In-vitro and in-vivo anti-allergic effects of magnolol on allergic rhinitis via inhibition of ORAI1 and ANO1 channels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Flos Magnoliae (the dried flower buds of Magnolia biondii Pamp, FM) is a known herbal traditional medicine used for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion and rhinorrhea caused by rhinitis and sinusitis. Magnolol, a neolignan from the magnolia family, is a secondary metabolite known to have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic effect of magnolol in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) remain elusive.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Anoctamin 1 (ANO1), a calcium-activated anion channel, mediates mucus and electrolyte secretion in nasal airway epithelial cells, whereas calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (ORAI1) participates in the activation of T-lymphocytes and mast cells. The aim of our study is to understand the mechanisms of action of magnolol against AR, i.e., whether it acts through the modulation of ANO1 and ORAI1 channels that are expressed in nasal epithelial cells and T-lymphocytes, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole-cell patch clamp was used to record the activity of ORAI1 and ANO1 ion channels in ORAI1 or ANO1 overexpressed HEK293T cells, while the Ussing chamber apparatus was used to measure electrolyte transport via the epithelium, in Calu-3 cells cultured in an air-liquid interface. Additionally, calcium imaging of Jurkat T-lymphocytes was used to assess changes in the intracellular calcium concentration. Magnolol toxicity was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and its effect on T-lymphocyte proliferation was measured by labeling human primary T-lymphocytes with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester. Finally, OVA-induced Balb/c mice were employed to evaluate the effect of magnolol on nasal symptoms, as well as cytokine and eosinophil infiltration in AR.

RESULTS

Magnolol inhibits ORAI1 and ANO1 channels in a concentration-dependent manner. Magnolol (30 μM) inhibits anti-CD3 induced cellular proliferation and production of IL-2 via ORAI1 channels in T-lymphocytes. Further, ATP-induced electrolyte transport mediated by ANO1 channels is significantly inhibited by magnolol in IL-4 sensitized Calu-3 cells. Notably, 300 μM magnolol significantly attenuates cytokine and eosinophil infiltration, thus alleviating AR symptoms in mice OVA-induced AR.

CONCLUSION

Magnolol may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of AR.

Anti-Food Allergic Compounds from Penicillium griseofulvum MCCC 3A00225, a Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus

Ten new (1–10) and 26 known (11–36) compounds were isolated from Penicillium griseofulvum MCCC 3A00225, a deep sea-derived fungus. The structures of the new compounds were determined by detailed analysis of the NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations were established by X-ray crystallography, Marfey’s method, and the ICD method. All isolates were tested for in vitro anti-food allergic bioactivities in immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. Compound 13 significantly decreased the degranulation release with an IC₅₀ value of 60.3 μM, compared to that of 91.6 μM of the positive control, loratadine.

Investigation of the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory activities of ethanol extract of Bombyx mori pupa-incubated Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies toward allergic rhinitis

Cordyceps militaris has been widely studied for its various pharmacological activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammation, and immune regulation. The binding of an allergen to IgE-sensitized mast cells in nasal mucosa triggers allergic rhinitis. We found that oral administration of 300 mg/kg of the ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies significantly alleviated the symptoms of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mice, including sneeze/scratch, mast cell activation, eosinophil infiltration, and Syk activation. The treatment of ethanol extract significantly suppressed the release of β-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA expression levels of various cytokines, including IL-3, IL-10, and IL-13 in activated RBL2H3 cells. The ethanol extract and β-sitostenone, which was purified from the extract, could respectively reduce the Ca2+ ion mobilization in activated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, results collected from western immunoblotting demonstrated that ethanol extract significantly retarded Ca2+ ion mobilization-initiated signaling cascade, which provoked the expression of various allergic cytokines. Also, the extract incubation interfered with P38 as well as NF-kB activation and Nrf-2 translocation. Our study suggested that ethanol extract possessed some natural constituents which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic cytokines via inhibition of Ca2+ ion mobilization in mast cells in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice.

Immunostimulatory and anti-allergic potential of novel heterotrimeric lectin from seeds of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam

Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. seeds (ZMS) have been used medicinally as sedative or hypnotic drugs in most of Asian countries. ZMS has significant benefits to the human health. Therefore, we have evaluated immunomodulatory effect of lectin extracted from these ZMSL in both in vitro and in vivo study. Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergic reaction and Arthus reaction is deposition of immune complex and complement system activation, so we hypothesized that if ZMSL can protect these severe allergic diseases. We have studied the effect of ZMSL on macrophages and Wistar albino rats and confirmed its protective effect against anaphylaxis and Arthus reaction. Results of this study suggest ZMSL have immunostimulatory and antiallergic activity.

Sophoricoside from Sophora japonica ameliorates allergic asthma by preventing mast cell activation and CD4+ T cell differentiation in ovalbumin-induced mice

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disorder with continuously increasing prevalence worldwide. Novel strategies are needed to prevent or improve asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sophoricoside from Sophora japonica on allergic asthma. The mature seeds of S. japonica contain a large amount of sophoricoside. Sophoricoside reduced allergic and asthmatic symptoms by suppressing airway inflammation and antibody-antigen reaction in mouse models. In particular, sophoricoside suppressed immune cell recruitment into the airway lumens of the lungs and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice. It also decreased the amounts of histamine and arachidonic acid metabolites released in OVA-induced mice and antibody-antigen stimulated mast cells. In addition, sophoricoside decreased differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, and Th17 cells. Overall, we demonstrated that sophoricoside improved allergic asthma by suppressing mast cell activation and CD4+ T cell differentiation.

Inhibitory Effects of Green Asparagus Extract, Especially Phospholipids, on Allergic Responses in Vitro and in Vivo

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is one of the widely consumed vegetables. To investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-allergic responses of asparagus, we extracted different fractions from asparagus and measured their inhibitory effects on β-hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 cells in vitro and an atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mouse model in vivo. The lipid fractions from asparagus were extracted with 50% ethanol, separated using chloroform by liquid-liquid phase separation, and fractionated by solid-phase extraction. Among them, acetone fraction (rich in glycolipid) and MeOH fraction (rich in phospholipid) markedly inhibited β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells. In NC/Nga mice treated with picryl chloride, atopic dermatitis was alleviated following exposure to the 50% EtOH extract, acetone fraction, and methanol fraction. The inhibitory effects of asparagus fractions in vivo were supported by the significant decrease in serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. The phospholipid fractions showed significantly better inhibitory effects, and phosphatidic acid from this fraction showed the best inhibitory effect on β-hexosaminidase release. In mice challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), oral administration of asparagus extract and its fractions decreased the OVA-specific IgE level and total IgE, indicating that these effects may be partly mediated through the downregulation of antigen-specific IgE production. Taken together, the present study shows for the first time that asparagus extract and its lipid fractions could potentially mitigate allergic reactions by decreasing degranulation in granulocytes. Our study provides useful information to develop nutraceuticals and functional foods fortified with asparagus.

