SCREENING OF BIOACTIVE PHYTOCHEMICALS FOR THEIR ANTI-ALLERGIC ACTIVITY ON GUINEA PIGS AGAINST NON-IMMUNOLOGICAL CONTACT URTICARIA

Pharmacological screening of selective phytochemicals for common skin allergic disorder, which is defined by the occurrence of itchy and even painful wheels, angioedema or erthyma (Urticaria). The main cause of allergic reactions is chemicals, certain foods, insect stings, which often lead to the cause of histamine release, then the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) leak fluid. For induction of urticaria (BA & CA) were selected; they cause the NICU on animal skin whenever they contact the skin. Healthy adult guinea pigs weighing 300-400 gm, were selected for the present study, totally 5 groups each contains five guinea pigs. Those groups were considered as group-1 (Disease control), group-2 (standard), group-3 (Vehicle control), group-4 (test-1) and group 5 (test-2). Parameters such as ear thickness, redness, itching, swelling and time taken for reducing swelling was recorded. Topical application of Benzoic acid and Cinnamon acid to all groups, those animals produced signs of urticaria, which is characterized by redness, itching, swelling. A dose dependent increase in ear thickness was observed in disease control. Topical treatment of phytochemicals reduces redness on guinea pig ears, ear thickness; it is significant reduced with 1% w/w ointment treated group (0.27±0.01****, 0.318±0.015****, 0.266±0.015****) when compared with the disease control group. 2% w/w ointment treated group also produced the significant effect with high reduction of ear thickness which is similar to that of standard group (0.19±0.008****, 0.214±0.009****, 0.154±0.014****). Ear thickness ****P<0.001 vs. disease control. Based on the results, it was concluded that selected phytochemicals are suitable for treating NICU without complications.