Inhibitory effects of Xanthii fructus extract on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction in murine model

Asian herbal medicine and chronic urticaria: which are the therapeutic perspectives?

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a pathologic condition marked by the emergence of wheals, angioedema, or both for more than six weeks. The improper activation and degranulation of mast cells is the triggering event, which results in the production of various mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, PAF, chemokines, and cytokines. Antihistamines are currently the most common pharmacological treatment for urticaria, but corticosteroids and monoclonal antibodies can also be employed. Patients who have been taking antihistamines for a long time are often looking for alternatives. Whole plants, portions of plants, or single extracted active compounds are all used in phytomedicine. Plant elements are frequently combined to create formulations that can be utilized to treat a variety of pathological disorders. Anti-inflammatory and/or anti-allergic properties are found in several herbs regularly used in herbal formulations. Antioxidant properties are also present in some of the constituents. Exogenous antioxidants have been shown to improve the progression of autoimmune disorders in numerous studies. The aim of this review is to identify the most common herbs used to treat chronic urticaria, and to characterize their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and risk/benefit ratio in comparison to western treatment, and also to find less often used formulations and assess their therapeutic efficacy, safety profile, and potential for wider use.

Integrative Approach to Rhinosinusitis: An Update

Rhinosinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa involving the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity and is one of the most common and significant health care problems, with significant impairment of quality of life. Current standard conventional management of rhinosinusitis commonly uses multiple therapeutic modalities to break the cycle of chronic disease. However, to date, there is no consensus as to the optimal treatment algorithm for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. There is a growing interest in the use of complementary and integrative medicine for the treatment of rhinosinusitis. This article update focuses on an integrative approach to rhinosinusitis.

Safety and Efficacy of Medicinal Plants Used to Manufacture Herbal Products with Regulatory Approval in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

The Uganda National Drug Authority requires phytochemical screening, freedom from microbial contamination, and evidence of safety and efficacy of the constituent plants to register herbal products. Since Uganda has no pharmacopeia, safety, efficacy, and plant processing information are not readily available. We documented the plant materials used to manufacture products in Uganda and established evidence of their safety and efficacy and availability of monographs.

Methods

The NDA register of herbal products was reviewed, and a product list was extracted. The herbal products were purchased from local pharmacies, and their labels were studied to identify plant ingredients and drug use. Literature was reviewed to document evidence of the safety and efficacy of the plant materials concerning manufacturer's claims. Also, the WHO and available African Pharmacopeia were searched to establish the availability of the plant monographs.

Results

Of the 84 NDA-registered local products, only 18 were obtained from the market; 82% were indicated for respiratory tract disorders. Thirty-three plant materials were listed with Eucalyptus globulus Labill, being the commonest. Several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate efficacy, thus supporting the use of the selected plant species for empirical treatment as stated on the product label. While most plants were safe, some species such as Albizia coriaria Oliv. had dose-dependent toxicities that cannot be predicted in combinations. The WHO, African Pharmacopoeia, and West African Herbal Pharmacopoeia had only 16 plant monographs of the 33 plants of interest. Nevertheless, Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Azadirachta indica A.Juss., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Allium sativum L. monographs were published by all three pharmacopoeias.

Conclusions

Preclinical evidence of safety and efficacy exists in the literature for most of the plants used to manufacture registered herbal products in Uganda. More specific bioassays and clinical trials are required for the products to provide conclusive evidence of safety and toxicity. Monographs are urgently needed for the Ugandan plants.

Recent Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicines and Their Mechanism in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Objective

To conduct a systematic review on the mechanism of action and use of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in allergic rhinitis treatment.

