Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of xanthatin on ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic rhinitis in rats. MethodsOVA was selected as antigen to establish a rat model of allergic rhinitis. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into six groups, including a normal group, a model group, a high-, intermediate- and low-dose xanthatin group and a ketotifen fumarate group. After administration for one week, the number of rubbing movement and sneezing of rats was recorded. The levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were measured and the changes of rat nasal mucosa were observed by light microscopy after HE staining. ResultsThe number of rubbing movement and sneezing of rats were significantly reduced after treated with xanthatin. Xanthatin could remarkably decrease the levels of serum IgE and IL-4. In addition, xanthatin markedly alleviated the pathological condition of rat nasal mucosa. ConclusionsXanthatin produces significant positive effects against OVA induced allergic rhinitis in rats.