Objective To explore the possible mechanism of Bimin Decoction（鼻敏煎） in treating allergic rhinitis（AR）. Methods Sixty BALB/c mice were randomised into normal control group

model group

Bimin Decoction low-dose and high-dose groups

and loratadine group

with 12 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group

mice were sensitized and stimulated with ovalbumin to develop the AR model; 30 minutes before the stimulation on each day

Bimin Decoction at a dose of 120 and 600 mg/（kg·d） were given to the mice by gavage in Bimin Decoction low-dose and high-dose groups

respectively; 2 mg/（kg·d） loratadine was administered by gavage in loratadine group

and 0.2 ml distilled water was given by gavage in normal group and model group; all the interventions lasted for seven days. After the last stimulation

the score of the allergy-like symptoms was assessed firstly

and the total score was calculated; the peripheral blood lymphocyte factor level

the proportions of lymphocyte subsets

and the expression of transcription factors or receptors of nasal mucosal lymphocyte subsets were then detected. Results The total score of allergy-like symptoms in the model group was higher than that of the normal control group（P<0.01）

and the score was significantly lower in Bimin Decoction high-dose group and loratadine group than in the model group（P<0.05）. Bimin Decoction high-dose group had significantly decreased levels of peripheral blood interleukin 2

interleukin 4

interleukin 5

interleukin 17

interferon γ and transforming growth factor β

decreased proportions of helper T cell 2（Th2）

helper T cell 17（Th17） and γδ T cell

decreased expression levels of transcription factors including GATA3

RORγt and γδ T cell receptor（γδ TCR） in nasal mucosa tissue

and increased level of interleukin 10（IL-10） compared to the model group（P<0.05 or P<0.01）. Conclusion Bimin Decoction can regulate the proportions of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood and nasal mucosa

inhibit the differentiation of Th2

Th17 and γδ T cells

adjust the release of the related cytokines and the mediated inflammatory responses in mice with allergic rhinitis. That might be part of the possible mechanism of Bimin Decoction in treating AR.