Action of Rubus coreanus extract on systemic and local anaphylaxis

The effect was investigated of the aqueous extract of Rubus coreanus Miq. (Rosaceae) fruits (RCAE) on systemic and local anaphylaxis. RCAE (0.01-1 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in mice. RCAE (1 g/kg) also significantly inhibited local anaphylaxis activated by anti-DNP IgE. Pretreatment with RCAE at the same concentration before systemic anaphylaxis reduced the plasma histamine levels in a dose-dependent manner. RCAE (0.001-1 mg/mL) dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. The level of cAMP in RPMC, when RCAE was added, significantly increased, compared with that of the normal control. Moreover, RCAE (0.01-1 mg/mL) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that RCAE may possess antianaphylactic action.     

Effect of Vitex rotundifolia on immediate-type allergic reaction

We investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Vitex rotundifolia (L.) (Verbenaceae) fruits (VRFE) on the immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro. VRFE (10(-4)-1.0 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. When VRFE was employed in a systemic allergic reaction test, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. VRFE (5x10(-1) and 1.0 g/kg) inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. VRFE (10(-3)-1.0 mg/ml) also dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, VRFE (10(-3) mg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results suggest that VRFE may be beneficial in the regulation of immediate-type allergic reaction.     

The stem of sinomenium acutum inhibits mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from rat peritoneal mast cells

The aqueous extract of Sinomenium acutum stem (SSAE) (0.1-1000 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylactic reaction induced by compound 48/80 in mice. In particular, SSAE reduced compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction with 50% at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. SSAE (100-1000 mg/kg) also significantly inhibited local anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. When mice were pretreated with SSAE at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 1000 mg/kg, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. SSAE (1-1000 microg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. In addition, SSAE (0.1 microg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. These results indicate that SSAE inhibits mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions and TNF-alpha production from mast cells.     

Shini-san inhibits mast cell-dependent immediate-type allergic reactions

Shini-San has been used for treatment of allergic disease in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. The mast cell plays a pivotal role in initiating allergic response by secreting intracytoplasmic granular mediators such as histamine. The present report describes an inhibitory effect of Shini-San on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. Topical application of compound 48/80 can induce an ear swelling response in normal (WBB6F1(-)+/+) mice but not in congenic mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/WV mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration-dependent mast cell-dependent ear swelling response induced by compound 48/80 in normal mice. Shini-San inhibited concentration-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) in rats by topical application. Shini-San also inhibited in concentration-dependent fashion the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, Shini-San had a significant inhibitory effect on compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic reaction. These results indicate that Shini-San inhibits immediate type allergic reactions by inhibition of mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro.     

Antiallergic effect of KOB03, a polyherbal medicine, on mast cell-mediated allergic responses in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis mouse and human mast cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

KOB03 is a polyherbal medicine consisting of five different herbs and has commonly been used for the treatment of various allergic diseases. However, its precise anti-allergic effect and mechanism remain unknown.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KOB03 on allergic responses through the regulation of mast-cell mediated allergic inflammation.

Materials and methods

To determine the effect of KOB03 on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions, we investigated the parameter changes of in vivo models such as compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis, and the release of allergic inflammatory mediators such as histamine, immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and inflammatory cytokines via the MAPKs and NF-kappaB pathways.

Results

The oral administration of KOB03 at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg inhibited histamine release and mortality in compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic rats. KOB03 also improved rhinitis symptoms, inhibited the histopathological changes of nasal mucosa, and decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE and TNF-α in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mice. In vitro, KOB03 suppressed compound 48/80-induced histamine release by blocking mast cell degranulation. In addition, KOB03 inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in PMA/A23187-stimulated HMC-1 mast cells by suppressing their gene expression and blocking the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Conclusions

These results suggest that KOB03 has an anti-allergic effect by modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses in allergic rhinitis.     

Inhibition of immediate-type allergic reaction by Rosa davurica Pall. in a murine model

We studied the effect of Rosa davurica Pall. (Rosaceae) fruits (RdF) on immediate-type allergic reactions. RdF completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock at the dose of 1 g/kg. When RdF was given as pretreatment, at concentrations ranging from 0.0001 to 1 g/kg, the serum histamine levels induced by compound 48/80 were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. RdF inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody dose dependently. RdF also inhibited the histamine release induced by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC). Moreover, RdF had a significant inhibitory effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that RdF may contain compounds with actions that inhibit mast cell degranulation in the rat.     

The evaluation of antianaphylactic effect of Oryza sativa L. in rats.

