Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of Fructus Xanthii water extract on nasal behavioral symptoms, pathological changes of the nasal mucosa, and serum inflammatory cytokines in guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis. Methods Specific pathogen-free guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal group, model group, loratadine group, Yupingfeng Powder group, and high-, middle-, and low-dose Fructus Xanthii water extract groups (4, 2, and 1 g/kg, respectively). All guinea pigs except those in the normal group were used to establish a model of allergic rhinitis by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide and local stimulation. After the model was established successfully, the guinea pigs were given corresponding drugs for 14 days, and 5% ovalbumin was given intranasally once every other day. The scores of nasal behavioral symptoms were observed, and the pathological changes of the nasal mucosa were observed under a light microscope. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Results Compared with the model group, the high-, middle-, and low-dose Fructus Xanthii water extract groups had varying degrees of reductions in the scores of nasal behavioral symptoms (P>0.05). High- and middle-dose Fructus Xanthii water extracts improved the pathological changes of the nasal mucosa, and Fructus Xanthii water extract reduced serum IgE and IL-4 and increased IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusion In guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis, Fructus Xanthii water extract at different concentrations can improve nasal behavioral symptoms, relieve the pathological changes of the nasal mucosa, and regulate the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines.