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Jung MA, Lee JY, Kim YJ, Ji KY, Lee MH, Jung DH, Kim YH, Kim T. Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. attenuates airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion by modulating the STAT6-STAT3/FOXA2 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116319. [PMID: 38422654 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. on allergic asthma and their underlying mechanisms remain unclarified. Thus, we investigated the effects of D. dasycarpus Turcz. water extract (DDW) on mucus hypersecretion in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma and human bronchial epithelial cells. METHODS BALB/c mice were used to establish an OVA-induced allergic asthma model. Mice were grouped into the OVA sensitization/challenge, 100 and 300 mg/kg DDW treatment, and dexamethasone groups. In mice, cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum and BALF analyses, and histopathological lung tissue analyses were performed. Furthermore, we confirmed the basic mechanism in interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13-treated human bronchial epithelial cells through western blotting. RESULTS In OVA-induced asthma mice, DDW treatment reduced inflammatory cell number and airway hyperresponsiveness and ameliorated histological changes (immune cell infiltration, mucus secretion, and collagen deposition) in lung tissues and serum total immunoglobulin E levels. DDW treatment lowered BALF IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels; reduced levels of inflammatory mediators, such as thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine, macrophage-derived chemokine, and interferon gamma-induced protein; decreased mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) production; decreased signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 and STAT3 expression; and restored forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) expression. In IL-4/IL-13-treated human bronchial epithelial cells, DDW treatment inhibited MUC5AC production, suppressed STAT6 and STAT3 expression (related to mucus hypersecretion), and increased FOXA2 expression. CONCLUSIONS DDW treatment modulates MUC5AC expression and mucus hypersecretion by downregulating STAT6 and STAT3 expression and upregulating FOXA2 expression. These findings provide a novel approach to manage mucus hypersecretion in asthma using DDW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-A Jung
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea
| | - Kon-Young Ji
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Han Lee
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ho Jung
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hee Kim
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea
| | - Taesoo Kim
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, the Republic of Korea.
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Huang JL, Xu YH, Yang XW, Wang J, Zhu Y, Wu XB. Jiawei guomin decoction regulates the degranulation of mast cells in atopic dermatitis mice via the HIS/PAR-2 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117485. [PMID: 38008276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guomin decoction (GMD) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in clinical practice. It has traditionally been used to treat all allergic diseases. Currently, Jiawei Guomin Decoction (JWGMD) is used to treat sensitive skin after initial therapy. Although it has a significant clinical therapeutic effect, the exact role of mast cell degranulation in treating atopic dermatitis (AD) is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY GMD and JWGMD can both treat allergic diseases, while JWGMD focuses on skin allergies. This study aims to explore the potential effect of JWGMD on the degranulation of mast cells in an AD mouse model induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and investigate the effectiveness of JWGMD in alleviating disease progression to further provide specific therapeutic targets for treating AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS The scratching times and skin lesions of model mice induced by DNFB were observed, and skin tissues were collected for subsequent measurement. Histopathological changes in the back skin of mice were observed by haematoxylin eosin (H&E) staining, Toluidine blue staining was used to detect the degranulation of mouse skin mast cells, and the relationship between the expression of histamine (HIS), mast cell tryptase (MCT) and mast cell degranulation was analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), histamine 1 receptor (H1R), H2R, H4R and MCT proteins in AD mice was detected by Western blot (WB). Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) further confirmed the localization of PAR-2, H1R, H2R, H4R, and MCT proteins in the skin. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to determine PAR-2, H1R, H2R and H4R mRNA levels in skin lesions to further clarify the mechanism by which JWGMD amplifies mast cell degranulation in AD. In addition, a reliable ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-MS) nontargeted metabolomics analysis was performed to analyse the differences in metabolite abundance between GMD and JWGMD, and these results were used to identify the active components in JWGMD that may have antipruritic and anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit mast cell degranulation. RESULTS After intermittent stimulation with DNFB, the skin lesions showed extensive desquamation, dryness, scabbing, skin thickening, and slight bleeding. Both treatments alleviated this phenomenon and reduced the number of scratches, with JWGMD being the most effective. JWGMD can significantly reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, oedema, and some capillary neogenesis in mice and reduce the degranulation of mast cells. The ELISA results showed that JWGMD can increase the levels of MCT and HIS proteins. The WB and IFA results demonstrated that JWGMD reduced the expression levels of PAR-2, H1R, H4R, and MCT proteins in skin lesions, with protein localization mainly in the epidermal layer, while H2R protein levels were increased and mainly localized in the dermis. In addition, JWGMD downregulates the mRNA expression of PAR-2, H1R, H2R, and H4R. Interestingly, through UPLC-QE-MS nontargeted metabolomic analysis, we detected the anti-inflammatory and antiallergy active substances in JWGMD, such as methyl eugenol, dictamnine and sinapine. CONCLUSIONS JWGMD may alleviate itching through methyl syringol, dictamnine, sinapine and other substances, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the HIS/PAR-2 pathway in AD model mice and further regulating the self-amplification of mast cell degranulation. JWGMD is a potential drug for treating AD. Therefore, it deserves continuous attention and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Li Huang
- Chengdu Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610095, China.