Sargassum horneri as a Functional Food Ameliorated IgE/BSA-Induced Mast Cell Activation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), an edible brown alga, has been proposed as a functional food with an improvement effect on abnormal skin immune responses. The present study investigates the anti-allergic effect of an ethanol extract from S. horneri (SHE) on immunoglobulin E (IgE)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-mediated activation in bone marrow-derived cultured-mast cells (BMCMCs) and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice. SHE markedly and dose-dependently suppressed the degranulation of BMCMCs by reducing the β-hexosaminidase and histamine release without cytotoxicity. In addition, SHE significantly decreased the FcεRI expression on the surface of BMCMCs and its IgE binding. Moreover, SHE reduced the mRNA expression and the production of allergic cytokines; interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13; interferon (IFN)-γ and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; and a chemokine, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), by suppressing the activation of Src-family kinases and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling. In further study, the application of SHE reduced the PCA reaction in an IgE/BSA-induced type I allergic mice model. Taken together, we suggest that SHE has an anti-allergic effect in type I allergic responses.

The inhibitory activity of alginate against allergic reactions in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model

Marine seaweed polysaccharides have been considered as a potential resource for antiallergic therapy. Alginate is an acidic linear polysaccharide and soluble dietary fiber that was extracted from brown algae, Laminaria japonica. The molecular weight of alginate was 108 kDa, and its water solution exhibited non-Newtonian characteristics, including viscoelasticity and shear-thinning behavior. The ability of alginate to inhibit allergic reactions was investigated in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced BALB/c mice, which have been widely used as a mouse model of egg allergy. The results showed that alginate could effectively attenuate the occurrence of allergic reactions, including improving the integrity of the intestinal epithelial villi and inhibition of mast cell degranulation in the jejunum, in OVA-induced mice. Moreover, after treatment with alginate, the levels of IgE, histamine and IL-4 in OVA-induced mice were remarkably decreased, and the levels of IFN-γ were markedly increased. In addition, the number of Treg cells in spleen tissues in OVA-induced mice was increased by alginate, and the OVA-induced differentiation of Th0 cells into Th2 cells was significantly inhibited. These results demonstrate that alginate possesses potential antiallergic activities in a mouse model of egg allergy, which might provide important evidence that alginate, extracted from Laminaria japonica, can be developed into a novel functional food for inhibiting egg allergy.

Inhibitory Effects of Eriodictyol-7-O-β-d-glucuronide and 5,7-Dihydroxy-4-chromene Isolated from Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum in FcεRI-Mediated Human Basophilic KU812F Cell Activation

Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum (CZL) has been used in Eastern medicine for the treatment of various diseases, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, cough, the common cold, pharyngitis, bladder-related disorders, gastroenteric disorders, and hypertension. In the present study, we isolated two strong antiallergic compounds from CZL, namely, eriodictyol-7-O-β-d-glucuronide (EDG) and 5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromene (DC), and investigated their antiallergic effects in FcεRI-mediated human basophilic KU812F cells. EDG and DC downregulated the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FcεRI on the cell surface. Moreover, Western blotting analysis showed that EDG and DC inhibited the expression of protein tyrosine kinases such as Syk and Lyn, and extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2. These results suggested that EDG and DC, antiallergic constituents of CZL, are potential therapeutic candidates for protection against and for the treatment of allergic disorders.

Exopolysaccharide Produced by Lactobacillus paracasei IJH-SONE68 Prevents and Improves the Picryl Chloride-Induced Contact Dermatitis

Allergic disease is one of the most important and common health problems worldwide. We have previously demonstrated that a fig leaf-derived lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus (Lb.) paracasei IJH-SONE68 produces a novel exopolysaccharide (EPS). Furthermore, we have shown that the EPS inhibits the catalytic activity of hyaluronidase (EC 3.2.1.36) promoting inflammatory reactions. To evaluate the anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory effects of the EPS, in the present study, we employed the picryl-chloride-induced delayed-type (type IV) allergy model mice, which is used to evaluate the contact dermatitis. Oral administration of the EPS was observed to reduce the ear swelling in the model mice. We also observed that the overexpression of ear interleukin-4 (T helper (Th) 2 cytokine) mRNA and the increase in serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) are repressed. However, the expression of interferon-γ (Th1 cytokine) was not accelerated in all of the allergen-challenged model mice. The improvement may be responsible for the Th2 downregulation rather than the Th1 upregulation. In addition, the symptom of immediate-type (type I) allergy model mice was improved by oral administration of the IJH-SONE68 cell (data not shown). We can conclude that the IJH-SONE68-derived EPS is useful to improve the type I and IV allergies including atopic dermatitis.

Antiallergic and antihistaminic actions of Ceasalpinia bonducella seeds: Possible role in treatment of asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Seed kernel of the plant Ceasalpinia bonducella Linn (Caesalpiniacaeae) are used for the treatment of asthma in folk medicine and ancient books.

AIM OF STUDY

To assess the pharmacological efficacy of the plant in asthma and to confine and describe the synthetic constituents from the seeds that are in charge of the action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The viability of petroleum ether, ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of C. bonducella seeds were screened for the treatment of asthma by various methods viz. effect of test drug on clonidine and haloperidol induced catalepsy, milk-induced leukocytosis and eosinophilia, mast cell stabilizing activity in mice and studies on smooth muscle preparation of guinea pig ileum (in-vitro). Column chromatography of active extract was done to pinpoint the active compound followed by structure elucidation by FTIR, GCMS and NMR spectroscopic methods.

RESULTS

Ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of C. bonducella seeds exhibited antihistaminic activity at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg, inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy but not haloperidol-induced catalepsy. Ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract significantly inhibited increased leukocyte and eosinophil count due to milk allergen and showed maximum protection against mast cell degranulation by clonidine. The results of guinea pig ileum indicated that the compound 2 methyl, 1 hexadecanol isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract relaxed significantly the ileum muscle strips pre-contracted by which suggests the involvement of β₂-agonists on the relaxation of the tissue. All the results are dose dependent. Active ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract showed presence of anti-asthmatic compound, 2-methyl, 1-hexadecanol.

CONCLUSION

The ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of seeds of the plant C. bonducella can inhibit parameters linked to asthma disease.

The Suppressive Activity of Fucofuroeckol-A Derived from Brown Algal Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura on UVB-Induced Mast Cell Degranulation

UV light, especially UVB, is known as a trigger of allergic reaction, leading to mast cell degranulation and histamine release. In this study, phlorotannin Fucofuroeckol-A (F-A) derived from brown algal Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura was evaluated for its protective capability against UVB-induced allergic reaction in RBL-2H3 mast cells. It was revealed that F-A significantly suppress mast cell degranulation via decreasing histamine release as well as intracellular Ca2+ elevation at the concentration of 50 μM. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of F-A on IL-1β and TNF-α productions was also evidenced. Notably, the protective activity of F-A against mast cell degranulation was found due to scavenging ROS production. Accordingly, F-A from brown algal E. stolonifera was suggested to be promising candidate for its protective capability against UVB-induced allergic reaction.

Skullcap (Scutellaria Baicalensis) Hexane Fraction Inhibits the Permeation of Ovalbumin and Regulates Th1/2 Immune Responses

Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. In our previous study, we found that skullcap could inhibit allergen permeation and regulate Th1/2 immune balance. To reveal the key fractions and components of skullcap, we fractionated skullcap extract into five fractions: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fraction. Among these fractions, the hexane fraction significantly suppressed the production of Th2-mediated cytokines (Interleukin (IL)-4, 5, 10 and 13) and increased Th1-mediated cytokines (Interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-12). Furthermore, the hexane fraction inhibited the permeation of ovalbumin (OVA), used as an allergen, across the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer. To confirm the active compounds in the hexane fraction, fatty acids were analyzed. Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 (>59.7%)) was identified as the most important fatty acid in the skullcap hexane fraction. LA significantly suppressed IL-4 production and increased IFN-γ secretion, as well as inhibiting OVA permeation. Thus, LA significantly diminished the permeation of allergen by enhancing intestinal barrier function and regulated allergic responses to maintain Th1/Th2 immune balance.

Spirograterpene A, a Tetracyclic Spiro-Diterpene with a Fused 5/5/5/5 Ring System from the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Penicillium granulatum MCCC 3A00475

A novel spiro-tetracyclic diterpene, spirograterpene A (1), was isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Penicillium granulatum MCCC 3A00475, together with two biosynthetically related cyclopianes, conidiogenone I (2) and conidiogenone C (3). The relative configuration of 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute structure was established by the modified Mosher's method. Compound 1 is the second example of a diterpene featuring a 5/5/5/5 spirocyclic carbon skeleton. It showed modest antiallergic activity.

Eucheuma cottonii Sulfated Oligosaccharides Decrease Food Allergic Responses in Animal Models by Up-regulating Regulatory T (Treg) Cells

In the present study, the anti-food allergy activity of Eucheuma cottonii sulfated oligosaccharide (ESO) was investigated. ESO was obtained by enzymatic degradation and purified by column chromatography. RBL-2H3 cells and BALB/c mouse model were used to test the anti-food allergy activity of ESO. The effects of ESO on the regulatory T (Treg) cells and bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were investigated by flow cytometry. The results of in vivo assay showed that ESO decreased the levels of mast cell protease-1 and histamine and inhibited the levels of specific IgE by 77.7%. In addition, the production of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 was diminished in the ESO groups compared to the non-ESO-treated group. Furthermore, ESO could up-regulate Treg cells by 22.2-97.1%. In conclusion, ESO decreased the allergy response in mice by reducing basophil degranulation, up-regulating Treg cells via Forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), and releasing IL-10. ESO may have preventive and therapeutic potential in allergic disease.

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.

The inhibitory effect of soybean and soybean isoflavone diets on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice

Murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is one of the most frequently used animal models of human allergic contact dermatitis. We investigated the inhibitory effects of soybean and soy isoflavone (SI) diets on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene- (DNFB) induced CHS in mice. The DNFB-induced ear swelling was inhibited in the soy- and SI-treated groups. Histopathological investigations revealed that oral feeding of soybean and SI attenuated ear tissue edema and reduced the number of Gr-1(+) cell infiltrations into ear tissues. DNA microarray analysis showed that the expression of Ccl24, Xcl1, Ifng, and Ccl17 in the ear tissues was lower in the soy-treated mice than in the positive controls. In addition, CCL24 mRNA and protein expression in the ear tissues were more highly suppressed in the soy- and SI-treated groups. These results suggest that soybean and SI consumption downregulated the gene and protein expression of CCL24, thereby affording protection against CHS in mice.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profiles of Three Fagopyrum Buckwheats

The genus Fagopyrum (Polygonaceae), currently comprising 15 species of plants, includes three important buckwheat species: Fagopyrum esculentum (F. esculentum) Moench. (common buckwheat), Fagopyrum tataricum (F. tataricum) (L.) Gaertn. (tartary buckwheat) and Fagopyrum dibotrys (F. dibotrys) (D. Don) Hara. (perennial buckwheat), which have been well explored due to their long tradition of both edible and medicinal use. This review aimed to present an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the three Fagopyrum buckwheats. In addition, the scope for future research was also discussed. All available references included in this paper were compiled from major databases, such as MEDLINE, Pubmed, Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley and CNKI. A total of 106 compounds isolated from three Fagopyrum buckwheats can be mainly divided into six classes: flavonoids, phenolics, fagopyritols, triterpenoids, steroids and fatty acids. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds were considered to be the major active components. Considerable pharmacological experiments both in vitro and in vivo have validated that Fagopyrum buckwheats possess antitumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic activities, etc. All reported data lead us to conclude that Fagopyrum buckwheats have convincing medicinal potential. However, further research is needed to explore its bioactive constituents, the relationship to their structural activities and the molecular mechanisms of action.

Evodiamine and Its Role in Chronic Diseases

Evodiamine (EVO) is a major alkaloid compound extracted from the dry unripened fruit Evodiae fructus (Evodia rutaecarpa Benth., Rutaceae). EVO has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-obesity, anti-allergenic, analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-ulcerogenic, and neuroprotective activities. EVO has varying efficacies in animal models and humans. Here, the physicochemical properties of EVO are presented, and the EVO's functions and mechanisms of action in various chronic diseases are reviewed. EVO is worth exploring in more depth in the future for its potential use in various chronic diseases.

Curine inhibits mast cell-dependent responses in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Curine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid and the major constituent isolated from Chondrodendron platyphyllum, a plant that is used to treat inflammatory diseases in Brazilian folk medicine. This study investigates the effectiveness of curine on mast cell-dependent responses in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To induce mast cell-dependent responses, Swiss mice were subcutaneously sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA-12 μg/mouse) and Al(OH)3 in a 0.9% NaCl solution. Fifteen days later, the animals were challenged with OVA through different pathways. Alternatively, the animals were injected with compound 48/80 or histamine, and several parameters, including anaphylaxis, itching, edema and inflammatory mediator production, were analyzed. Promethazine, cromoglycate, and verapamil were used as control drugs, and all of the treatments were performed 1h before the challenges.

RESULTS

Curine pre-treatment significantly inhibited the scratching behavior and the paw edema induced by either compound 48/80 or OVA, and this protective effect was comparable in magnitude with those associated with treatment with either cromoglycate or verapamil. In contrast, curine was a weak inhibitor of histamine-induced paw edema, which was completely inhibited by promethazine. Curine and verapamil significantly inhibited pleural protein extravasations and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) production following allergen-induced pleurisy. Furthermore, like verapamil, curine inhibited the anaphylactic shock caused by either compound 48/80 or an allergen. In in vitro settings, these treatments also inhibited degranulation as well as PGD2 and CysLT production through IgE-dependent activation of the mast cell lineage RBL-2H3.

CONCLUSION

Curine significantly inhibited immediate allergic reactions through mechanisms more related to mast cell stabilization and activation inhibition than interference with the pro-inflammatory effects of mast cell products. These findings are in line with the hypothesis that the alkaloid curine may be beneficial for the treatment of allergic disorders.

Secoiridoid type of antiallergic substances in olive waste materials of three Japanese varieties of Olea europaea

2-Hydroxy-3-ethylidene-5-(methoxycarbonyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-acetic acid 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl ester (3,4-DHPEA-EA) is a kind of secoiridoid first found in three Japanese olive pomaces: Mission, Lucca, and Manzanillo. These varieties showed high activity of 3,4-DHPEA-EA as an antiallergic active substance with IC50 at 33.5 ± 0.6 μg/mL. Because 3,4-DHPEA-EA was the most abundant among the active substances in the pomaces and the activity of 3,4-DHPEA-EA was greater than that of hydroxytyrosol and elenolic acid, 3,4-DHPEA-EA, which has the ester linkage of hydroxytyrosol and elenolic acid, should be essential for antiallergic activity. Although a trace amount (1.04 mg/kg) of luteolin in the pomace showed the highest antiallergic activity with IC50 at 0.752 ± 0.1 μg/mL, we concluded that the entire antiallergic effect derives from the abundance of 3,4-DHPEA-EA, especially in the green olive pomace of the Mission variety in October, which showed the highest level of 3,4-DHPEA-EA (5033 ± 118 mg/kg). Therefore, the Mission variety had the most effective antiallergy property.

Platycodon grandiflorum root-derived saponins attenuate atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions via suppression of NF-κB and STAT1 and activation of Nrf2/ARE-mediated heme oxygenase-1

PURPOSE

The consequences of precipitously rising allergic skin inflammation rates worldwide have accelerated the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). Natural product-based agents with good efficacy and low risk of side effects offer promising prevention and treatment strategies for inflammation-related diseases. We have already reported that Platycodon grandiflorum root-derived saponins (Changkil saponins, CKS) have many pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, but its influence on AD remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of CKS, mainly platycodin D, on AD-like skin symptoms in mice and the possible mechanisms in cells.

METHODS

Mice were sensitized and challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Four weeks after challenge, mice were treated with oral administration of CKS for 4 weeks. In addition, cells were used to evaluate the effect of CKS, mainly platycodin D, on the TARC expression regulated mechanism.

RESULTS

CKS attenuated DNCB-induced dermatitis severity, serum levels of IgE and TARC, and mRNA expression of TARC, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in mice. Histopathological examination showed reduced thickness of the epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells in the ears. Moreover, CKS and platycodin D inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression through the suppression of NF-κB and STAT1 and induction of Nrf2/ARE-mediated hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in cells.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that CKS and platycodin D inhibited the development of AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine mediators and may be an effective alternative therapy for AD-like skin symptoms.

Anti-allergic rhinitis effect of caffeoylxanthiazonoside isolated from fruits of Xanthium strumarium L. in rodent animals

The fruits of Xanthium strumarium L. (Asteraceae) have been used extensively in China for treatment of various diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR), tympanitis, urticaria and arthritis or ozena. This study was designed to systemically investigate the effects of the caffeoylxanthiazonoside (CXT) isolated from fruits of X. strumarium on AR in rodent animals. Animals were orally administered with CXT. Anti-allergic activity of CXT was evaluated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test (PCA); acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used to evaluate the analgesic effects of CXT; acetic acid-induced vascular permeability tests were performed to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of CXT. Then, the model AR in rats was established to evaluate the effects of CXT on AR with the following tests: the sneezing and nasal scratching frequencies, IgE level in serum, and histopathological examinations. Our results demonstrated that CXT had favorable anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Additionally, we found that CXT was helpful to ameliorate the nasal symptoms and to down-regulate IgE levels in AR rats. Thus, we suggested that CXT can be treated as a candidate for treating AR.

Natural dibenzo-α-pyrones and their bioactivities

Natural dibenzo-α-pyrones are an important group of metabolites derived from fungi, mycobionts, plants and animal feces. They exhibit a variety of biological activities such as toxicity on human and animals, phytotoxicity as well as cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiallergic, antimicrobial, antinematodal, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties. Dibenzo-α-pyrones are biosynthesized via the polyketide pathway in microorganisms or metabolized from plant-derived ellagitannins and ellagic acid by intestinal bacteria. At least 53 dibenzo-α-pyrones have been reported in the past few decades. This mini-review aims to briefly summarize the occurrence, biosynthesis, biotransformation, as well as their biological activities and functions. Some considerations related to synthesis, production and applications of dibenzo-α-pyrones are also discussed.

In vivo anti-ulcer, anti-stress, anti-allergic, and functional properties of gymnemic acid isolated from Gymnema sylvestre R Br

BACKGROUND

Gymnema sylvestre is a highly valued ethno pharmacologically important medicinal plant used currently in many poly-herbal formulations due to its potential antidiabetic activity and other health benefits. The present study was carried out to analyze the anti-stress, anti-allergic, and antiulcer activity of the bioactive compounds present in Gymnema sylvestre leaves.

METHODS

The preliminary phytochemical screening for bioactive compounds from aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. The antioxidant activities were investigated using DPPH radical scavenging method. The characterization of the extract was carried out using standard compound by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and phytochemical analysis in terms of total phenol, total flavonoids, reducing power and antioxidant potentials, etc. The in vivo studies on albino mice proved the purified fraction has anti-stress/anti-allergic activity against milk induced leucocytosis/eosinophilia and able to inhibit the aspirin induced gastric ulcers.

RESULTS

The quantitative estimation for aqueous extract exhibited total antioxidant (9.13 ± 0.04 μg/g), flavonoids (125.62 ± 26.84 μg/g), tannin (111.53 ± 15.13 μg/g), total phenol content (285.23 ± 1.11 μg/g) and free radical scavenging (52.14 ± 0.32%). Further the aqueous extract was consecutively purified by TLC and silica column chromatography. The purified fractions were characterized by HPTLC and GC-MS and the component was identified as gymnemic acid. The potency of the antimicrobial activity of the extract was studied with bacteria. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the extracts of all plants given orally showed significant gastric protection against the asprin-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. Furthermore, healing effects were also confirmed through histopathological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

The aqueous extracts of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre possess anti ulcerogenic, Anti allergic, Anti stress, properties that may be due to cytoprotective mechanism. These results support the ethno medical uses of the plant in the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Antiallergic effects of pigments isolated from green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) shells

This study was undertaken to evaluate possible antiallergic effects of an extract of pigments from green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) shells. Effects were studied on animal models - guinea pig ileum contraction, rabbit eyes allergic conjunctivitis, and rabbit local skin irritation. The extract significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the histamine-induced contractions of the isolated guinea pig ileum with ID50 =1.2 µg/mL (in equivalents of spinochrome B), had an inhibitory effect on the model of ocular allergic inflammation surpassing the reference drug olopatadine, and did not show any irritating effect in rabbits. The extract predominantly contained polyhydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone which would be responsible for the pharmacological activity. The active compounds of the extract were evaluated in silico with molecular docking. Molecular docking into H1R receptor structures obtained from molecular dynamic simulations showed that all spinochrome derivatives bind to the receptor active site, but spinochrome monomers fit better to it. The results of the present study suggest possibilities for the development of new agents for treating allergic diseases on the base of pigments from sea urchins shells.

Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of bakkenolide B isolated from Petasites japonicus leaves

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of Petasites genus, we studied the effects of several compounds isolated from Petasites japonicas leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bakkenolide B was isolated from Petasites japonicus leaves. Antigen-induced degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 mast cells by measuring β-hexosamidase activity. Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 was measured by Western blotting in peritoneal macrophages. Ovalbumin-induced asthma model was used for in vivo efficacy test of bakkanolide B.

RESULTS

We found that bakkenolide B, a major component of the leaves, concentration-dependently inhibited RBL-2H3 mast cell degranulation. Bakkenolide B also inhibited the gene inductions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, in an ovalbumin-induced asthma model, bakkenolide B strongly inhibited the accumulation of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

CONCLUSION

Bakkenolide B has suppressive properties for allergic and inflammatory responses and may be utilized as a potent agent for the treatment of asthma.

Assessment of dermal safety of Scutellaria baicalensis aqueous extract topical application on skin hypersensitivity

Scutellaria baicalensis has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for bronchitis, hepatitis, and allergic diseases. The root of Scutellaria baicalensis contains active flavonoid components, including baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin, which have pharmaceutical properties. In the present study, the antiallergic properties of a standardized aqueous extract of S. baicalensis were evaluated, and the skin toxicity of its dermal application was also determined. The in vivo and in vitro assays were performed by using the β-hexosaminidase assay in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) and cutaneous skin reaction in BALB/c mice, respectively. In addition, the acute dermal irritation/corrosion test was carried out in New Zealand white rabbits, and the skin sensitization test was conducted by Buhler's method in Hartley guinea pigs to estimate the safety of the standardized aqueous extract of S. baicalensis for topical application. β-Hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 was markedly decreased following treatment with the standardized aqueous extract of S. baicalensis. It also ameliorated antigen-induced ear swelling compared with the control group in BALB/c mice. In the toxicological studies, it did not induce any dermal irritation/corrosion in rabbits or skin sensitization in guinea pigs. Although still limited, these results concerning the toxicological effects of S. baicalensis could be an initial step toward the topical application of S. baicalensis extracts on hypersensitive skin.

Anti-allergic potential of herbs and herbal natural products - activities and patents

The increase of allergic diseases has accompanied the global population growth and the major challenge is to reduce morbidity. The currently available treatments present limitations regarding efficacy and safety. Hence, patients with chronic allergic conditions seek alternatives to achieve better control of symptoms. Many natural products have been identified as potential anti-allergic agents. In addition, plant formulations have demonstrated, in general, to be safe in clinical trials and demonstrate additional effects along with Western medicines such as synergism and modulation of the immune system. It is known that plants represent a source of new therapeutic agents and some of them have shown mechanisms of action similar to synthetic agents. However, in general, herbs and their combination are patented mainly by Asian countries to be used in food and drinks or cosmetics and dietary supplements and the anti-allergic mechanisms of action are not yet fully elucidated. In this review, we highlight relevant patent and studies with cultivated plants, plant formulations, and secondary metabolites that have been evaluated with respect to its anti-allergic potential.

Anti-stress and anti-allergic effect of Actiniopteris radiata in some aspects of asthma

Successive extracts of whole plant of Actiniopteris radiata screened for its therapeutic potential as an antiallergic and antistress agent in asthma using specific in vivo animal models. Only ethanol extract (AREE) at a higher dose of 100 mg/kg i.p significantly (p < 0.05) decreased milk induced eosinophilia by 16.20 ± 2.235 when compared with control group while even lower doses of 50 mg/kg, i.p exhibited significant inhibition (P < 0.05) of leukocytosis induced by milk in mice. Other extracts like petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol unable to exhibit that significant potential. Results obtained thus validate the traditional claim of the Actiniopteris radiata utilization in different aspect of asthma due to presence of various polar secondary metabolites in ethanol extract.

Inhibitory effects of adlay bran (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) on chemical mediator release and cytokine production in rat basophilic leukemia cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Adlay (Job's tears, Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) has long been used in China to treat rheumatism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the anti-allergic effects of adlay bran on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To evaluate the anti-allergic effects of adlay bran, the release of histamines and cytokines were measured using ELISA. To explore the mechanism of these effects, the protein expression levels were determined using western blotting.

RESULTS

A 40.8μg/mL concentration of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanolic extracts of adlay bran (ABE-EtOAc) effectively inhibited mast cell degranulation. The 40-100% EtOAc/Hex subfractions of ABE-EtOAc inhibited histamine release with an IC(50) of 71-87μg/mL. Moreover, the ABE-EtOAc subfractions suppressed the secretion of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the RBL-2H3 cells, indicating that adlay bran can inhibit cytokine secretion in the late phase of the allergic reaction. In addition, adlay bran reduced the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and decreased the expression of protein kinase C. Furthermore, six phenolic acids and one flavone were isolated. Of these compounds, luteolin showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC(50)=1.5μg/mL).

CONCLUSION

Adlay bran extract reduced the release of histamines and cytokines and suppressed the production of Akt. These combined effects influenced the signal transduction in RBL-2H3 cells, thereby revealing the mechanisms of the anti-allergic effects of adlay.

Attenuation of airway hyperreactivity and T helper cell type 2 responses by coumarins from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (PPD) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthma. Its major constituents, coumarins, were presumed to be responsible for its efficacy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The potential of coumarins from PPD (CPPD) as anti-asthma agent was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce allergic airway inflammation. CPPD was administered intragastrically before every OVA challenge. Airway reactivity to the intravenous administration of acetylcholine chloride was measured 48h after final OVA inhalation. Airway inflammation was evaluated by leukocyte counts of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and histopathological analysis of lung lesions. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ in BALF and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E in serum, and activity of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in lung was measured. The percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells among CD4(+) T cells in spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Compared with model group, CPPD significantly reduced airway hyperreactivity and airway eosinophilic inflammation, improved pathologic lesion of the lungs, reduced levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in BALF and OVA-specific IgE in serum, inhibited the activities of EPO in lung, and up-regulated levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in BALF as well as the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in spleen.

CONCLUSION

CPPD can significantly suppress OVA-induced airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity and Th2 predominant response in mice, showing great therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergic asthma.

Inhibitory effects of Acorus calamus extracts on mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reactions using mast cell and mouse model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acorus calamus Linn. (Araceae) is a traditional herbal plant used for centuries to treat various allergic symptoms including asthma and bronchitis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was focused to provide a pharmacological basis for the traditional use of Acorus calamus in allergic symptoms using the mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reactions in in vitro and in vivo models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viabilities were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin (DNP-HSA) induced β-hexosaminidase and interleukin (IL)-4 productions in IgE-sensitized rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-2H3) cells were measured by enzymatic assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction mouse model was implemented for in vivo studies.

RESULTS

Hot water (HW), butylene glycol (BG), hexane (HE) and steam distilled (SD) extracts of Acorus calamus showed different cytoxicity levels evaluated in RBL-2H3 cells. Sub-toxic doses of HW extract suppressed the β-hexosaminidase secretion and IL-4 production significantly and dose dependently in DNP-HSA induced IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells compared to other extracts of Acorus calamus. Further, in vivo studies also revealed that the HW extract significantly inhibited the PCA reaction in mouse compared to the normal control group.

CONCLUSION

HW extract of Acorus calamus most effectively inhibited degranulation and IL-4 secretion in DNP-HSA-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells and also reduced the mast cell-mediated PCA reaction in mouse, providing a therapeutic evidence for its traditional use in ameliorating allergic reactions.

Antiallergic effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on inflammation in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs for the treatment of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic effect of SB in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received intradermal injections of anti-DNP IgE at each of three dorsal skin sites. Forty-eight hours later, each rat received an injection of DNP-HSA in saline containing 4% Evans blue through the dorsal vein of the penis. One hour before injection, SB extract was administered orally. The dorsal skin of the rats was removed and the pigment area measured. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were cultured and purified to investigate histamine release. In vitro, human mast cells (HMC-1) were pretreated with SB extract for 30min before stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187. The effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase expression were investigated using TNF-α and IL-8 assays, and Western blotting analysis of HMC-1 cells.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

SB treatment inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction compared to the control group, and histamine release decreased significantly following treatment of RPMCs with SB. In HMC-1 cells, SB restored IL-8 and TNF-α expression and inhibited MAP kinase expression in compound 48/80-induced HMC-1 cells. These data suggest that SB may prove to be a useful anti-inflammatory agent through its downregulation of the expression of various inflammatory mediators.

The hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia alata (Linn.) leaves and its major compound rhein exhibits antiallergic activity via mast cell stabilization and lipoxygenase inhibition

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leaves of Cassia alata (family: Caesalpiniaceae) are ethnomedically claimed as anti-asthmatic. In the current study we aimed to investigate the anti-allergic activities of hydro-methanolic extract of Cassia alata (Linn.) and its constituents rhein and kaempferol on triple antigen/sheep serum-induced mast-cell degranulation in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antiallergic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia alata along with its two components rhein and kaempferol was evaluated using in vivo mast cell stabilization assay. Inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme was also evaluated in vitro. Further chemical standardization of Cassia alata extract was done using rhein and kaempferol by HPTLC-densitometric method.

RESULTS

The hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia alata significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation at 200mg/kg dose. Both chemical constituents rhein and kaempferol also showed potent (>76%) inhibition of mast-cell degranulation at 5mg/kg. Extract and rhein inhibited LOX enzyme with IC(50) values of 90.2 and 3.9μg/mL, respectively, whereas kaempferol was inactive.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Cassia alata exhibit anti-allergic activity through mast cell stabilization and LOX inhibition. Thus, Cassia alata or its active constituents could be potential alternative treatment for allergic diseases.

Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Kadsura coccinea

In vitro anti-allergic screening of medicinal herbal extracts revealed that the EtOAc extract of the rhizoma of Kadsura coccinea inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in a lipopolysaccharide and recombinant mouse interferon-γ activated murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW264.7. Further fractionation of the EtOAc extract led to the isolation of two new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans kadsuralignan G (1) and kadsuralignan L (2), and three known analog compounds. The absolute stereostructures were established by circular dichroism spectra. Both 1 and 2 showed moderate NO production inhibitory activities.

