Inhibitory effect of fermented Arctium lappa fruit extract on the IgE-mediated allergic response in RBL-2H3 cells

Effect of Small-Molecule Natural Compounds on Pathologic Mast Cell/Basophil Activation in Allergic Diseases

Pathologic mast cells and basophils, key effector cells in allergic reactions, play pivotal roles in initiating and perpetuating IgE-mediated allergic responses. Conventional therapies for allergies have limitations, prompting exploration into alternative approaches such as small-molecule natural compounds derived from botanical sources. This review synthesizes the existing literature on the effects of these compounds on pathologic mast cells and basophils, highlighting their potential in allergy management, and utilizes the PubMed database for literature acquisition, employing keyword-based searches to identify relevant peer-reviewed sources. Additionally, mechanistic insights were evaluated to contextualize how small-molecule natural compounds can inhibit mast cell/basophil activation, degranulation, and signaling pathways crucial for IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Small-molecule natural compounds exhibit promising anti-allergic effects, yet despite these findings, challenges persist in the development and translation of natural compound-based therapies, including bioavailability and standardization issues. Future research directions include optimizing dosing regimens, exploring synergistic effects with existing therapies, and employing systems pharmacology approaches for a holistic understanding of their mechanisms of action. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of small-molecule natural compounds, effective treatments for allergic diseases may be realized, offering hope for individuals with allergies.

Harnessing the power of Arctium lappa root: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications

Arctium lappa, widely recognized as burdock, is a perennial plant that is employed in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine for a wide range of medicinal applications. The herb is rich in bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential, encompassing polyphenolic antioxidants in its leaves, and flavonoids and fructo-oligosaccharides in its underground parts. Nutraceuticals originating from botanical sources such as Arctium lappa provide supplementary health advantages alongside their nutritional content and have demonstrated effectiveness in the prevention and management of specific ailments. The utilization of Arctium lappa root extract has exhibited encouraging outcomes in addressing hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium, lead, chromium, and acetaminophen, ameliorating liver damage and oxidative stress. Additionally, the root extract displays properties such as antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, aphrodisiac, anti-rheumatic, anti-Alzheimer, and various other pharmacological actions.

Antiallergic Effect of the Alpha-Cyclodextrin Moringin Complex in Rat Basophilic Leukaemia (RBL-2H3) Cell Line

Allergic diseases (ADs) are a major concern when it comes to public well-being. Moringa oleifera Lam is a tropical plant that is used in traditional medicine due to the presence of isothiocyanate. The present study investigated the antiallergic properties of 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate or moringin isolated from Moringa oleifera seeds in the form of alpha-cyclodextrin-moringin (α-CD/MG) complex on rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-2H3) cell line at both the early and late stages of an allergic reaction. The α-CD/MG complex was initially elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) followed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium inner salt proliferation assay to evaluate the cytotoxicity and cell viability with respect to ketotifen fumarate (KF) and α-CD/MG. The release of beta-hexosaminidase (β-hexosaminidase) and histamine was used to determine the level of inhibition in the early stage while the suppression of the release of prostaglandin (PGD2), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-4) was considered in the late stage. Higher concentrations of α-CD/MG (5 μM, p < 0.001) in mast cell degranulation significantly inhibited the expression of β-hexosaminidase, histamine, TNF-α, PGD2, and IL-4 in both the early and late stages. Thus, α-CD/MG can potentially be developed as an antiallergic drug as it has the ability to inhibit allergic responses in the late and early stages.

Preparation and pharmacological effects of minor ginsenoside nanoparticles: a review

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to Panax genus of Araliaceae. Ginsenosides are a kind of important compounds in ginseng and minor ginsenosides are secondary metabolic derivatives of ginsenosides. Studies have shown that minor ginsenosides have many pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-platelet aggregation, and neuroprotective effects. However, the therapeutic effects of minor ginsenosides are limited due to poor solubility in water, short half-life, and poor targeting accuracy. In recent years, to improve the application efficiency, the research on the nanocrystallization of minor ginsenosides have attracted extensive attention from researchers. This review focuses on the classification, preparation methods, pharmacological effects, and action mechanisms of minor ginsenoside nanoparticles, as well as existing problems and future direction of relevant research, which provides a reference for the in-depth research of minor ginsenoside nanoparticles.

A comprehensive review of herbacetin: From chemistry to pharmacological activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbacetin is an active constituent of traditional Chinese medicines such as Ephedra sinica Stapf (MaHuang) and Sedum roseum (L.). Scop. (Hong JingTian). MaHuang was used to treat cough, asthma, fever, and edema for more than 5000 years, while Hong JingTian was used to treat depression, fatigue, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies indicate that herbacetin and its glycosides play a critical role in the pharmacological activities of these herbs. However, currently, no comprehensive review on herbacetin has been published yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aimed to summarize information on the chemistry, natural sources, and pharmacokinetic features of herbacetin, with an emphasis on its pharmacological activities and possible mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed on the Web of Science, PubMed, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases (CNKI) using the search term "herbacetin" ("all fields") from 1935 to 2020. Information was also obtained from classic books of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese pharmacopeia, and the database "The Plant List" (www.theplantlist.org). Studies have been analyzed and summarized in this review if they dealt with chemistry, taxonomy, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacological activity.

RESULTS

Herbacetin is distributed in various plants and can be extracted or synthesized. It showed diverse pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase. It is thought to have great potential in cancer treatment, especially colon and skin cancers. However, the bioavailability of herbacetin is low and the toxicity of herbacetin has not been studied. Thus, more studies are required to solve these problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Herbacetin shows promising pharmacological activities against multiple diseases. Future research should focus on improving bioavailability, further studying its pharmacological mechanism, evaluating its toxicity and optimal dose, and performing the clinical assessment. We hope that the present review will serve as a guideline for future research on herbacetin.

Cornus officinalis Ethanolic Extract with Potential Anti-Allergic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic and chronic inflammatory skin disease. The present study investigates the anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Cornus officinalis (COFE) for possible applications in the treatment of AD. COFE inhibits the release of β-hexosaminidase from RBL-2H3 cells sensitized with the dinitrophenyl-immunoglobulin E (IgE-DNP) antibody after stimulation with dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin (DNP-HSA) in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 0.178 mg/mL). Antioxidant activity determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activity, result in EC₅₀ values of 1.82, 10.76, and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the extract significantly inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and the mRNA expression of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) through attenuation of NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells. COFE significantly inhibits TNF-α-induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells without cytotoxic effects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 2-furancarboxaldehyde and loganin are identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, respectively, as the major compounds. Molecular docking analysis shows that loganin, cornuside, and naringenin 7-O-β-D-glucoside could potentially disrupt the binding of IgE to human high-affinity IgE receptors (FceRI). Our results suggest that COFE might possess potential inhibitory effects on allergic responses, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses.

Natural products targeting FcεRI receptor for anti-allergic therapeutics

Mast cells and basophils are important contributors for development of allergic reactions. The activation of these cells via cross-linking of IgE bound to FcεRI by allergen causes the generation of allergic mediators and the reaction of immediate hypersensitivity. Obviously, FcεRI is considered as a key trigger of acute allergic responses. Consequently, FcεRI is regarded as a potential target for downregulation of allergic diseases. So far, numerous synthetic agents have been reported for inhibition of FcεRI expression and FcεRI-IgE interaction. Meanwhile, natural products have received much attention due to their efficacy and safety. Recently, numerous anti-allergic agents from natural products have been revealed as promising inhibitors of allergic reactions via inhibiting the expression of FcεRI subunits as well as blocking FcεRI activation. Thus, the present contribution is mainly focused to describe natural products targeting FcεRI receptor and to emphasize their applicable potential as anti-allergic foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phlorotannins, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, peptides, chitooligosaccharides, and other natural products have been revealed as potential inhibitors of allergic responses. These bioactive agents target to FcεRI receptor by inhibiting expression of FcεRI and blocking interaction of FcεRI-IgE. Hence, these compounds could be applied as functional ingredients of anti-allergic foods.

Anti-dermatitic effect of fermented ginseng extract including rich compound K through inhibiting activation of macrophage

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of fermented ginseng extract by Lactobacillus brevis (FGE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-mediated dermatitis in mice. FGE showed better anti-inflammatory activities than ginseng extract on the formation of nitric monooxide, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 within non-cytotoxicity range in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, FGE reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase through inhibiting nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Consistent with in vitro experiments, FGE dose-dependently suppressed ear edema, and formation of TNF-α and IL-6, and it (50 mg/mL) significantly enhanced IL-10 level in ear tissues of TPA-treated mice. In conclusions, FGE has anti-dermatitic activity through inhibiting the activation of macrophages. Such effects of FGE are associated with suppressing nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Therefore, the features of FGE may provide the information for its application for therapy and prevention of dermatitis.

Anti-allergic actions of F-PASA, a novel herbal cocktail, in IgE/antigen-mediated allergic responses in RBL-2H3 cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice

BACKGROUND

The anti-inflammatory actions of Polygonum cuspidatum, Angelica gigas, Sophora flavescens and Arctium fruit are well known. Nonetheless, effects of herbal combination (PASA) or its fermentation by microorganisms (F-PASA) on the allergic response remain unknown.

PURPOSE

We investigated whether PASA or F-PASA could inhibit IgE/antigen complex (IgE/Ag)-mediated allergic responses.

METHODS

To evaluate and compare anti-allergic actions of PASA and F-PASA, we performed cell viability, β-hexosaminidase activity, ELISA assays for cytokines and eicosanoids, immunoblot analysis, HPLC analysis and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) models.