| | - Yi-Hua Xu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China.
| | - Xin-Wei Yang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, China.
| | - Yu Zhu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Xian-Bo Wu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Huang Y, Zhao C, Zheng G, Yuan Y, Gong L, Liu R, An J. Dictamnine Ameliorates DNFB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Like Skin Lesions in Mice by Inhibiting M1 Macrophage Polarization and Promoting Autophagy. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:175-186. [PMID: 38092386 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy and M1 macrophage polarization play important roles in the regulation of inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD). Dictamnine is one of the main ingredients in Cortex Dictamni, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of dermatitis. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of dictamnine on AD like skin lesions and M1 macrophage polarization. A 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) triggered AD like skin lesions models in mice was established to identify the ameliorative effects of dictamnine on AD in vivo. In addition, an M1 macrophage polarization model was co-stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) using phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) differentiated THP-1 cells, to investigate the effect of dictamnine on promoting autophagy and inhibiting inflammatory factor release. Dictamnine suppressed DNFB-induced skin inflammation by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization, up-regulating the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) expression, and promoting macrophage autophagy at inflammatory sites. Dictamnine also could reduce the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8), and down-regulate the mRNA expression of these genes in LPS-IFN-γ triggered M1 polarized macrophages. Dictamnine ameliorates AD like skin lesions by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization and promoting autophagy. Hence, dictamnine is expected to be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | | | | | - Yujuan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Ling Gong
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Jingang An
- Department of Dermatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University
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Jiao JY, Cheng CS, Cao ZQ, Chen LY, Chen Z. Evidence-Based Dampness-Heat ZHENG (Syndrome) in Cancer: Current Progress toward Establishing Relevant Animal Model with Pancreatic Tumor. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:85-95. [PMID: 35723813 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3675-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases affecting the health of human beings. With limited therapeutic options available, complementary and alternative medicine has been widely adopted in cancer management and is increasingly becoming accepted by both patients and healthcare workers alike. Chinese medicine characterized by its unique diagnostic and treatment system is the most widely applied complementary and alternative medicine. It emphasizes symptoms and ZHENG (syndrome)-based treatment combined with contemporary disease diagnosis and further stratifies patients into individualized medicine subgroups. As a representative cancer with the highest degree of malignancy, pancreatic cancer is traditionally classified into the "amassment and accumulation". Emerging perspectives define the core pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer as "dampness-heat" and the respective treatment "clearing heat and resolving dampness" has been demonstrated to prolong survival in pancreatic cancer patients, as has been observed in many other cancers. This clinical advantage encourages an exploration of the essence of dampness-heat ZHENG (DHZ) in cancer and investigation into underlying mechanisms of action of herbal formulations against dampness-heat. However, at present, there is a lack of understanding of the molecular characteristics of DHZ in cancer and no standardized and widely accepted animal model to study this core syndrome in vivo. The shortage of animal models limits the ability to uncover the antitumor mechanisms of herbal medicines and to assess the safety profile of the natural products derived from them. This review summarizes the current research on DHZ in cancer in terms of the clinical aspects, molecular landscape, and animal models. This study aims to provide comprehensive insight that can be used for the establishment of a future standardized ZHENG-based cancer animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Ying Jiao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chien-Shan Cheng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhang-Qi Cao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lian-Yu Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhang Q, Chen X, Palen K, Johnson B, Bui D, Xiong D, Pan J, Hu M, Wang Y, You M. Cancer chemoprevention with PV-1, a novel Prunella vulgaris-containing herbal mixture that remodels the tumor immune microenvironment in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196434. [PMID: 38077406 PMCID: PMC10704350 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The herb Prunella vulgaris has shown significant immune-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models. Here, the effects of a novel Prunella vulgaris-containing herbal mixture, PV-1, were examined in several mouse models for cancer, including chemically induced models of lung and oral cancers as well as syngraft models for lung cancer and melanoma. PV-1, consisting of extracts from Prunella vulgaris, Polygonum bistorta, Sonchus brachyotus and Dictamnus dasycarpus, exhibited no toxicity in a dose escalation study in A/J mice. PV-1 significantly inhibited mouse lung tumor development induced by the lung carcinogens vinyl carbamate and benzo[a]pyrene. PV-1 also hindered the induction of oral squamous cell carcinomas in C57BL/6 mice caused by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PV-1 increased the numbers of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and increased the production of granzyme B, TNF-α, and IFN-γ by CD8+ TILs. PV-1 also suppressed granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers (g-MDSCs) and improved the anti-cancer activity of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. These results indicate that PV-1 remodels the tumor immune microenvironment by selectively inhibiting g-MDSCs and increasing CD8+ TILs within tumors, resulting in decreased immune suppression and enhanced cancer chemopreventive efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Katie Palen