Monoterpenes isolated from Minthostachys verticillata (Griseb.) Epling essential oil modulates immediate-type hypersensitivity responses in vitro and in vivo

In a previous work, we have demonstrated that Minthostachys verticillata essential oil has immunomodulatory effects in vitro on cells from allergic patients. Here we characterized main components of M. verticillata essential oil and also tested if these compounds modulate In vitro and in vivo the immediate-type allergic reaction. Gas chromatography was used to identify main components of the essential oil. Pulegone (63.4 %), menthone (15.9 %), and limonene (2.1 %) were found as main classes. IL-13 levels were evaluated from lymphocytes cultures stimulated with allergen alone or combined with monoterpenes. All compounds stimulated cell proliferation but, interestingly, promoted a reduction of IL-13 values, limonene and the mixture of the three compounds being the most active. β-Hexosaminidase release was determined from basophils to which essential oil or monoterpenes were added. We observed that, whichever combination of monoterpenes was used, β-hexosaminidase release was diminished in all cases. Obtained values were even lower than those of antiallergic drug desloratadine. Essential oil and limonene inhibited mast cell activation and degranulation in the skin when testing passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, limonene being the most active. In conclusion, limonene was the compound that showed the most potent immunomodulatory activity. This fact suggests that it constitutes a promising natural alternative for a novel treatment of allergic diseases.

Suppression of dust mite extract and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis by the water extract of Lindera obtusiloba

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Lindera obtusiloba has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation and dermatitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of topical application of Lindera obtusiloba water extract (LOWE) on the house dust mite extract (Dermatophagoides farinae extract, DFE) and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established AD model in BALB/c mice by repeated local exposure of DFE/DNCB to the ears. After a topical application of LOWE on the skin lesions, the epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine were measured. In addition, the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-31, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the ears was assayed.

RESULTS

LOWE reduced AD symptoms based on ear thickness, histopathological analysis, and serum IgE levels. LOWE inhibited mast cell infiltration into the ear and elevation of serum histamine in AD model. Moreover, LOWE suppressed DFE/DNCB-induced expression of IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, and TNF-α in the ears.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that topical application of LOWE exerts beneficial effects in AD symptoms, suggesting that LOWE might be a candidate for the treatment of AD.

Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in mast cell mediated allergy model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chamomile is most popular used medicinal plant and extensively consumed as a tea or tisanes. Traditionally this plant was used for treatment of many ailments such as allergy disorders and inflammatory mediated diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the effects of anti-allergic activity of Matricaria recutita L. on mast cell mediated allergic models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protective effect of methanol extract of Matricaria recutita against compound 48/80 induced anaphylaxis and pruritis models for acute phase of hypersensitivity reactions were carried out. The late phase hypersensitivity reactions by compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release from blood along with serum nitric oxide (NO), rat peritoneal fluid nitric oxide (NO) and bronchoalveolar fluid nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured.

RESULTS

The methanol extract of Matricaria recutita L. showed inhibitory effects on anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 and significant dose dependent anti-pruritis property was observed by inhibiting the mast cell degranulation. Mast cell membrane stabilization activity was also observed in compound 48/80 induced mast cell activation. Dose dependent reduction in the histamine release, along with decreased release of serum, rat peritoneal and BAL fluid nitric oxide (NO) levels were observed.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the methanol extract of Matricaria recutita showed potent anti-allergic activity by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells.

Anti-allergic activity of sesquiterpenes from the rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus

From the 70% ethanol extract of the rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus (CRE), several major constituents including the sesquiterpene derivatives (valencene, nootkatone, and caryophyllene α-oxide), monoterpenes (β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and limonene) and 4-cymene were isolated and examined for their anti-allergic activity in vitro and in vivo. In rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-1 cells, the sesquiterpenes strongly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase-catalyzed leukotrienes production. In addition, they inhibited β-hexosaminidase release by antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, with valencene having the highest inhibitory effect. CRE inhibited leukotrienes production and β-hexosaminidase release at 300 μg/mL. It was also found that the most active sesquiterpene (valencene) and CRE inhibited β-hexosaminidase degranulation by inhibiting the initial activation reaction, Lyn phosphorylation, in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, CRE, valencene and nootkatone significantly inhibited the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in mice when administered orally at 50-300 mg/kg. In conclusion, C. rotundus and its constituents, valencene, nootkatone, and caryophyllene α-oxide, exert anti-allergic activity in vitro and in vivo. These sesquiterpenes, but not monoterpenes, certainly contribute to the anti-allergic activity of the rhizomes of C. rotundus.

Phlorotannins from Ecklonia cava (Phaeophyceae): biological activities and potential health benefits

The importance of bioactive derivatives as functional ingredients has been well recognized due to their valuable health beneficial effects. Therefore, isolation and characterization of novel functional ingredients with biological activities from seaweeds have gained much attention. Ecklonia cava Kjellman is an edible seaweed, which has been recognized as a rich source of bioactive derivatives mainly, phlorotannins. These phlorotannins exhibit various beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, antihypertensive, matrix metalloproteinase enzyme inhibition, hyaluronidase enzyme inhibition, radioprotective, and antiallergic activities. This review focuses on biological activities of phlorotannins with potential health beneficial applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals.

Effects of Red Ginseng extract on allergic reactions to food in Balb/c mice

AIM OF THE STUDY

Red Ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) have traditionally been thought to have anti-allergic effects, but their influence on food-induced allergic responses is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study examined the effects of a Red Ginseng extract on an ova-albumin (OVA)-evoked allergic reaction in mice.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The orally administered extract significantly inhibited the increase in OVA-specific IgG(1) (Th(2)) levels in OVA-sensitized mice, but had no effect on OVA-specific IgE (Th(2)) levels. The extract prevented a reduction in IL-12 production and the ratio of IFN-γ (Th(1)) to IL-4 (Th(2)) in splenocytes, and enhanced small intestinal CD8-, IFN-γ-, and IgA-positive cell numbers in the OVA-sensitized mice. These findings suggest that Red Ginseng inhibits allergic reactions to food by preventing reductions in the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 and in IL-12 production induced by dietary antigens in spleen cells, and/or increasing the expression of CD8 and IFN-γ in the small intestine. It may also protect against sensitization to antigens as an immunomodulator by increasing intestinal IgA secretion without affecting antigen-specific IgE levels. In conclusion, Red Ginseng roots may be a natural preventative of food allergies.

