The protective effect of Tinospora cordifolia on various mast cell mediated allergic reactions

This study investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (Menispermaceae) stem on mast cell mediated allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro and studied its possible mechanism. T cordifolia (1125 to 1000 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80 induced lethality in rats, histamine induced paw edema in mice and histamine induced bronchial asthma in guinea pigs. T cordifolia significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction activated by histamine in a rat model and compound 48/80 induced ear swelling response in mice. T cordifolia (2.5-160 mu g/mL) also showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of histamine induced contraction of guinea-pig ileum in vitro implying the H, antihistamine activity. T cordifolia (0.01 to 10 mg/mL) significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80. In addition, T cordifolia (0.01 to 10 mg/mL) significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in antidinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells. The level of cAMP in RPMC transiently and significantly increased compared with that of control cells when T cordifolia was incubated with mast cells. T cordifolia (0.01 to 10 mg/mL) showed concentration-dependent inhibition in compound 48/80 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, T cordifolia decreased intracellular calcium levels of activated mast cells. These results show that T cordifolia may be beneficial in the treatment of acute and chronic allergic disorders.