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Session 3: Preclinical studies of herbal and traditional medicine

Inhibitory Effect on β-Hexosaminidase Release of Extracts and

Some Constituents of Ha-Raak, a Thai Herbal Remedy, Used for
Allergic Disorders

,
Thana Juckmeta*, Pakakrong Thongdeeying*, Arunporn Itharat***
*Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University,
Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
**Center of Excellence on Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Research (CEATMR), Thammasat Uni-
versity, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.

Background and Rationale: Ha-Raak (HR) or Benchalokawichian, a Thai traditional herbal
formulation, has long been used as antipyretic and to treat skin disorders. It comprises roots
from five herbs: Ficus racemosa, Capparis micracantha, Clerodendrum petasites, Harrisonia
perforata, and Tiliacora triandra. This polyherbal remedy has recently been included in the
Thailand National List of Essential Medicines (Herbal Medicinal Products list).
Objective: To isolate the pure constituents and investigate anti-allergic against BSA-
induced β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells.
Methods: A Bioassay-guided fractionation technique was used to evaluate anti-allergic
activities of crude extracts, and those obtained by the multistep column chromatography
isolation of pure compounds. Inhibitory effect on the release of β-hexosaminidase from RBL-
2H3 cells was used to determine anti-allergic activity.
Results: Two pure compounds from HR formulation showed higher anti-allergic activity
than crude or semi-pure extracts. Pectolinarigenin showed the highest anti-allergic activity,
followed by O-methylalloptaeroxylin, with IC values of 6.3 μg/mL and 14.16 μg/mL, respec-
50
tively. Moreover, the highest activities of pure compounds were significantly higher than
chlorpheniramine (16.2 μg/mL).
Conclusions: This study provides some support for the use of HR in reducing itching
and treatment of other skin allergic disorders. The two isolated constituents exhibited high
anti-allergic activity and it is necessary to determine their mechanism of action. Further
phytochemical and safety studies of pure compounds are required before development of
these as anti-allergy commercial remedies.
Key words: Ha-Raak (HR) remedy, anti-allergy, Thai traditional remedy