Tanshinones isolated from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM, family Labiatae), which contains tanshinones as main constituents, has been used as a cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory agent in Chinese medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate anti-allergic effects of the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM, family Labiatae) and its main constituents, tanshinones, against passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PCA reaction was induced by IgE-antigen complex (IAC) in ICR mice. Protein expression of IL-4 and TNF-α in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and NF-κB and c-jun (AP-1) activation assayed by immunoblot.

RESULTS

Tanshinones inhibited the PCA reaction and reduced IL-4 and TNF-α production in mice as well as in IAC-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Tanshinones also inhibited NF-κB and AP-1 activation in RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with IAC. Among tested tanshinones, tanshinone I exhibited the most potent inhibition, followed by 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone.

CONCLUSIONS

SM and tanshinones may ameliorate the PCA reaction by inhibiting the allergic cytokines IL-4 and TNF-α via NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.

Inhibitory effect of acteoside isolated from Cistanche tubulosa on chemical mediator release and inflammatory cytokine production by RBL-2H3 and KU812 cells

The immediate-type allergic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of acteoside extracted from CISTANCHE TUBULOSA (Schrenk) R. Wight on the basophilic cell-mediated allergic reaction. The effect of acteoside on β-hexosaminidase release and intracellular [Ca (2+)] I level from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells was determined. Also, ELISA was used to determine the level of histamine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α, and interleukin (IL)-4 on human basophilic (KU812) cells. The effect of acteoside on basophilic cell viability was determined using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. These results indicated that 0.1-10.0 µg/mL acteoside inhibits the release of β-hexosaminidase and [Ca (2+)] I influx from IgE-mediated RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, acteoside inhibited histamine release, TNF- α, and IL-4 production in a dose-dependent manner from calcium ionophore A23187 plus phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or compound 48/80-stimulated KU812 cells. Our findings provide evidence that acteoside inhibits basophilic cell-derived immediate-type and delayed-type allergic reactions. This is the first report describing antiallergic activity of acteoside extracted from CISTANCHE TUBULOSA on basophilic cells.

Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-lipidperoxidant effects of Cassia occidentalis Linn

Cassia occidentalis Linn. mast cell degranulation at a dose of 250 mg/kg, showed dose dependent stabilizing activity towards human RBC, with is widely used in traditional medicine of India to treat a number of clinical conditions including allergy and inflammatory manifestations. In the present study anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of C. occidentalis whole plant ethanolic extract (CO) was investigated. Effects of CO on rat mast cell degranulation inhibition and human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization were studied in vitro following standard methods. The anti lipidperoxidant effects of CO were also studied in vitro. Effect of CO on carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema inhibition was also assessed. CO significantly decreased maximum protection of 80.8% at 15 microg/ml. The extract also caused significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of murine hepatic microsomes at 100 microg/ml (56%) and significantly reduced carrageenan induced inflammation in mice at a dose of 250 mg/kg. Results of the present study indicated that CO inhibited mast cell degranulation, stabilized HRBC membrane thereby alleviating immediate hypersensitivity besides showing anti oxidant activity.

Antiallergic herbal composition from Scutellaria baicalensis and Phyllostachys edulis

We aimed to find antiallergic agents from natural sources using mast cells activated during allergic reaction. We screened over 2000 plants for blockade of histamine release and identified two of them, S. baicalenesis and P. edulis. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to two main constituent flavonoids, baicalin from S. baicalenesis roots and isoorientin from P. edulis leaves. Based on these two compounds, two standardized extracts (SSBE and SPEE) and a combined standardized herb composition (SHC) were developed. SSBE, SPEE, and SHC remarkably inhibited histamine and leukotriene release from mast cells activated by anti-OVA/OVA binding, and SHC showed a stronger inhibition than either extract alone. SHC also showed greater inhibition potency than either aspirin or cromolyn, which are known antiallergic agents. Our results suggest that SHC reduce degranulation during mast cell activation and could be a promising candidate for the treatment of immune/allergic diseases related to mast cells.

Rubiae Radix suppresses the activation of mast cells through the inhibition of Syk kinase for anti-allergic activity

The effect of extracts from various Oriental medicinal herbs on mast-cell-mediated allergic reactions was investigated in this study. Of these extracts, the medicinal herb Rubiae Radix exhibited the most potent activity in the cells, with an IC50 value (concentration necessary to obtain 50% inhibition of the response) of approximately 35±2.1 μg mL−1, and its inhibition of compound-48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis by 48.6±8.5% at 300 mg kg−1 in mice. It also inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). As for its mechanism of action, Rubiae Radix suppressed the activating phosphorylation of Syk, a key enzyme in mast-cell signalling processes, and that of Akt in a dose-dependent manner. It also inhibited the MAP kinase ERK1/2, which is critical for the production of inflammatory cytokines in mast cells, as indicated by the suppression of the activating phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These results suggest that Rubiae Radix suppresses the activation of mast cells through the inhibition of Syk for antiallergic activity.

Phytochemical analysis and anti-allergic study of Agave intermixta Trel. and Cissus sicyoides L

Agave intermixta Trel. (Maguey) and Cissus sicyoides L. (Bejuco caro) are Caribbean plant species from the Dominican Republic used locally in traditional popular medicine that have shown an anti-inflammatory effect in experimental animal models. A phytochemical analysis on these species allowed us the isolation and identification of the steroidal sapogenins hecogenin and diosgenin from Maguey and the hydroxystilbene resveratrol from Bejuco caro. The effects of these plant extracts and their isolated constituents on compound-48/80-induced histamine release from peritoneal mast cells were investigated. Significant inhibition was produced by 0.5 mg mL−1 of a methanolic extract of Bejuco (41.1%) and by its constituent resveratrol (82.4%) at a dose of 250 μM. However, none of the steroidal sapogenins from A. intermixta showed a significant inhibitory effect on histamine release from mast cells. From these results, it can be deduced that the in-vitro anti-allergic activity towards the release of histamine from mast cells shown by the methanolic extract of C. sicyoides may be mediated by its constituent resveratrol and might contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity shown by this species.

Mangiferin inhibits passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and pruritus in mice

The antiallergic effect of mangiferin isolated from the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (family Liliaceae) was measured in vitro and in vivo. Orally and intraperitoneally administered mangiferin potently inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction induced by IgE-antigen complex as well as pruritus induced by compound 48/80 in mice. Mangiferin also inhibited the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and the IgE-switching cytokine IL-4 as well as transcription factor NF-kappaB activation in RBL-2H3 cells stimulated by IgE-antigen complex. These findings suggest that mangiferin may improve PCA reaction and pruritus.