RESULTS

F-PASA had stronger anti-degranulation actions (IC₅₀, 510.9  µg/ml) than PASA (IC₅₀, 1,261  µg/ml) without cytotoxicity until 2000  µg/ml in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. Additionally, F-PASA inhibited formation of tumor necrosis factor-α (IC₅₀, 147.4  µg/ml), interleukin-4 (IC₅₀, 213.4  µg/ml), prostaglandin D₂ (IC₅₀, 42.40  µg/ml) and leukotriene C₄ (IC₅₀, 157.9  µg/ml). Moreover, F-PASA dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation and expression of proteins that are related to the FcεRI and arachidonate cascades. Consistent with in vitro studies, F-PASA from 25 to 100  mg/kg also suppressed IgE/Ag-induced PCA reaction more than PASA did in mice. In phytochemical analysis, using PASA and F-PASA, F-PASA showed a higher level of emodin-8-O-β-d-glucoside, whereas the level of arctiin, an artigenin glycoside, was reduced compared with that using PASA.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that F-PASA, including both artigenin and emodin-8-O-β-d-glucoside, possesses stronger anti-allergic properties. Therefore, F-PASA may be useful as a functional food or as a phytomedicine for allergic diseases.

Anticolitic Effect of Viscum coloratum through Suppression of Mast Cell Activation

Viscum coloratum has been used as a component for traditional medicine for therapy of inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, effect of Viscum coloratum on inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether the ethanol extract of Viscum coloratum (VCE) could suppress inflammatory responses in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated mice and mast cell-derived inflammatory mediator (MDIM)-activated Caco-2 cells. VCE significantly attenuated body weight loss, shortened colon length, enteric epithelium disruption, enterorrhagia and colonic edema in DSS-treated mice. Additionally, VCE decreased the levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] in serum and the activity of myeloperoxidase in colonic tissue. Moreover, VCE inhibited the infiltration of immune cells as well as the activity and expression of both matrix metalloprotease-2 and matrix metalloprotease-9. Furthermore, VCE restored zonula occludens-1 expression. Consistent with in vivo studies, VCE suppressed the activity and expression of matrix metalloprotease-2 and matrix metalloprotease-9 in MDIM-activated Caco-2 cells. In addition, VCE reinstated the expression of zonula occludens-1 through inhibiting activation of janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in the cells. In conclusion, VCE exerts anticolitic action through inhibiting the activation of mast cells. Therefore, VCE may be useful as a phytomedicine or functional food for inflammatory bowel disease.

Enhanced production of compound K in fermented ginseng extracts by Lactobacillus brevis

The purpose of this study is to establish the best condition and microorganism for preparation of fermented ginseng including rich compound K. When raw ginseng parts were incubated with various microorganisms, there was an increase in compound K at 5 days in all samples fermented by Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis) and Lactobacillus plantarum, isolated from kimchi. Especially, ginseng fine roots fermented with L. brevis (FR-B) included higher levels of compound K, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities compared with other products. Conclusionally, these results indicate that the optimum condition for providing rich compound K product in fermented ginseng is ginseng fine roots are fermented with L. brevis for 5 days. Additionally, with FR-B there was greater improvement in physiochemical properties than with other products. Such information may be helpful for the manufacture of fermented ginseng including rich compound K as well as for understanding the biological features of fermented ginseng.

Traditional and ethnobotanical dermatology practices in Romania and other Eastern European countries

The geographic and ecologic specificity of Romania and other Eastern European countries has resulted in the development of an exceptional diversity of medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical dermatology practices based on the use of medicinal plants in this region. The indications, ethnopharmacologic activities, parts used, and administration of 106 medicinal plants are provided. We also discuss the relative importance of these species, using two modified indices of quantitative ethnobotany: Use Value Index and Relative Dermatologic Importance, which were calculated on the basis of etic constructions (indications and ethnopharmacologic activities). The species identified to have the highest dermatologic importance (on a scale of 100) were Brassica oleracea L. (100), Matricaria chamomilla L. (79.17), Arctium lappa L. (74.82), Daucus carota L. (72.28), Equisetum arvense L. (70.47), Juglans regia L. (69.93), Populous nigra L. (65.94), Symphytum officinale L. (63.59), Chelidonium majus L. (57.78), Calendula officinalis L. (57.78), Achillea millefolium L. (57.43), Melilotus officinalis L. (55.25), Allium cepa L. (51.45), Quercus robur L. (51.08), and Betula spp. (50.91). This preliminary study on ethnobotanical dermatology practices indicates that Eastern European traditional medical knowledge represents an important heritage that is currently underexploited.

Inhibition of Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Responses by Arctii Fructus Extracts and Its Main Compound Arctigenin

The Arctium lappa seeds (Arctii Fructus) and its major active compound, arctigenin (ARC), are known to have anticancer, antiobesity, antiosteoporosis, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of Arctii Fructus and ARC on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation and its associated mechanism have not been elucidated. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the antiallergic activity of Arctii Fructus and ARC on mast cells and experimental mouse models. Arctii Fructus water extract (AFW) or ethanol extract (AFE) and ARC reduced the production of histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in mast cells. AFW, AFE, and ARC inhibited phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB in activated mast cells. Moreover, IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock were suppressed by AFW, AFE, and ARC administration. These results suggest that Arctii Fructus and ARC are potential therapeutic agents against allergic inflammatory diseases.

Inhibitory Effects of Viscum coloratum Extract on IgE/Antigen-Activated Mast Cells and Mast Cell-Derived Inflammatory Mediator-Activated Chondrocytes

The accumulation and infiltration of mast cells are found in osteoarthritic lesions in humans and rodents. Nonetheless, the roles of mast cells in osteoarthritis are almost unknown. Although Viscum coloratum has various beneficial actions, its effect on allergic and osteoarthritic responses is unknown. In this study, we established an in vitro model of mast cell-mediated osteoarthritis and investigated the effect of the ethanol extract of Viscum coloratum (VEE) on IgE/antigen (IgE/Ag)-activated mast cells and mast cell-derived inflammatory mediator (MDIM)-stimulated chondrocytes. The anti-allergic effect of VEE was evaluated by degranulation, inflammatory mediators, and the FcεRI signaling cascade in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. The anti-osteoarthritic action of VEE was evaluated by cell migration, and the expression, secretion, and activity of MMPs in MDIM-stimulated SW1353 cells. VEE significantly inhibited degranulation (IC₅₀: 93.04 μg/mL), the production of IL-4 (IC₅₀: 73.28 μg/mL), TNF-α (IC₅₀: 50.59 μg/mL), PGD₂ and LTC₄, and activation of the FcεRI signaling cascade in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, VEE not only reduced cell migration but also inhibited the expression, secretion, and/or activity of MMP-1, MMP-3, or MMP-13 in MDIM-stimulated SW1353 cells. In conclusion, VEE possesses both anti-allergic and anti-osteoarthritic properties. Therefore, VEE could possibly be considered a new herbal drug for anti-allergic and anti-osteoarthritic therapy. Moreover, the in vitro model may be useful for the development of anti-osteoarthritic drugs.

The Herbal Medicine KIOM-MA128 Inhibits the Antigen/IgE-Mediated Allergic Response in Vitro and in Vivo

KIOM-MA128, a novel herbal medicine, has been reported to exert some beneficial effects on various biological events, such as atopic dermatitis, inflammation and cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate how KIOM-MA128 regulates the allergic response. We measured the activity of β-hexosaminidase and the levels of allergic mediators in the conditioned media of antigen/IgE (Ag/IgE)-activated RBL-2H3 mast cells. We examined the levels of proteins associated with both the FcεRI and arachidonate cascades. Finally, we established the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model in mice to confirm the anti-allergic effects of KIOM-MA128 in vivo. KIOM-MA128 dose-dependently inhibited degranulation and the production of the allergic mediators described above, with no significant cytotoxicity. In the arachidonate cascade, KIOM-MA128 significantly reduced both cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) phosphorylation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Moreover, in the FcεRI cascade, KIOM-MA128 not only inhibited activation of LYN, FYN and SYK, known as the rate-limiting proteins of the FcεRI cascade, but also suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK, which is related to cytokine expression. Finally, 50 to 100 mg/kg KIOM-MA128 significantly attenuated the Ag/IgE-induced PCA reaction in mice. These findings provide novel information and improve our understanding of the anti-allergic effects of KIOM-MA128 on allergic diseases.

Antiallergic Activity of Ethanol Extracts of Arctium lappa L. Undried Roots and Its Active Compound, Oleamide, in Regulating FcεRI-Mediated and MAPK Signaling in RBL-2H3 Cells

The antiallergic potential of Arctium lappa L. was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats, ICR mice, and RBL-2H3 cells. Ethanol extract (90%) of A. lappa (ALE, 100 μg/mL) inhibited the degranulation rate by 52.9%, determined by the level of β-hexosaminidase. ALE suppressed passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats and attenuated anaphylaxis and histamine release in mice. To identify the active compound of ALE, we subsequently fractionated and determined the level of β-hexosaminidase in all subfractions. Oleamide was identified as an active compound of ALE, which attenuated the secretion of histamine and the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in cells treated with compound 48/80 or A23187/phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Oleamide suppressed FcεRI-tyrosine kinase Lyn-mediated pathway, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK/SAPK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38-MAPKs). These results showed that ALE and oleamide attenuated allergic reactions and should serve as a platform to search for compounds with antiallergic activity.