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type I allergic disease of the immune system induced by immunoglobulin E mediated inflammation and is characterized by sneezing, nasal itching, paroxysmal nasal obstruction, mucosal edema, cough, and rhinorrhea. More than 500 million people have been affected by rhinitis worldwide in the past 20 years, leading to negative effects on health, quality of life, and social relationships. Currently, the trending medicines used in the case of AR include intranasal corticosteroids and oral H1 antihistamines, which are given as combinatorial medicines supplemented with immune therapy. These medications have been found to be very effective in either the short term or long term; however, they have been found to possess some serious side effects. Search Methodology. The information in this article on classical and traditional Chinese medications used to treat AR was derived from original papers and reviews published in Chinese and English language journals. Two Chinese databases (Wanfang and CNKI) and three English databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) were utilized for data gathering.

Results

Traditional Chinese remedies have been identified to influence the production of cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-6, which are key mediators of eosinophilic inflammation, TNF-α, which stimulates TH2 cells at the site of inflammation, and NF-кB, which is required for cytokine and IgE antibody production. TCM has also been shown to be successful in lowering histamine levels, preserving histological changes by decreasing the thickness of the lamina propria, and downregulating the expression of Orai1, STIM1, and TRYC1, showing low expression of Ca⁺² channel proteins.

Conclusion

In this review, we discussed a series of classical, traditional Chinese medications, including Centipeda minima, Scutellaria baicalensis, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), and others, as potential antiallergic agents and investigate their in vivo effect upon the production of cytokines and release of histamines for allergic rhinitis treatment.

Synopsis

Akute entzündliche Reaktionen bzw. der akute Infekt mit Restitutio ad integrum laufen in einer perfekt modulierten Kaskade ab, bei dem eine akute inflammatorische Einleitungsphase von einer antiinflammatorischen Phase und einer Entzündungsauflösungsphase abgelöst werden.

Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology of Xanthium strumarium L.: A Review

Xanthium strumarium L. (Asteraceae) is a common and well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine usually named Cang-Er-Zi, and has been used for thousands of years in China. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the progress of modern research, and provide a systematic review on the traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of the X. strumarium. Moreover, an in-depth discussion of some valuable issues and possible development for future research on this plant is also given. X. strumarium, as a traditional herbal medicine, has been extensively applied to treat many diseases, such as rhinitis, nasal sinusitis, headache, gastric ulcer, urticaria, rheumatism bacterial, fungal infections and arthritis. Up to now, more than 170 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from X. strumarium, including sesquiterpenoids, phenylpropenoids, lignanoids, coumarins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, thiazides, anthraquinones, naphthoquinones and other compounds. Modern research shows that the extracts and compounds from X. strumarium possess wide-ranging pharmacological effects, including anti- allergic rhinitis (AR) effects, anti-tumor effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, insecticide and antiparasitic effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, antidiabetic effects, antilipidemic effects and antiviral effects. However, further research should focus on investigating bioactive compounds and demonstrate the mechanism of its detoxification, and more reasonable quality control standards for X. strumarium should also be established.

Xanthii fructus inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through suppressing NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPK

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xanthii fructus (XF) has long been used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions in Korean traditional medicine, but the underlying mechanisms that could explain the anti-inflammatory actions of XF remain largely unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of X. fructus (XF) and to examine its underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of XF on LPS-induced mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory mediators and cytokines were determined. Moreover, the activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were explored to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

RESULTS

XF significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators, interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), without any cytotoxicity. However, it did not affect tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α or IL-1β production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein were inhibited dose-dependently by XF in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, but there were no changes in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein. XF significantly attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα) and consequently reduced the nuclear translocation of p65 NF-κB. Pretreatment with XF also strongly inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 kinase and JNK, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was not affected. In addition, XF led to an increase in HO-1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings support that XF inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses by blocking NF-κB activation, inhibiting JNK/p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and enhancing HO-1 expression in macrophages, suggesting that it could be an attractive therapeutic candidate for various inflammatory diseases.

