Effects of ferulic acid on allergic reaction

Ferulic acid (FA) 70, 140 mg.kg-1 ip clearly inhibited homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and degranulation of mast cells of calvarial periosteum, active and passive Arthus reactions in rats. Reversed cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats and Forssman cutaneous vasculitis in guinea pigs were suppressed by FA 140 mg.kg-1. The delayed hypersensitivity reaction induced by sheep red blood cell (SRBC) or dinitrochlorbenzene (DNCB) in mice were also dramaticaly inhibited by FA 100, 200 mg.kg-1. FA 200, 400 mg.kg-1 ig significantly enhanced phagocytic function of mononuclear phagocyte. These results suggest that FA has extensive inhibitory effects on type I, II, III, and IV allergic reactions.