allergic effects of Crinum glaucum aqueous extract.

Okpo SO, Adeyemi OO.

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria.

The aqueous extract of Crinum glaucum was investigated for its effects on rat passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction, rat peritoneal mast cell degranulation and allergic bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. The extract demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in area of dye leakage. The extract, administered for five days, inhibited mast cell degranulation of normal and passively sensitized rats induced by dextran and antigen. Allergic bronchoconstriction in actively sensitized guinea pigs was inhibited by the extract. The effects of the extract observed were comparable to those of sodium cromoglycate. These results substantiate the efficacy of the extract in the treatment of asthma, in traditional medicine.