This study was carried out to examine the effect of methanol extract of Oryza sativa L. (Dong-Jin in Korean, abbreviate as Os-DJ hereafter) on anaphylaxis. Os-DJ (10(-5) to 1 g/kg) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by compound 48/80 in rats. When Os-DJ was pretreated at concentration ranging from 10(-5) to 1 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Os-DJ (1 g/kg) also significantly inhibited local anaphylaxis activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. Moreover, Os-DJ dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. These results indicate that Os-DJ possess antianaphylactic activity by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells in vivo and in vitro.     

Regulatory effect of atopic allergic reaction by Carpopeltis affinis

Carpopeltis affinis Okamura (CA, Halymeniaceae) has long been used as therapeutics for various allergic diseases in Korea. The precise effects of CA in experimental models, however, have remained unknown. We studied the effects of a methanol extract of CA on atopic allergic reaction. Histamine content was measured by the o-phthalaldehyde spectrofluorometric procedure. Cytokines were measured by a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cytotoxicity was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. CA significantly inhibited the histamine release and beta-hexosaminidase release from rat peritoneal mast cells. CA also inhibited interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187-induced HMC-1 cells (human mast cell line). 48 h exposure to CA (1.0, 10, and 100 microg/ml) had little effect on HMC-1 cell viability. Our results suggest that CA has an inhibitory effect on mast cell-dependent allergic reaction and thus may be useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.     

Inhibitory effects of Korean folk medicine `Hi-Chum' on histamine release from mast cells in vivo and in vitro

The effect of aqueous extract of Siegesbeckia glabrescence (Compositae) whole plants (SGWP) on systemic or local anaphylaxis was studied. SGWP inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis 100% with a dose of 1000 mg/kg. Oral administration of SGWP (100 mg/kg) showed a marked inhibition rate in local immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. When SGWP was pretreated at concentration ranging from 0.1 to 1000 mg/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SGWP dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from peritoneal mast cells by compound 48/80. These results indicate that SGWP possess strong antianaphylactic activity by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells.     

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 30 min 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.     

Effect of Syzygium aromaticum extract on immediate hypersensitivity in rats

We investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry (Myrtaceae) flower bud (SAFB) on immediate hypersensitivity. SAFB inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in rats (IC₅₀=31.25 mg/kg, i.p.). SAFB also inhibited local immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction (IC₅₀=17.78 mg/kg, i.v.; IC₅₀=19.81 mg/kg, p.o.). When SAFB was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 25 to 1000 mg/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SAFB dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80 or anti-dinitrophenyl IgE. When SAFB was added, the level of cAMP in RPMC transiently and significantly increased about 47-fold at 10 s compared with that of basal cells. These results indicate that SAFB inhibits immediate hypersensitivity by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells in vivo and in vitro.     

Inhibitory activity of Chrysanthemi sibirici herba extract on RBL-2H3 mast cells and compound 48/80-induced anaphylaxis

The effects of extracts from various oriental medicinal herbs on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction were investigated. Among them, Chrysanthemi sibirici herba ethanol extract exerted the potent inhibitory activity on antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 mast cells. Chrysanthemi sibirici herba dose-dependently inhibited DNP-BSA or compound 48/80-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 mast cells, with IC(50) values of approximately 49 microg/ml and 76 microg/ml, respectively. This extract strongly suppressed compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis by 48.7% at a dose of 300 mg/kg in mice. Chrysanthemi sibirici herba also inhibited the expression of TNF-alpha and the activation of the MAP kinase, ERK1/2, which is critical for the production of inflammatory cytokines in mast cells, as indicated by the suppression of activating phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These results lead us to conclude that Chrysanthemi sibirici herba may be used clinically to treat various allergic diseases.     

SunghyangJungki-San Ga Pogongyoung inhibits IL-1 mediated tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion in astrocytes

Astrocytes play an important role in initiating and modulating inflammatory responses within the central nervous system (CNS). Extensive studies in rodents have shown that substance P induces inflammatory cytokine production in astrocytes. In this study we have examined whether an aqueous extract of SunghyangJungki-San Ga Pogongyoung (SSGP) inhibits the secretion of TNF-alpha from primary cultures of rat astrocytes. SSGP (10-1,000 microg/mL) significantly inhibited the TNF-alpha secretion by astrocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and substance P (SP). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to elevate TNF-alpha secretion from LPS-stimulated astrocytes while having no effect on astrocytes in the absence of LPS. We therefore examined whether IL-1 mediated inhibition of TNF-alpha secretion from primary astrocytes by SSGP. Treatment with SSGP (10-1,000 microg/mL) to astrocytes stimulated with both LPS and SP decreased IL-1 secretion significantly. Moreover, the secretion of TNF-alpha by LPS and SP in astrocytes was progressively inhibited with an increasing amount of IL-1 neutralizing antibody. Our results suggest that SSGP may inhibit TNF-alpha secretion by inhibiting IL-1 secretion and that SSGP has an antiinflammatory activity in the CNS.     

