Allergic rhinitis (commonly known as "hay fever") is an inflammation or irritation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, stuffy or running nose, and itchy and watery eyes. Aller-7®, a combination of seven plant extracts from Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Albizia lebbeck, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale and Piper longum, was evaluated against various biochemical and physiological parameters involved in respiratory health and normal breathing, and compared with common allergy drugs. Histamine is an important mediator of allergic reactions. The antihistaminic activity of Aller-7® was compared with the common drug chlorpheniramine. The anti-spasmodic effect (relieving spasm in the bronchial arteries) was compared with the drugs Papaverine and Cetirizine. Inflammation is an important aspect of immediate- and late-phase (3-24 hr) allergic reactions. Anti-inflammatory activity of Aller-7® was compared with ibuprofen. Since antioxidant activity works against inflammation, the antioxidant activity of Aller-7® was evaluated and compared with gallic acid. These studies demonstrate the efficacy of Aller-7® as a potent anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and antioxidant agent, which may serve as a safe, natural dietary supplement for promoting respiratory health and normal breathing during allergy season.

Source: Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Saxena VS, Pratibha N, Amit A, Anti-Allergic Potential of a Novel Botanical Extract Formula, FASEB, 17:A1061, Abs. 660.1, 2003.