Xanthii Fructus inhibits allergic response in the ovalbumin-sensitized mouse allergic rhinitis model

Background:

Xanthii Fructus (XF) is widely used in traditional anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory Asian medicine. Allergic rhinitis is a common inflammatory disease characterized by markedly increased levels of anti-inflammatory factors and the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the nasal mucosa. We investigated the effects of XF in the allergen-induced rhinitis model.

Materials and Methods:

Following ovalbumin (OVA)/alum intraperitoneal injection on days 0, 7 and 14, the BALB/c mice (albino, laboratory-bred strain of the house mice) were challenged intranasally with OVA for 10 days a week after the last sensitization. The number of sneezes was recorded for 10 days; additionally, the levels of cytokines, histamine, immunoglobulin E (IgE) and OVA-specific serum IgE were estimated. Eosinophil infiltration, thickness of nasal mucosa and expression of caspase-1 were determined by immunohistochemistry. We also evaluated the effect of XF on the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B-alpha (IκB-α) in human mast cell-1 (HMC-1), by Western blotting.

Results:

The administration of XF significantly decreased sneezing and the serum levels of histamine, IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukine-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-5, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2). XF inhibited the changes in thickness of the nasal septum, influx of eosinophils and expression of capase-1. In addition, XF inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB-α and NF-κB in phorbol-myristate-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187) stimulated HMC-1.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that XF acts a potent anti-allergic drug which alleviates the allergic responses in ovalbumin-sensitized mouse allergic rhinitis model.

Xanthii fructus extract inhibits TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced Th2-chemokines production via blockade of NF-κB, STAT1 and p38-MAPK activation in human epidermal keratinocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xanthii fructus (XF) is an herb widely used in medicine for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory pathologies. Chemokines are important mediators of cell migration, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) are well-known typical inflammatory chemokines involved in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of XF have not been elucidated in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of XF on TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced production of TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 in HaCaT cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF-α/IFN-γ in the presence of XF. TRAC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 productions were monitored by ELISA on the cell culture supernatant and by RT-PCR on total RNA extract. We use immunoblotting to analyze the effect of XF on activation of the NF-κB, STAT1 and MAPK pathways.

RESULTS

Ethanol extract of XF (EXF) inhibited mRNA expression and production of TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. It also significantly inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced activation of NF-κB, STAT1 and p38-MAPK. Furthermore, we observed that p38-MAPK contributes to the inhibition of TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 production by blocking NF-κB and STAT1 activation in HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that developing therapeutic applications XF for the prevention of inflammatory skin diseases are feasible.

Medicinal plants with potential anti-arthritic activity

ETHNO PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicinal plants are practiced worldwide for treatment of arthritis especially in developing countries where resources are meager. This review presents the plants profiles inhabiting throughout the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for treatment of arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases from the last six decades. Plants/their parts/extracts/polyherbal formulations, toxicity studies for arthritis have been included in the review article. The profiles presented also include information about the scientific name, family, dose, methodology along with mechanism of action and toxicity profile. Research status of 20 potential plant species has been discussed. Further, geographical distribution of research, plants distribution according to families has been given in graphical form.

RESULTS

485 plant species belonging to 100 families, traditionally used in arthritis are used. Among 100 plant families, malvaceae constitute 16, leguminasae 7, fabaceae 13, euphorbiaceae 7, compositae 20, araceae 7, solanaceae 12, liliaceae 9, apocynaceae, lauraceae, and rubiaceae 10, and remaining in lesser proportion. It was observed in our study that majority of researches are carried mainly in developing countries like India, China, Korea and Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

This review clearly indicates that list of medicinal plants presented in this review might be useful to researchers as well as practioners. This review can be useful for preliminary screening of potential anti-arthritis plants. Further toxicity profile given in the review can be useful for the researchers for finding the safe dose.

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.

Urinary metabonomics study on toxicity biomarker discovery in rats treated with Xanthii Fructus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xanthii Fructus (XF) is commonly called "Cang-Erzi" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and widely used for the treatment of sinusitis, headache, rheumatism, and skin itching. However, the clinical utilization of XF is relatively restricted owing to its toxicity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To discover the characteristic potential biomarkers in rats treated with XF by urinary metabonomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was applied in the study. The total ion chromatograms obtained from control and different dosage groups were distinguishable by a multivariate statistical analysis method.

RESULTS

The greatest difference in metabolic profile was observed between high dosage group and control group, and the metabolic characters in rats treated with XF were perturbed in a dose-dependent manner. The metabolic changes in response for XF treatment were observed in urinary samples, which were revealed by orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA), and 10 metabolites could be served as the potential toxicity biomarkers. In addition, the mechanism associated with the damages of lipid per-oxidation and the metabolic disturbances of fatty acid oxidation were investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that metabonomics analysis in urinary samples may be useful for predicting the toxicity induced by XF.

Aqueous ethanol extract of the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) exhibits anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory actions in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xylopia aethiopica has been traditionally used in the form of the dried fruit decoction to treat bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. Aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory effects of a 70% aqueous ethanol extract of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systemic anaphylaxis was induced by the injection of either compound 48/80 or lipopolysaccharide, LPS and survival rates of mice monitored for 1 h or 7 days respectively while IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in a local allergic reaction was studied in the pinnal inflammation model in mice. Clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice was used to evaluate the indirect antihistamine effect of Xylopia aethiopica, XAE. The effects of XAE assessed on the maximal and total oedema responses in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of the extract.

RESULTS

Administered at 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mg kg(-1) p.o., XAE dose dependently suppressed compound 48/80-induced mouse systemic anaphylactic shock and offered 63% protection to mice against LPS-induced endotoxic shock at a dose of 300 mg kg(-1). In addition, the extract (30-300 mg kg(-1)) in a dose dependent manner significantly inhibited by 23-62% the mouse pinnal inflammation. Clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice was significantly suppressed in a dose and time dependent manner when administered both prophylactically and therapeutically. In the same doses, when administered before the induction of the mouse carrageenan-induced paw oedema, the mean maximal swelling attained during 6 h was reduced to 41.02±6.94%, 35.61±4.30%, and 29.09±4.90% of the inflamed control response respectively and total paw swellings induced over the 6 h were also dose-dependently and significantly suppressed to 74.84±14.84%, 63.95±9.37%, and 48.13±10.90% of the inflamed control response respectively. Administered after the induction of the carrageenan paw oedema the mean maximal swelling attained during 6 h was suppressed to 49.84±3.95%, 43.62±1.01%, and 35.97±1.34% of the inflamed control response respectively while the total paw swellings induced over the 6 h were also dose-dependently and significantly suppressed at 100 and 300 mg kg(-1) to 72.39±4.38% and 60.81±3.25% of the inflamed control response respectively.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that XAE inhibits mast cell-dependent immediate allergic reactions and exhibit anti-inflammatory actions through the inhibition of histamine release from mast cells via stabilizing the cell membrane. Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of Xylopia aethiopica in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism.

Complementary and integrative treatments: rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa involving the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity and is one of the most common health care problems, with significant impairment of quality of life. There is a growing amount of interest in the use of complementary and integrative medicine for the treatment of rhinosinusitis. This article focuses on an integrative approach to rhinosinusitis.

Inhibitory Action of Ethanolic Extract of Seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam. On Systemic and Local Anaphylaxis

The current study characterizes the mechanism by which the seed extract of Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) decreases the mast cell-mediated immediate type hypersensitivity reaction. The immediate type hypersensitivity reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Moringa oleifera, a shrub widely used in the traditional medicine in India, has been reported to possess anti-cancer, hypotensive, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, the effects of the ethanolic extract of seeds of Moringa oleifera (MOEE-herbal remedy) on systemic and local anaphylaxis were investigated. The potential anti-anaphylactic effect of MOEE was studied in a mouse model of Compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti IgE-antibody was also used to assess the effect of MOEE. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) were used to investigate the effect of MOEE on histamine release induced by compound 48/80. When administered 1 hr before 48/80 injection, MOEE at doses of 0.001-1.000 g/kg completely inhibited the inducible induced anaphylactic shock. MOEE significantly inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-IgE antibody at a dose of 1 g/kg. When MOEE extract was given as pretreatment at concentrations ranging 0.1-100 mg/ml, the histamine release from the mast cells that was induced by the 48/80 was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest a potential role for MOEE as a source of anti-anaphylactic agents for use in allergic disorders.

