Effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) extracts on experimental allergic rhinitis in rats

Biol Pharm Bull. 2001 Jan;24(1):92-5. doi: 10.1248/bpb.24.92.

Abstract

The present study was carried out to clarify the effects of extracts of the leaves of Mentha piperita L. on experimental allergic rhinitis. The 50% EtOH extract of peppermint inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80. The effect was dose-dependent and significant inhibition was observed at a concentration of 3 microg/ml. In addition, the 50% EtOH eluate separated from the 50% EtOH extract of peppermint by column chromatography (DIAION HP-20) was also effective in inhibiting histamine release at a concentration of 1 microg/ml. Nasal symptoms, sneezing and nasal rubbing induced by antigen challenge in actively sensitized rats were inhibited by oral administration of the 50% EtOH eluate. Significant inhibition of sneezing and nasal rubbing was observed at doses of 300 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. Furthermore, the 50% EtOH eluate inhibited dye leakage into the nasal cavity of rats induced by antigen in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that extracts of Mentha piperita L. may be clinically effective in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Histamine Release / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mast Cells / drug effects
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Mentha piperita
  • Nasal Cavity / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts