Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Ku Shen) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat damp-heat syndrome-related diseases, such as  dysentery, jaundice, rhinitis, and skin inflammation. Recent studies have revealed the potential pharmacological value of its active  alkaloid components, matrine (MAT) and oxymatrine (OMT), in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). To develop a thermosensitive  in-situ gel containing MAT and OMT for the intranasal treatment of AR, a thermosensitive matrix composed of Pluronic F127/ F68 was optimized using the Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology. The biosafety of the formulation was evaluated using  a palatal ciliary movement model. A guinea pig model of AR induced by ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide was established.  Pharmacodynamic effects were comprehensively assessed through behavioral scoring, histopathological analysis (hematoxylin and  eosin) of nasal mucosa, and serum immunological markers (IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ). The MAT-OMT in-situ gel showed no toxicity during  ciliary movement in the toad palatal ciliary motility model. The MAT-OMT combination significantly alleviated nasal itching, sneezing,  and rhinorrhea in guinea pigs with AR, mitigated mucosal edema and epithelial damage, and improved inflammatory cytokine levels,  suggesting its efficacy in correcting Th1/Th2 immune imbalance. The comprehensive therapeutic effect of MAT-OMT was significantly  superior to that of MAT or OMT alone and comparable to that of the positive control, budesonide.