Pharma Science Monitor an International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation, Routack, in Rodent Models of Anaphylaxis

ABSTRACT Anaphylaxis is a condition presenting with significant morbidity in sensitized individuals. IgE cross linking, degranulation of mast cells and release of preformed mediators are the pathophysiologic sequences responsible behind the anaphylactic turmoil. Adrenaline rescue is the only available therapy which can salvage an individual from an anaphylactic attack. Other concurrent therapies are only supportive. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers several alternatives that can be explored to tender the development of anaphylaxis. ROUTACK is one such polyherbal formulation containing the whole dried plant or parts of Clerodendron serratum, Saussurea lappa, Solanum xanthocarpum and Tephrosia purpurea. All these ingredients have specific properties that may be useful in ameliorating the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis. We explored the protective effect of this formulation in two different rodent models of anaphylaxis. The models represented the condition developed during an anaphylactic attack. In both the studies, the results suggested that ROUTACK offered significant protective effect against anaphylaxis, albeit at higher doses. The polyherbal formulation exhibited substantial protective effect against triple antigen induced anaphylaxis in rats. ROUTACK was uncovered of its activity against systemic anaphylaxis induced by mast cell secretagogue, compound 48/80. This effect can be translated to the clinical side if the formulation can be incorporated as a dietary supplement in patients who are at risk of developing anaphylaxis. Key Word: Triple antigen, horse serum, compound 48/80, serum IgE