Objective         To determine the effects of compound Qincang nasal spray (containing bacalin as its active ingredient) on the guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis

and on the local and systemic toxicity as well as local irritation

and to evaluate the safety of this medicine.          Methods         Efficacy experiment: 40 healthy guinea pigs were selected and then divided into 4 groups

that is

normal control group

allergic rhinitis model group (established by ovalbumin sensitization) and administration groups including low dose group (bacalin 8.21 mg/mL) and conventional dose group (baicalin 24.63 mg/mL). After the animals were given compound Qincang nasal spray for 5 d

the effect was evaluated by allergic symptom scoring. Acute toxicity experiment and local irritation experiment: according to the guidance on the research of new Chinese traditional medicines

30 healthy New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups: blank control group and administration groups including low dose group (baicalin 8.21 mg/mL) and conventional dose group (baicalin 24.63 mg/mL). After drugs were administrated with nasal mode in 7 continuous days

the acute toxicity and local irritation were evaluated

and the safety and local irritant effect were comprehensively evaluated with the nasal mucosa pathological examination.          Results         Efficacy experiments showed that the symptom scores (nasal itching

sneezing

rhinorrhea

and dyspnea) were significant lower in the compound Qincang nasal spray administration groups than the model group (P0.01). Acute toxicity experiment and local irritation experiment indicated there was no systemic reaction or death

or no statistical difference between administration groups and blank control group (P0.05). The compound Qincang nasal spray showed neither obvious acute toxicity reaction nor local irritation

and no pathological abnormality in killed animals.          Conclusion         Qincang nasal spray significantly improves the symptoms of allergies

and at the same time

has no obvious acute toxicity reaction or local irritant effect

which is considered to be safe in laboratory practice.