Clinical Outcomes of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Formula in Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing Patients

Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) is a prevalent affliction, which can range from simple snoring to severely obstructive sleep apnea. Compared to current treatment options of SDB, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a noninvasive way to relieve SDB-related symptoms and deaths. The purpose of this retrospective study was to observe the progression of adult SDB patients who had taken compound formula SZ + NUH (concentrated herbal granules) for four weeks. Depending on subjects’ individual needs, minor additions of formulas or single herbs were allowed. We found a significant amount of relief from snoring among the 118 enrolled subjects, according to before-after scores observed through the Snore Outcome Survey (SOS). Furthermore, as projected from the moderate linear correlation in before-after scores, we inferred that those cases with more severe snoring at baseline had greater improvement after treatment. Excessive daytime sleepiness was also significantly improved according to the results of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Assessment, using the SF-36 (Taiwanese version) revealed possible benefits of SZ + NUH in improving multiple facets of subjects’ quality of life. During treatment, no significant side effects occurred. In conclusion, the TCM compound formula based on SZ + NUH could be a safe and effective option for SDB treatment.

A review on herbal antiasthmatics

In traditional systems of medicine, many plants have been documented to be useful for the treatment of various respiratory disorders including asthma. In the last two decades the use of medicinal plants and natural products has been increased dramatically all over the world. Current synthetic drugs used in pharmacotherapy of asthma are unable to act at all the stages and targets of asthma. However some herbal alternatives employed in asthma are proven to provide symptomatic relief and assist in the inhibition of disease progression also. The herbs have shown interesting results in various target specific biological activities such as bronchodilation, mast cell stabilization, anti-anaphylactic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory and inhibition of mediators such as leukotrienes, lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, platelet activating, phosphodiesterase and cytokine, in the treatment of asthma. This paper is an attempt to classify these pharmacological and clinical findings based on their possible mechanism of action reported. It also signifies the need for development of polyherbal formulations containing various herbs acting at particular sites of the pathophysiological cascade of asthma for prophylaxis as well as for the treatment of asthma.

Antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of Xanthii Fructus extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xanthii seeds commonly called Cang-Erzi were used as a traditional Chinese medicine for treating sinusitis, headache due to rheumatism and skin pruritus.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In order to evaluate the actions of this plant, studies were performed on antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aqueous extract of Xanthii Fructus (AXF) was evaluated in mice for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. The antinociceptive activity of AXF was evaluated by writhing and formalin tests. Antioxidant properties were assayed in terms of antioxidant activity by scavenging abilities on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), reducing activity and liposome protection. In addition, the total phenolic content was determined with spectrophotometric method.

RESULTS

AXF exhibited significant radical scavenging and reducing activity. And oral treatment with AXF elicited inhibitory activity on acetic acid effect and reduced the formalin effect at the late-phase. In the anti-inflammatory test, AXF inhibited the development of paw edema induced by λ-carrageenan (Carr). AXF decreased the paw edema at the fifth hour after Carr administration, and increased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver tissue and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the edema paw. AXF decreased the level of serum nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α after Carr injection and AXF decreased the levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions in paw edema at the fifth hour.

CONCLUSIONS

AXF shows antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat various inflammatory diseases.

Amphetamine modulates cellular recruitment and airway reactivity in a rat model of allergic lung inflammation

Asthma is characterized by pulmonary cellular infiltration, vascular exudation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Several drugs that modify central nervous system (CNS) activity can modulate the course of asthma. Amphetamine (AMPH) is a highly abused drug that presents potent stimulating effects on the CNS and has been shown to induce behavioral, biochemical and immunological effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of AMPH on pulmonary cellular influx, vascular permeability and airway reactivity. AMPH effects on adhesion molecule expression, IL-10 and IL-4 release and mast cell degranulation were also studied. Male Wistar rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) plus alum via subcutaneous injection. One week later, the rats received another injection of OVA-alum (booster). Two weeks after this booster, the rats were subjected to AMPH treatment 12 h prior to the OVA airway challenge. In rats treated with AMPH, the OVA challenge reduced cell recruitment into the lung, the vascular permeability and the cellular expression of ICAM-1 and Mac-1. Additionally, elevated levels of IL-10 and IL-4 were found in samples of lung explants from allergic rats. AMPH treatment, in comparison, increased IL-10 levels but reduced those of IL-4 in the lung explants. Moreover, the tracheal responsiveness to methacholine (MCh), as well as to an in vitro OVA challenge, was reduced by AMPH treatment, and levels of PCA titers were not modified by the drug. Our findings suggest that single AMPH treatment down-regulates several parameters of lung inflammation, such as cellular migration, vascular permeability and tracheal responsiveness. These results also indicate that AMPH actions on allergic lung inflammation include endothelium-leukocyte interaction mechanisms, cytokine release and mast cell degranulation.

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.

In-vitro and in-vivo anti-allergic actions of Arecae semen

The effects of various extracts from oriental medicinal herbs on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions have been investigated. Among the extracts, Arecae semen was the most potent inhibitor of antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 mast cells. A. semen inhibited DNP-BSA- and compound 48/80-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 mast cells with IC50 values of approximately 53 and 52 μg mL−1, respectively, and inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis by 46% at 300 mg kg−1 in mice. A. semen also inhibited the expression of TNF-α and the activation of mitogen activated protein 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 A. semen may be useful for the treatment of various immediate and delayed allergic diseases.

Reduced allergic lung inflammation in rats following formaldehyde exposure: long-term effects on multiple effector systems

Clinical and experimental evidences show that formaldehyde (FA) exposure has an irritant effect on the upper airways. As being an indoor and outdoor pollutant, FA is known to be a causal factor of occupational asthma. This study aimed to investigate the repercussion of FA exposure on the course of a lung allergic process triggered by an antigen unrelated to FA. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were subjected to FA inhalation for 3 consecutive days (1%, 90-min daily), subsequently sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA)-alum via the intraperitoneal route, and 2 weeks later challenged with aerosolized OVA. The OVA challenge in rats after FA inhalation (FA/OVA group) evoked a low-intensity lung inflammation as indicated by the reduced enumerated number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage as compared to FA-untreated allergic rats (OVA/OVA group). Treatment with FA also reduced the number of bone marrow cells and blood leukocytes in sensitized animals challenged with OVA, which suggests that the effects of FA had not been only localized to the airways. As indicated by passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction, FA treatment did not impair the anti-OVA IgE synthesis, but reduced the magnitude of OVA challenge-induced mast cell degranulation. Moreover, FA treatment was associated to a diminished lung expression of PECAM-1 (platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) in lung endothelial cells after OVA challenge and an exacerbated release of nitrites by BAL-cultured cells. Keeping in mind that rats subjected solely to either FA or OVA challenge were able to significantly increase the cell influx into lung, our study shows that FA inhalation triggers long-lasting effects that affect multiple mediator systems associated to OVA-induced allergic lung such as the reduction of mast cells activation, PECAM-1 expression and exacerbation of NO generation, thereby contributing to the decrease of cell recruitment after the OVA challenge. In conclusion, repeated expositions to air-borne FA may impair the lung cell recruitment after an allergic stimulus, thereby leading to a non-responsive condition against inflammatory stimuli likely those where mast cells are involved.

The effects of Fructus Xanthii extract on cytokine release from human mast cell line (HMC-1) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells

In the present study, human mast cell line (HMC-1) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) were pre-incubated with various concentrations of Fructus xanthii extract solution followed by being stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate and further incubated for 24 hours. The cytokines, in cell culture supernatants, of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, and TNF-alpha in the supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results demonstrated that Fructus xanthii could modulate the mast cell-mediated and PBMNC-mediated inflammatory and immunological reactions modulated by cytokines. And our study supplied the evidence of the mechanisms of Fructus Xanthii in treating inflammatory and allergic diseases.

In vivo hydroquinone exposure impairs allergic lung inflammation in rats

Hydroquinone (HQ) is naturally found in the diet, drugs, as an environmental contaminant and endogenously generated after benzene exposure. Considering that HQ alters the immune system and its several source of exposures in the environment, we hypothesized that prolonged exposure of HQ could affect the course of an immune-mediated inflammatory response. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally exposed to vehicle or HQ once a day, for 22 days with a 2-day interval every 5 days. On day 10 after exposure with vehicle or HQ, animals were ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized and OA-aerosolized challenged on day 23. HQ exposure did not alter the number of circulating leukocytes but impaired allergic inflammation, evidenced by lower number of leukocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 24h after OA-challenge. Reduced force contraction of ex vivo tracheal segments upon OA-challenge and impaired mesentery mast cell degranulation after in situ OA-challenge were also detected in tissues from HQ exposed animals. The OA-specificity on the decreased responses was corroborated by normal trachea contraction and mast cell degranulation in response to compound 48/80. In fact, lower levels of circulating OA-anaphylactic antibodies were found in HQ exposed rats, as assessed by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis assay. The reduced level of OA-anaphylactic antibody was not dependent on lower number or proliferation of lymphocytes. Nevertheless, lower expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD6 and CD45R on OA-activated lymphocytes from HQ exposed rats indicate the interference of HQ exposure with signaling of the humoral response during allergic inflammation. Together, these data indicate specific effects of HQ exposure manifested during an immune host defense.

Inhibitory effects of Morus alba on compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reactions and anti-chicken gamma globulin IgE- mediated mast cell activation

We investigated the effects of hot-water extract from the root bark of Morus alba (HEMA) on anaphylactic reactions. Using in vitro and in vivo experiments, we examined whether HEMA could inhibit compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock and anti-chicken gamma globulin (CGG) IgE-mediated rat peritoneal mast cell activation. HEMA significantly inhibited systemic anaphylaxis induced by the compound 48/80 in mice. HEMA also significantly inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-CGG IgE. HEMA had no cytotoxicity on rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC). Moreover, HEMA dose-dependently inhibited mast cell degranulation, histamine release and calcium uptake into RPMC induced by the compound 48/80 or anti-CGG IgE. When HEMA was added, the level of intracellular cAMP in RPMC showed a transient and significant increase (5-fold) compared with that of control cells. HEMA also inhibited significantly the compound 48/80-induced cAMP reduction in RPMC. These results suggested that HEMA inhibits the compound 48/80- or anti-CGG IgE-induced mast cell activation and its inhibitory effects on mast cell activations were favorably comparable to disodium cromoglycate. And HEMA is a candidate for effective therapeutic tools of allergic diseases.

Inhibitory effects of Houttuynia cordata water extracts on anaphylactic reaction and mast cell activation

The present study was investigated the effect of Houttuynia cordata THUNB water extract (HCWE) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions. The mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. HCWE has been used as a traditional medicine in Korea and is known to have an antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. However, its specific effect of mast cell-mediated anaphylactic reactions is still unknown. We examined whether HCWE could inhibit compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis, IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), and mast cell activation. The oral administration of HCWE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in mice. HCWE also inhibited the local allergic reaction, PCA, activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE antibody in rats. HCWE reduced the compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and colchicine-induced deformation of rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC). Moreover, HCWE dose-dependently inhibited histamine release and calcium uptake of RPMC induced by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. HCWE increased the level of intracellular cAMP and inhibited significantly the compound 48/80-induced cAMP reduction in RPMC. These results suggest that HCWE may be beneficial in the treatment of mast cell-mediated anaphylactic responses.

