Plant allergens and herbal antiallergic drugs

PRESENTED BY: SHYAMJI TANTUWAY

CONTENTS:- INTRODUCTION DEFINITIONS TYPES OF ALLERGENS RECEPTORS RESPONCIBLE FOR ALLERGIES MECHANISM PLANT ALLERGENS HERBAL TREATMENT OF ALLERGIES REFRENCES

INTRODUCTION The term ‘natural toxins’ usually refers to potentially

toxic organic compounds of natural origin, in contrast to mineral poisons and synthetic drugs. Exposure to natural toxins may lead to acute as well as long-term symptoms that affect almost any organ system.

The diversity in chemical composition of natural toxins prevents an arrangement according to chemical structures. Therefore, a biologicalclassification has been chosen. Substances are discussed that originate from:

Bacteria & Fungi Vertebrates & Invertebrates Higher plants

DEFINITIONS

ALLERGENS:- An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction.

ALLERGY:- All forms of hypersensitivity used to be classified as allergies, and all were thought to be caused by an improper activation of the immune system. Later, it became clear that several different disease mechanisms were implicated, with the common link to a disordered activation of the immune system.

TYPES OF ALLERGENS Inhalant allergens Ingestant allergens Ingectant allergens Contactant allergens Infectant allergens Infestant allergens

RECEPTORS RESPONCIBLE FOR ALLERGIES Histamin 1 (H1) Histamin 2 (H2) Histamin 3 (H3) Histamin 4 (H4)

MECHANISM

ONLY Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Also has an essential role in type I hypersensitivity reactions.

CATHA EDULIS (KHAT) Cynodon dactylon Family- Celastraceae

Cathinone 

TYPE OF ALLERGY- Hypertension, constipation

LAWSONIA INERMIS (HENNA) Family - lythreceae

Lawsone or hennotennic acid

TYPE OF ALLERGY- Chronic inflammation reaction

RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) Family - Euphorbiaceae Recinoleic acid

TYPE OF ALLERGY- Erythrocyte agglutination, haemorrhagic gastrointestinal irritation,

vomiting, profuse watery or bloody purging

CYCAS CIRCINALIS (QUEEN SAGO)FAMILY- Cycadaceae

Cycasin

TYPE OF ALLERGY- neurodegenerative disorder

CONIUM MACULATUM (HEMLOCK) Conium maculatum

FAMILY- Apiaceae

Coniine

TYPE OF ALLERGY- Seizures respiratory depression

PARTHENIUM (GAJAR GHANS OR  CONGRESS WEED) Parthenium hysterophoru Family-  Asteraceae

Parthenine TYPE OF ALLERGY- dermatitis respiratory malfunction

CALOTROPIS (MADAR OR AAK OR MILK WEED) Calotropis gigantea family- Apocynaceae

Calotoxin

TYPE OF ALLERGY- used as an arrow poison, cattle poison touching the ocular surface may result in

Crownflower keratitis

ACKEE (ACHEE OR ACKEE APPLE) Blighia sapida Family – Sapindaceae

Hypoglycin

TYPE OF ALLERGY- vomiting sickness

MUGWORT (SEVERAL SPECIES OF ARTEMISIA Artemisia vulgaris Family- Asteraceae

Mugwort pollen

TYPE OF ALLERGY- Hey fever Allergic asthma

HERBAL TREATMENT OF ALLERGIES Nettle: is a good Anti- Allergy herb. It is a

natural anti-histamine. It reduces the ability of the body to produce histamine. Histamine is

a chemical produced by the antibodies in the body to fight against the allergens. Stinging nettle fights against allergy symptoms like cough, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose

Eucalyptus: It has expectorant properties. Eucalyptus oil can be applied topically for clearing chest congestion. Also, it helps in clearing nasal congestion. Additionally, it loosens phlegm and also protects from insect bites.

Astragalus: Astralagus Membranaceus is used to strengthen the body’s immune system. It is rich in anti-oxidants and protects cells against damage caused in allergies. It protects and supports the immune system in preventing colds and upper respiratory infections. It is also an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory herb.

Thyme: This is another useful herb for clearing congestion. Also, it can be used

for treating sinus problems, nasal congestion and cough.

Ephedra (Ma Huang): It an active ingredient in many traditional

Chinese medicines used in the treatment of Asthma, hay fever and common cold. It is a thermogenic and a stimulant. It expands the bronchial tubes making breathing easier. Its diaphoretic properties help to expel exterior pathogens and regulate the functioning of lungs.

Eyebright: The tincture and capsules of Eyebright can be used for reducing hay fever symptoms.

Chamomile: It as antihistamine, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory

properties. This is an excellent remedy for allergies, particularly for hay fever. As it is an antihistamine, it counteracts histamine effects and hence reduces hypersensitivity.

St. John’s Wort (hypericum) : St. John’s Wort capsules give relief from sinus headaches.

Licorice root: This is a wonderful herb for treating asthma and allergies. Licorice root has glycyrrhizic acid. It has anti-

inflammatory and anti-allergic properties as well. Hence, it is very effective in the treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and hay fever. As it is a strong expectorant, it can also be used for treating chest infections and cough.

Angelica: This is an effective medicine for hay fever. The active components present in this herb block antibodies formation which are

produced due to allergic reactions.

Ginger: It is known for its anti-microbial properties. It inhibits the

activities of clotting agent and platelet-activating factors. These produce inflammatory reactions. Also, it prevents excessive secretion of histamine, thus reduces the symptoms of allergies.

Garlic: It is a decongestant and thereby, gives relief from congestion

problems caused by allergies.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): is an anti-inflammatory herb. It also decreases histamines and leukotrienes. It blocks the action of histamine released by the body during the allergic reaction. It treats fever symptoms effectively.

Green tea: Green tea reduces histamine release and thereby, reduces allergy symptoms.

REFRENCES Anthony C Moffat et al; Clarke’s Analysis of drugs

and poisons; 2011; 4th ed. ; 243-252 Koh Hwee Ling et al; A Guide to medicinal plants,

an illustrated, scientific and medicinal approach; 2009; 2nd ed; 216-258

www.wikipedia.com www.drugs.com