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A REVIEW ON ANTI ALLERGIC HERBS IN SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

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Review Article CODEN: IJPRNK IMPACT FACTOR: 4.278 ISSN: 2277-8713
Kanakavalli K, IJPRBS, 2014; Volume 3(6): 312-320 IJPRBS

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND BIO-SCIENCE
A REVIEW ON ANTI ALLERGIC HERBS IN SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
KANAKAVALLI. K1, PARTHIBHAN. P2, GEETHA. V3, CHITHRADEVI. R3, LATHARANI. M3,
THILLAIVANAN. S4
1. Proffessor & HOD, UG Maruthuvam Dept, GSMC, Chennai.
2. Proffessor & HOD, PG Maruthuvam Dept, GSMC, Chennai.
3. PG Scholars, Pothu Maruthuvam Dept, GSMC, Chennai.
4. Asst. Medical Officer (Siddha), Tamilnadu Medical Service.

Accepted Date: 08/12/2014; Published Date: 27/12/2014

Abstract: Allergy is one of the most common conditions that affect mankind with diverse
manifestations. Allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and food
allergy afflict up to 20% of the human population in most countries. Allergies have become big
problem around the world. The prevalence of allergic diseases like Asthma has risen in the
recent years despite an improvement in the general health of the population. It is roughly
estimated that one in three people have an active allergy at any given time and at least three
in four people develop an allergic reaction at least once in their lives. The drugs used for allergy
in allopathy are steroids, Anti histamine, decongestants, Mast cell stabilizer and leukotriene
receptor antagonists. Anti histamine drugs can have undesirable side effects, most notably
drowsiness, dry mouth etc. The use of medicinal plants becomes more popular due to the
adverse effects of such allopathic drugs. In recent years, a safe and effective management of
diseases through plant resources has received much attention. Many herbs are used for their
anti histamine and anti inflammatory properties. Siddha, an Indian system of medicine has
better remedies for the treatment and management of all type of allergic diseases. This article
reviews the anti allergic properties of the most commonly used herbs in Siddha system of
medicines.

Keywords: Indian system of Medicine, Anti-histamines, Mast cell stabilizers, Medicinal Plants.

Corresponding Author: DR. KANAKAVALLI K.

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INTRODUCTION
India has an ancient history of the use of plants in the indigenous systems of medicine (Siddha,
Ayurveda and Unani) dating back to over 5000 years. It has been estimated that over 8000
plants are used in traditional, folk and herbal medicines1.Siddha system of Medicine is a
complete holistic medical system that has been practiced in India for 5000 years and above. The
Siddha System of medicine, which had its presence in the ancient Tamil land, is the foremost of
all other medical systems in the world. The Siddha System is said to have emerged in antiquity,
from the highly evolved consciousness of the Siddhars. The clarified intellect and heightened
intuition of the Siddhars, resulting from their Yogic powers, enabled them to explore the world
around them and exploit its natural resources for the sake of humanity. Herbal medicine is the
oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today. It is the medicine
made exclusively from plants. It is used in all societies and is common to all cultures. There are
many different "types" of herbal medicine that spring from different cultures around the world.
All these have the use of medicinal plants in common, but they vary in the plants they use, the
way they prepare and use medicines from these plants, and the philosophy of their treatment
approaches2. Different cultures may also use the same plants but differ in how it is used, or the
part they use. Allergy, a serious health problem worldwide, is due to immune dysfunction.
Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens, including dust mites, pollen,
cosmetics, food, and mold spores. Immediate hypersensitivity (type I allergy), is an
immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune response, resulting in conditions such as food
allergies, hay fever, asthma, and drug-induced allergies3. The prevalence of allergy and asthma
has risen in the recent years despite an improvement in the general health of the population 4.
Two of the most common types are pollen allergies and atopic dermatitis. In the past fifty
years, these problems have dramatically increased. Allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic
rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy afflict up to 20% of the human population in most
countries 5. Pharmacological management of allergic diseases includes antiallergic medication
and immunotherapy for specific allergens, most commonly antihistamines, anticholinergics and
topical corticosteroids6. However, the use of these drugs also suffers adverse effects like
sedation, dry mouth and immunosuppression7. Siddha, an Indian system of medicine, has
described several drugs from indigenous plant sources in the treatment of all the variety of
allergic disorders.
Pathogenesis:
Degranulation of mast cells and basophils with antigen cross-linked IgE releases histamine,
prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines affecting lymphocytes, macrophages, eosinophils,
and neutrophils. Finally cytokine- induced reaction causes tissue injury. Therefore anti-allergic
agents with anti-inflammatory actions may be beneficial drugs for allergic diseases (6). Mast
cells, which are constituents of virtually all organs and tissue, are important mediators of