Xanthii fructus inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages

Xanthii Fructus (XF) is an herb widely used in medicine for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory pathologies. In this study, using mouse peritoneal macrophages, we have examined whether XF affects nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-12p40 production induced by interferon (IFN)-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). XF inhibits IFN-gamma and LPS-induced NO production in a dose dependent manner. The decrease in NO synthesis was reflected as a decreased amount of inducible NO synthase protein. Furthermore, we also found that XF inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha production. However, treatment of XF in peritoneal macrophages had no effect on IL-12p40 production. These findings suggest that XF may be used in controlling macrophages-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Effects of the Chinese herbal formula Shi-Bi-Lin on cytokine release from the human mast cell line

BACKGROUND

The traditional Chinese herbal formula Cang Er Zi San has been used for the treatment of rhinitis, paranasal sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis for several centuries. However, its therapeutic mechanisms remain largely unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of Shi-Bi-Lin (SBL), a modified Cang Er Zi San formula, on cytokine release from and expressions in the human mast cell line (HMC-1).

METHODS

The HMC-1 was preincubated with different concentrations of SBL extract solution 1 hour before being stimulated with 25 ng/mL of phorbol myristate acetate plus 2.5 x 10(-7)M calcium ionophore A23187 and then further incubated for 6, 12, and 24 hours, respectively. The cell culture supernatants were harvested, and the cytokines of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the total RNA of the cells was extracted, and the cytokines' messenger RNA expressions were examined using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

After different incubation periods at different concentrations, SBL could potently inhibit the cytokines of IL-4 and TNF-alpha and modestly affect IL-6 but not obviously affect IL-8 release from the HMC-1. However, no inhibitory effects were detected on the messenger RNA expressions of these cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that SBL could modulate the mast cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction in allergy. Inhibition of mast cell-derived IL-4 and TNF-alpha might explain the efficacy of SBL in treating allergic disease.

Sargassum hemiphyllum inhibits atopic allergic reaction via the regulation of inflammatory mediators

Sargassum hemiphyllum (SH) has long been used in Korean folk medicine for the therapeutic treatment of various allergic diseases. The effects of SH in previous experimental models, however, have been inconclusive. We studied the effects of methanol extract of SH on mast cells. Our experiments showed that SH significantly inhibited compound 48/80-induced histamine and beta-hexosaminidase release from rat peritoneal mast cells. SH inhibited interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187 from HMC-1, and it also showed an inhibitory effect on the anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. In addition, SH inhibited the increase of TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB protein levels, transcription factor of TNF-alpha from 293T cells. A period of 48 h exposure to SH had little effect on HMC-1 cell viability. Our results suggest that SH has an inhibitory effect on the atopic allergic reaction and thus this may be useful in the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases, such as atopic dermatitis.

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.

Rubus croceacanthus Leveille Inhibits Mast Cell-Mediated Anaphylactic-Like Reaction and Tumor Necrosis Factor-.ALPHA. Secretion

This work aims at examining the effect of the concentrated methanol extract of Rubus croceacanthus Leveille (RCL) on mast cell-mediated anaphylactic-like reaction in a murine model. RCL inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic-like reaction. When RCL was given as pre-treatment at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1 mg/ml, the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) immunoglobulin E (IgE) was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. RCL also inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activated by anti-DNP IgE. In addition, RCL inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from human mast cell line HMC-1 cells. These results indicate that RCL may possess a strong anti-anaphylactic activity.