Evaluation of anti-histaminic activity of Beta vulgaris L root.

Clonidine, a a 2 adrenoreceptor agonist induces dose dependent catalepsy in mice, which was inhibited by histamine H 1 receptor antagonists but not by H 2 receptor antagonist. Clonidine releases histamine from mast cells which is responsible for different asthmatic conditions. Roots of Beta vulgaris are sweet, expectorant and tonic, and are useful in psychopathy, cough, asthma and inflammation. In present investigation methanol extract of Beta vulgaris at doses 100 and 150 mg/kg, i.p. were evaluated for antihistaminic activity using clonidine induced catalepsy as catalepsy produced by clonidine is mediated by histamine via H 1 receptors. Result of present investigation showed that both extract significantly (P<0.001) inhibit clonidine induced catalepsy. Phytochemical study found that presence of carbohydrate, glycosides, flavonoids and tannin.