INVESTIGATE THE ALLERGENIC EFFECT OF LEAF EXTRACT OF OREGANO IN ALBINO RATS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

An allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally, to a foreign substance. It is true that some animals producemainly more allergens than others, (Soukand et al, 2013).

When allergic reaction is triggered, to protect the body from this perceived threat or allergen, the immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobin E. IgE antibody are found mostly in the lungs, skin, and mucus membranes. They cause mast cells to release chemicals, into the blood stream. This property of IgE is unique to each allergen (Novo et al, 2013)

An allergen specific immunoglobin E (IgE) blood test is done o check if there is an allergy to a particular substance. With the recent incident of zoo noses by household rats, to the extent of causing death in human populations, the importance of eradication rats from our environs cannot be over emphasized. Rodent repellant are chemical which by taste, Odor, or possibly by both will prevent rodents from feeding. Such substances may be used in protecting an area from rodent infestation (Singla et al, 2013)

Origanum vulgare is one of such natural products, which are believed to be important alternatives to control pest and diseases without deleteriously affecting environmental safety (Isman,1997).

The phytochemical component of the plant is a major determinant of the function and benefit of the plant(Isman,1997) phytochemical include among others, Saponins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Phenols, Steroid  Tetreenes, etc. to investigate the phytochemical present in the ethanol extract of  Origanum vulgare will be an integral part of the study.

1.2     Aims and Objectives of the Study 

          The main aim of this research is to investigate the allergenic effect of leaf extract of Oregano in albino rats with the following specific objectives:

1. To carry out phytochemical screening of the aqueous leaf extract.
2. To investigate the effect of the extract on body weight and feed intake of  rats
3. To evaluate the serum IgE levels of rats exposed to the leaf extract.
4. To draw conclusions from these findings and to make appropriate recommendations based on this.