Preclinical Screening of NR-A2 for Antistress, Anti Allergic Properties

NR-A2 is a polyherbal formulation of Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, being developed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. NR-A2 was evaluated for the antistress activity by swim endurance test in mice, anxiolytic activity using elevated plus maze, anti allergic activity using guinea pig ileum and compound 48/80 induced anaphylaxis and anti ulcer activity in rats. In an attempt to establish a relation between allergy and stress, a new experimental animal model was devised to study anti-stress activity of NR-A2 in allergy induced animals, followed by corticosterone estimation. The formulation showed significant anxiolytic and anti-stress activity. The stress induced changes in ulcer index and in brain neurotransmitter levels were significantly decreased by NR-A2. The formulation caused excellent inhibition of histamine induced contractions in GPI and gave complete protection against degranulation in the animals treated with a prophylactic dose of 250 mg/kg p.o., one hour before Compound 48/80 injection. The anti-stress property of NR-A2 in allergy induced rat model, showed a possible link between immune system and neuroendocrine system. NR-A2 showed significant anti-stress activity in allergy induced animals and also decrease in corticosterone concentrations.