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inflammatory responses such as allergy and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is mediated by histamine

released in response to antigen cross linking of immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to FcqRI on mast
cells. Mast cell activation causes the process of degranulation those results in releasing of
mediators, such as histamine and an array of inflammatory cytokines 8.
Aetiology:
 Allergic triggers
 Dust mites
 -carpeting, Upholstered furniture
 Animals
 Furry or Feathered
 Pollens
 Fit, Recess
 Cockroaches
 Molds
 Foods
COMMONLY USED SOME ANTI-ALLERGIC HERBS IN SIDDHA MEDICINE

S.No Botanical name Family Name in Siddha Part Used Ref.No

medicine

1 Abrus precatorius Fabaceae Kundremani Leaves 10

2 Acalypha indica Euphorbiaceae Kuppaimeni leaves 11
3 Allium cepa Liliaceae Vengayam Bulb 12

4 Aristolochia Aristolochiaceae Aadu Whole part 13

bracteolata theendapaalai
5 Curcuma longa Zingiberceae Manjal Rhizome 14
6 Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae Korai kizhangu Rhizome 15
7 Dolichos biflorus Fabaceae Kollu Seed 16
8 Leucas aspera Lamiaceae Thumbai Whole part 17
9 Solanum Solanaceae Kantakathiri Flower 18
xanthocarpum

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10 Taxus baccata Taxaceae Thalisapathiri Leaves 19

1. Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius leaves extract has expectorant action9.The study was conducted to evaluate
anti histamine activity of Abrus precatorius using clonidine induced catalepsy in mice. The
ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius leaves (EAPL) at doses 100,125,150 mg/kg i.p were
evaluated for antihistaminic activity using clonidine and haloperidol induced cataplesy in mice.
It showed that chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and EAPL inhibit clonidine induced catalepsy
significantly (P<0.001) when compare to control group, while CPM fail to inhibit haloperidol
induced catalepsy. So, the study was concluded that EAPL possesses antihistaminic activity10.
2. Acalypha indica:
In siddha medicine, Acalypha indica is used for treating Asthma, piles, Allergic rhinitis, Burns9.
The study was evaluated to know the bronchodilator activity of aqueous extract of Acalypha
indica leaves in experimental animals at the dose 200 and 400 mg/kg. Bronchodilator activity of
aqueous extract of Acalypha indica studied on the histamine and acetylcholine aerosol induced
bronchospasm in guinea pigs and bronchial hyperactivity was studied on broncho alveolar
lavage fluid (BALF) in the egg albumin sensitized guinea pigs and histopathological studies.
Treatment with aqueous extract of Acalypha indica showed significant protection against
histamine and acetylcholine aerosol induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Significant
decreased in the total leukocyte and differential leukocyte count in the BALF of the egg albumin
sensitized guinea pigs. So, it was decided that aqueous extract of the Acalypha indica has not
only bronchodilating activity but also decreases bronchial hyper reactivity by decreasing the
infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airway and inhibition of release of histamine like
mediators11.
3. Allium cepa:
In siddha medicine, Allium cepa is used for treating piles, scabies, Hypertension, Diarrhoea9.
The study was conducted to know the Antiallergic activity of Allium cepa against various events
responsible for Type I allergic reactions. The herbal fraction (ALC-02) from A. cepa (bulb)
inhibited histamine release and attenuated intracellular calcium levels in Compound 48/80-
induced rat peritoneal mast cells. It also prevented Compound 48/80-mediated systemic
anaphylaxis while lowering histamine levels in plasma. It inhibited eosinophil peroxidase
activity and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ovalbumin-challenged
mice. ALC-02 suppressed erythrocytic lysis caused by Triton X-100. A significant quenching of 1,
1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical by ALC-02 was observed. The results showed that promising

