Figure from article: Comparative Molecular...
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Allergic rhinitis significantly impacts global health, linked with asthma and conjunctivitis.
  • Natural compounds from Ocimum sanctum evaluated against allergic inflammation targets.
  • Isoaromadendrene epoxide showed superior docking score compared to Levocetirizine.
  • Findings suggest promising natural therapeutic lead, and may need experimental validation.
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever, is a hypersensitivity reaction caused by exposure to small airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. It is one of the most prevalent allergic disorders worldwide and in the United Kingdom affects nearly one-fifth of the general population. The condition has been closely linked with asthma and allergic conjunctivitis, forming part of a broader spectrum of atopic diseases. Clinically, allergic rhinitis manifests with characteristic symptoms including persistent sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, coughing, postnasal drip, and headaches, which can significantly impair quality of life and productivity if left untreated. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring natural therapeutic agents as alternatives or complements to conventional antihistaminic drugs. In our study, bioactive compounds from Ocimum sanctum (commonly known as holy basil) were assessed in comparison to selected anti-allergic drug molecules for their capacity to inhibit key biochemical targets associated with allergic inflammatory pathways. Specifically, molecular docking analyses were performed against the crystal structure of human DPP4 in complex with the chitotriosidase-1 (hCHIT) catalytic domain bound to compound 7g (PDB ID: 5NRA). Among the standards tested, Levocetirizine, a widely prescribed second-generation antihistamine, achieved a docking score of –7.2 kcal/mol. Notably, Isoaromadendrene epoxide, a phytoconstituent isolated from the methanolic extract of O. sanctum, demonstrated superior binding affinity with a docking score of –8.2 kcal/mol. These encouraging findings highlight the potential of Isoaromadendrene epoxide as a natural therapeutic lead in allergic rhinitis management. Nevertheless, comprehensive pharmacological investigations, including mechanistic studies, dose optimization, and clinical validation, remain essential before translating these outcomes into practical medical applications.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would thankfully acknowledge the Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women Tiruchengode, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India for the facilities and support provided to perform this work.
FUNDING
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known financial, personal, academic, or other relationships that could inappropriately influence, or be perceived to influence, the work reported in this manuscript. All authors confirm that there are no competing interests to declare.
PEER REVIEW INFORMATION
Article has been screened for originality
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