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Bryon Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Dinh Bui
- College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Donghai Xiong
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jing Pan
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ming Hu
- College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yian Wang
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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Yang H, Ming Y, Wang W, Jin Y, Hao Z, Liu G, Zhang D, Lin J. Anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 298:115543. [PMID: 35870683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In treating atopic dermatitis, multi-mode management is adopted, including trying to avoid the allergens, controlling and preventing secondary infections, and using drugs to control itching. At present, most of the commonly used anti-pruritic drugs in the clinic are single-target and lead to serious side effects. Many studies have shown that a variety of traditional Chinese medicines have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects, and have the characteristics of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple effects. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of the Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This study considers the effectiveness of the Chi-Huang Solution for external use on skin to provide an experimental basis for the clinical development and application of Chinese medicine and related preparations for Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two male SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (n = 6), ACD model group (n = 6), HAC control group (n = 6), and 4 Chi-Huang Solution groups (n = 6 in each group). With SADBE induce the murine model of ACD chronic pruritus, and initially evaluate whether the model is successful by counting scratching behavior, measuring the skin fold thickness and skin lesion score within 1 h. After treating the ACD model mice with deionized water, HAC, 1CH, 2CH, 3CH, and 4CH for 7 days, behavioral changes were used to evaluate the anti-pruritic effect. The skin fold thickness, skin lesion score, and spleen index were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the Chi-Huang Solution. H.E. staining was used for the epidermal thickness measurement and pathological evaluation. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-33, IL-4, IL-17A, CXCL10, and its receptor CXCR3 in the skin of the lesion site, as well as to detect the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes such as TRPV1, TRPA1, and GRP in DRG. RESULTS After the treatment of low-dose (0.1 g/mL) and medium-dose (0.2 g/mL) Chi-Huang Solution, the scratching times both decreased significantly (P < 0.05), meanwhile the medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution had an obvious effect on reducing scratches/scab score (P < 0.05). Moreover, no matter what dose it takes, all Chi-Huang Solution can alleviate the epidermal thickening (P < 0.05) and the infiltration of mast cells in the ACD murine model of ACD. It is worth mentioning that the count of mast cells in the dermis was significantly down-regulated after the treatment of medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution (P < 0.005). Furthermore, Chi-Huang Solution can significantly down-regulate the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors in the skin, and reduce the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes, such as TRPA1, TRPV1, and GRP in the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that Chi-Huang Solution for external use exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects on SADBE-induced ACD chronic pruritus murine models. Chi-Huang Solution might emerge as an effective drug for the treatment of CAD and high-dose Chi-Huang Solution (0.4 g/ml) has better comprehensive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiaoyu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yuexiang Ming
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Weihsin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yipeng Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Zhihui Hao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China; Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
| | - Jiahao Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China; Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
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Gammeri L, Panzera C, Calapai F, Cicero N, Gangemi S. Asian herbal medicine and chronic urticaria: which are the therapeutic perspectives? Nat Prod Res 2022; 37:1917-1934. [PMID: 36094856 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2122055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gammeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit and School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Panzera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit and School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Calapai
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Cicero
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Science4Life srl, Spin-off Company of the University of Messina Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit and School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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