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anti-allergic profile of ALC-02 that could be attributed to its potential antihistaminic, anti-
inflammatory activities12.
4. Aristolochia bracteolata
In siddha medicine, Aristolochia bracteolata is used for treating scabies, all skin diseases, and
for normal delivery9. Antiallergic activity of Aristolochia bracteolata was evaluated by using
compound 48/80 induced anaphylaxis, dermatitis, rhinitis and pruritis, as a preclinical model for
acute phase of hypersensitivity reactions. The possible antiallergic mechanism was evaluated by
using compound 48/80 induced mast cell activation and estimated serum nitric oxide (NO), rat
peritoneal fluid NO, bronchoalveolar fluid NO and blood histamine levels. The present study
implied that the chloroform extract of Aristolochia bracteolata had potent and significant
inhibitory effect on compound 48/80 induced pruritis and dermatitis activity in Swiss albino
mice. Mast cell membrane stabilization activity was also observed in compound 48/80 induced
mast cell activation. A significant reduction was observed in serum nitrate levels, rat peritoneal
fluid nitrate levels and BAL nitrate levels. The extract was also found to possess significant
inhibitory effect on blood histamine levels. It was concluded that chloroform extract of A.
bracteolata possess potent antiallergic activity13.
5. Curcuma longa
In siddha medicine, Curcuma longa is used for treating fever, dysuria, peptic ulcer, Itching, skin
diseases, non healing ulcer, chickenpox, diarrhea, etc9. The main active ingredient of Curcuma
longa is curcumin alkaloid. Curcumin suppressed compound 48/80-induced rat peritoneal mast
cell (RPMC) degranulation and histamine release from RPMCs. Curcumin inhibited compound
48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in vitro and anti-DNP immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated
passive cutaneous anaphylactoid response in vivo. Curcumin has an ability to inhibit nonspecific
and specific mast cell-dependent allergic reactions 14.
6. Cyperus rotundus:
In siddha medicine, Cyperus rotundus is used for treating Hypertension, fever, arthritis,
vomiting, diarrhoea9. From the 70% ethanol extract of the rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus (CRE),
several major constituents including the sesquiterpene derivatives (valencene, nootkatone, and
caryophyllene α-oxide), monoterpenes (β-pinene, and limonene) and 4-cymene were isolated
and examined for their anti-allergic activity in vitro and in vivo. In rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-
1 cell, the sesquiterpenes strongly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase-catalyzed leukotrienes production.
In addition, they inhibited β-hexosaminidase release by antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, with
valencene having the highest inhibitory effect. CRE inhibited leukotrienes production and β-
hexosaminidase release at 300 μg/mL. CRE, valencene and nootkatone significantly inhibited
the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in mice when administered orally at 50-300 mg/kg.