Inhibitory effects of Selaginella tamariscina on immediate allergic reactions

The anti-allergic effects of a 70% ethanol extract from Selaginella tamariscina herb (EST) were evaluated in this study. EST given at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg can inhibit mouse systemic anaphylactic shock induced by compound 48/80 in a dose-dependent manner. It can also dose-dependently block rat homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and skin reactions caused by exogenous histamine and serotonin with a significant difference observed at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. In addition, EST can reduce histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells triggered by compound 48/80 and an antigen in vitro. When incubated with rat mast cells, the extract (200 microg/ml) can significantly elevate the intracellular cAMP levels. The finding suggests that EST inhibits mast cell-dependent, immediate allergic reactions. Its effects appear to be mediated by reducing the release of vasoactive amines such as histamine from mast cells via stabilizing the cell membrane and weakening the inflammatory action of these amines. Based on these results, Selaginella tamariscina and one of its active components flavonoids may be useful as potential remedies for allergic rhinitis and other allergy-related diseases.     

Cheongyeolsaseuptang inhibits production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 as well as NF-kappa B activation in human mast cells

Traditional Korean medicine, Cheongyeolsaseuptang (CYSST) has been widely applied as a treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Korea. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. Recent reports suggest that in patients with RA, synovial mast cells increase in number and show signs of activation and production of cytokines. In this study, we investigated the effect of CYSST on production of cytokines by activated human mast cell line, HMC-1. When CYSST (1mg/ml) was added, the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 was significantly inhibited about 37, 33.6, and 48%, respectively on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated HMC-1 cells. In addition, CYSST inhibited PMA plus A23187-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. These findings may help understanding the mechanism of action of this medicine leading to control activated mast cells on inflammatory condition like RA.     

Inhibition of mast cell-dependent immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions by purple bamboo salt

Purple bamboo salt is a specially processed salt according to the traditional recipe using normal salt and bamboo etc. It has been used as a folk medicine for the purpose of prevention and treatment of various diseases in Korea. This report describes an inhibitory effect of purple bamboo salt on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 microg per site) significantly inhibited the ear swelling response induced by intradermal injection of compound 48/80 in mice. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 mg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) by compound 48/80. Purple bamboo salt (0.01-1 g/kg) also dose-dependently inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) by oral administration. Our results provide evidence that purple bamboo salt will be beneficial in the regulation of immediate-type of allergic reactions.     

Effect of Korean folk medicine 'Chung-Dae-San' on mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reaction

We investigated the effect of the herbal formulation 'Chung-Dae-San' (CDS) on anaphylactic reactions. CDS inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock 100% with the dose of 10(0) g/kg body weight (BW). When CDS was given as pretreatment at concentrations ranging from 10(-4) to 10(0) g/kg BW, the serum histamine levels induced by compound 48/80 were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. We also investigated the effect of CDS on mast cell-dependent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody. CDS potently inhibited PCA when administered orally, topically, intraperitoneally or intradermally. However, it did not show inhibitory activity when administered intravenously. CDS dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80 and anti-DNP IgE. Moreover, the level of cAMP in RPMC, when CDS was added, significantly increased about 4-fold at 4 min compared with that of basal cells. These results indicate that CDS may possess strong antianaphylactic activity and also suggest the differential activity following administration routes may be caused by difference in bioavailability.     

Inhibitory action of water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula on systemic and local anaphylaxis

We investigated the effects of the water soluble fraction of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) (WFTC) on systemic and local anaphylaxis. WFTC administered 1h before compound 48/80 injection inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock 100% with doses of 0.01-1.0 g/kg. When WFTC was administered 5 or 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, the mortality also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis was inhibited by 63.5+/-7.8% by oral administration of WFTC (1.0 g/kg). When WFTC was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 1.0 g/kg, the serum histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. WFTC (0.01-1.0 mg/ml) also significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. However, WFTC (1.0 mg/ml) had a significant increasing effect on anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production from RPMC. These results indicate that WFTC may possess a strong antianaphylactic action.