Biologically active substances in oak gall extracts. Part 1: Isolation and chemical identification of a substance exerting antihistamine-like activity (KC-18).

The previously reported antihistamine-like activity of partially purified oak gall extracts has been confirmed. Isolation of the active principle was achieved through the use of organic solvent extractions and column chromatographic (Sephadex LH-20 and silica gel) procedures. Preliminary investigation on the structure of this chemically pure substance using mass spectrometry, thin layer chromatography, base hydrolysis and electrophoresis indicated that it is most probably an ester of piperonylic acid. KC-18, given intraperitoneally in doses of 4 mg/kg to guinea pigs 5 hours prior to an exposure to a 0.15 per cent histamine aerosol, significantly reduced the bronchoconstrictor effect of histamine.