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So it was finalized that C. rotundus and its constituents, valencene, nootkatone, and
caryophyllene α-oxide, exerted anti-allergic activity in vitro and in vivo15.
7. Dolichos biflorus:
Dolichos biflorus is commonly known as ‘Horse Gram’. The seeds are used in the treatment of
piles, constipation, wounds, urinary calculi, cough, edema, obesity and asthma9. The present
study was designed for evaluation of antihistaminic activity of seeds of Dolichos biflorus in the
management of asthma. Antihistaminic activity of ethanolic extract of Dolichos biflorus seeds
(DB) was evaluated by using histamine induced contraction on goat tracheal chain preparation
and histamine induced bronchoconstriction in Guinea pigs. The ethanolic extract of Dolichos
biflorus seeds (DB) significantly inhibited histamine induced contraction of isolated goat
tracheal chain preparation and significantly protected the guinea pigs against histamine
induced bronchospasm as indicated by delay in the preconvulsive dyspnoea time (PCT)
following the exposure of histamine aerosol. So, it was determined that ethanolic extract of
Dolichos biflorus seeds (DB) has antihistaminic activity 16.
8. Leucas aspera:
In Siddha medicine, Leucas aspera is used for treating headache, cough, Nasal disorders, and
tuberculosis 9. The study was designed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of L. aspera using
various experimental animal models. Methanolic extract of dried whole plant of L. aspera was
prepared and used in the dose of 100 mg/kg. Various in-vivo models like histamine induced
bronchospasm in guinea pigs, passive paw anaphylaxis in rats and milk induced eosinophilia
mice and in vitro model like mesentric mast cell degranulation by egg albumin and inhibition of
histamine and acetylcholine induced contraction in guinea pig tracheal chain and ileum
preparations were used for evaluating anti-asthamatic activity of the drug. Methanolic extract
of the drug showed a significant bronchodilatory and anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, mast
cell stabilization, and anticholinergic activity in histamine induced bronchospasm. Thus, it was
concluded that methanolic extract of dried whole plant of Leucas aspera have significant
antihistaminic and antiasthmatic activity 17.
9. Solanum xanthocarpum
In Siddha medicine, Solanum xanthocarpum is used for treating asthma, dyspnoea, cough,
fever and joint pain 9. The anti-asthmatic property of petroleum ether, ethanol (95%), water
extract of flowers of Solanum xanthocarpum obtained by successive extraction on in-vitro and
in-vivo animal models. Ethanolic (95%) extract (SXEX) showed promising result as relaxed the
histamine pre-contracted isolated goat tracheal chain (P<0.05). A dose dependent contraction
of goat tracheal chain is observed. Treatment with SXEX (100 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment
significantly (p< 0.05) reduced milk induced eosinophilia (18.16±0.912), while mast cells were
protected at a dose of (50 &100 mg/kg, i.p) by 74.39% and 78.26 % respectively by SXEX. The
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result suggested that the SXEX possess antihistaminic, mast cell stabilizing and decreased
capillary permeability effect and hence possesses potential role in the treatment of asthma and
allergic disorders18.
10. Taxus baccata:
In siddha medicine, Taxus baccata is used for treating Fever, Asthma, vomiting, diarrhoea,
indigestion9. The study was designed to evaluate the bronchodilator effect and bronchial
hyperreactivity of alcoholic extract of Taxus baccata (AET) leaves in experimental animals.
Bronchodilator activity of AET was studied on the histamine and acetylcholine aerosol induced
bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Treatment with AET (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o., for 7 days)
showed significant protection against histamine and acetylcholine aerosol induced
bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Significant decrease in the total leukocyte and differential
leukocyte count in the BALF of the egg albumin sensitized guinea pigs was observed by
administration of AET (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o., for 15 days. AET dose dependently protected
the mast cell disruption induced by compound 48/80. So it was decided that AET not only has
bronchodilating activity but also decreases bronchial hyper-reactivity by decreasing the
infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airway and inhibiting the release of histamine like
mediators from the mast cell by stabilizing it19.
CONCLUSION:
From this article it is proved that many Siddha herbs have anti-histaminic and anti-allergic
activity. Allergy patient has to take medicine for long duration and intake of biomedicine for
long duration further deranged body immunity and worsen the pathology. All the medicinal
plants discussed in this review have shown significant potential anti histaminic activity and mast
cell stabilizing activity. So, Herbs with cost effectiveness, high value, easy availability and least
side effects give an opportunity for explore and expect for complete cure of Allergic diseases.
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