Abstract
Background: Histamine (H1) receptors play vital roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including allergic reactions, inflammation, immunological responses, bronchoconstriction, pain, and memory deficit. Traditional medicine recognizes the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in treating these conditions. This comprehensive review attempts to provide detailed information about the effects of medicinal plants on H1 receptors.
Methods: The modulatory effects of several medicinal plants, including Achillea millefolium, Berberis vulgaris, Bunium persicum, Carum copticum, Crocus sativus, Curcuma longa, Ferula assafoetida, Garcinia mangostana, Ginkgo biloba, Nigella sativa, Portulaca oleracea, Rosa damascena, Silybum marianum, and Zataria multiflora, on H1 receptor activity and signaling pathways were investigated by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception until March 2024.
Results: According to the findings, various plant extracts or their main components blocked H1 receptors in some neurons of the nervous system and smooth muscles in the trachea and arteries. The therapeutic properties of these plants may be considered in treating allergies and asthma by blocking H1 receptors, relaxing smooth muscles, and decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. They may also help alleviate pain by decreasing pain response, improve memory deficit through H1 receptor antagonism, reduce working memory errors, and treat insomnia by binding to H1 receptors and increasing sleep duration.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the mentioned herbs block H1 receptors and may be potential candidates for treating allergies, asthma, pain, insomnia, and memory deficit. However, further research is needed to determine their efficacy in humans.