Experimental investigation of Cynodon dactylon ethanolic extract against allergic conjunctivitis in rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.413Keywords:
Cynodon dactylon, Antioxidants, Anti-allergic conjunctivitis, Allergic symptoms, Eye scratching behaviours, Cetirizine hydrochlorideAbstract
Allergic conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, often treated with allopathic drugs that may cause side effects. Plant-based preparations are considered safer alternatives; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the anti-allergic conjunctivitis effect of ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon (EECD) in rats. The allergic conjunctivitis was induced in the rats, for that we administered the 0.6 ml of saline solution which contains 1010 killed Bordetella pertussis cells, aluminium hydroxide (2 mg) and egg albumin (1 mg) by intra-peritoneal injection on the first day. On 5th day we administered egg albumin (0.5 mg) in 1 ml saline solution subcutaneously at 10 places on the back side of rats. The rats were then given extracts (EECD) at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg given orally, corresponding to their group from days 14 to 42. In contrast, the standard group received treatment with cetirizine hydrochloride at a dose of 10 mg/kg p.o., whereas 1% w/v carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution was given to the control group. Five microliters of egg albumin in a physiological solution (10 mg/ml) were administered an hour after the dose via micropipette into each of the eyes to achieve local sensitization. Subsequently, the number of eye scratching behaviour was counted for five minutes following local sensitization, while allergic symptoms, such as conjunctival hyperemia and edema, were noted at five and twenty minutes, respectively. In the results we found that, treatment with the ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon at 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly decreased (p<0.001) allergy symptoms and eye scratching behaviour and its effects were found in dose dependent manner. Based on the current investigation, it was concluded that the ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon significantly reduced the signs of conjunctivitis caused by allergies.
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