Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body’s immune system over-reacts to a substance such as pollen or dust, resulting in inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passage. Aller-7®, a blend of seven standardized plant extracts, was developed to address the symptoms of this common immunologic disorder. Aller-7® has been shown in previous studies to promote respiratory health and to inhibit the release of histamine, a mediator of allergic symptoms. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of Aller-7® in several in vivo animal models. In one strain of mice, a dose of 250 mg/kg/bw Aller-7® inhibited chemically-induced paw edema or swelling by 62% compared to controls. Aller-7® was more effective than the anti-inflammatory medication prednisolone, which inhibited edema by 45% at an oral dose of 14 mg/kg/bw. In a second strain of mice, edema was reduced at doses ranging from 175 to 275 mg/kg/bw, with 225 mg/kg/bw exhibiting the most potent effect. In rats, Aller-7® (120 mg/kg p.o) inhibited chemically-induced acute inflammation by 31%, compared to 68% inhibition by ibuprofen (50 mg/kg p.o.). In a model of artificially-induced arthritis, Aller-7® demonstrated a 63% inhibitory effect on swelling at a dose of 350 mg/kg po. Additionally, Aller-7® was observed to be a potent inhibitor of trypsin, a tissue-damaging enzyme released by immune cells (mast cells) during the inflammatory response. The consistency of these results, as well as those of previous studies, demonstrates the anti-inflammatory activity of Aller-7® and supports its use as a dietary supplement by those who suffer from allergic rhinitis.

Source: Pratibha N, Saxena VS, Amit A, D’Souza P, Bagchi M, Bagchi D, Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aller-7, A Novel Polyherbal Formulation for Allergic Rhinitis, International Journal of Tissue Reactions, XXVI:43-51, 2004.