Anti-allergic effect of (honeybush) extracts via anti-degranulation activity in a murine allergy model for inhaled antigen.

The anti-allergic effects of extracts prepared from two species of honeybush, and , were demonstrated in a murine allergy model for inhaled antigen induced with ovalbumin (OVA) inhalation to mimic pollen allergy. Intake of the extracts increased the production of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E (IgE), IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies in serum and significantly suppressed anaphylactic reaction-induced body temperature decline. Moreover, the extracts significantly inhibited antigen-antibody-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells.