Pharmacological characteristics of Ryokan-kyomi-shinge-nin-to, an antiallergic Kampo medicine

Shin'iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang) extract ameliorates ovalbumin-induced murine allergic rhinitis by regulating cytokines

Shin'iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang) is a formula of traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and for chronic sinusitis. However, the precise action mechanism has been unknown. We examined the effect of shin'iseihaito extract (SSHT) on murine allergic rhinitis model using ovalbumin (OVA). We decocted the mixture of 9 crude drugs in water to prepare SSHT. SSHT (20 times amount of human dose) was orally administered to mice treated with OVA. After mice were sacrificed on day 28, immunoglobulin (Ig) E, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, interferon (IFN)-γ, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in nasal lavage fluid samples were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The pathological tissue sections from the nasal epithelial mucosa were histopathologically investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopies. We also investigated the effects of modified SSHTs prepared by removing one crude drug from shin'iseihaito to clarify the active ingredients. SSHT suppressed IgE, IL-4, IL-13, and TSLP levels, while increased the IFN-γ levels in OVA-induced allergic mice. Sensitization with OVA resulted in an increase in eosinophilia and goblet cells in murine nasal cavity tissue in comparison with those in untreated group, however, those were significantly reduced by the treatment with SSHT. The extracts of 8 crude drug's mixtures except for the removal of Gypsum fibrosum (GF) from shin'iseihaito counteracted on the suppressive effects of SSHT on IgE, IL-4, IL-13, and TSLP levels in nasal lavage fluid. Our result demonstrated that SSHT may contribute to inhibit the exacerbation of OVA-induced murine allergic rhinitis by regulating cytokines, and the components except for GF contributed anti-allergic effect of shin'iseihaito.

Complementary therapies in allergic rhinitis

Objective. To determine the prevalence of herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods. In this prospective study, patients who were diagnosed with perennial allergic rhinitis were questioned about their use of natural products/herbal therapies for their symptoms. Results. In total, 230 patients were enrolled. Overall, 37.3% of the patients stated that they had used natural products/herbal therapies at least once. Women were more likely than men to use herbal supplements (38.3% versus 32.4%). Ten different types of herbal supplements were identified, with stinging nettle (Urtica dioicath), black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), and Spirulina being the most common (12.6%, 6.1%, and 5.7%, resp.). Conclusion. This study found a high prevalence of herbal treatment usage for the relief of allergic rhinitis symptoms in Turkey. The herbal products identified in this study and in the literature are discussed.

Needleless intranasal administration of HVJ-E containing allergen attenuates experimental allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic diseases. Although current medications are highly effective in controlling its symptoms, they do not reverse the allergen-specific hypersensitivities that underlie the disease. Immunoglobulin E is a key mediator of AR, and preventing its production is clinically important. In this study, we developed an efficient needleless intranasal protein delivery system using the hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope vector (HVJ-E). Intranasal delivery of ovalbumin (OVA) once a week for 3 weeks using this system enhanced OVA-induced interferon-gamma production by murine splenocytes. This treatment also attenuated the OVA-induced release interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 from splenocytes and the production of plasma OVA-specific immunoglobulin E in OVA-sensitive AR model mice. Thus, allergen-containing HVJ-E may be useful for noninvasive treatment of AR.

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.

The treatment of allergies using Sanfujiu: A method of applying Chinese herbal medicine paste to acupoints on three peak summer days

Sanfujiu is a method of applying herbal drug paste onto acupoints Fengmen and Feishu during the 3 hottest summer days, to treat patients with allergies using traditional Chinese medicine. The objectives of this study were to describe the immediate reactions (adverse effects and perceived efficacy) to the Sanfujiu treatment, and examine the variations in the prevalence of the reactions to and perceived efficacy of Sanfujiu among different sub-groups, based on patient age and diagnosis. The study subjects included 119 patients who completed Sanfujiu treatment at a regional hospital in Taipei. One week after treatment, trained interviewers conducted telephone interviews with the patients. More than 80% of the patients reported having reactive symptoms after using the Sanfujiu treatment. Younger subjects (< or = 16 years of age) were more likely to have reactive symptoms. Patients with rhinitis were more likely to have runny noses and nasal congestion after the treatment. Patients with allergic eczema were more likely to have skin itching all over the body. Overall, 44.6% of patients perceived the treatment as being effective, while 52.1% of patients did not notice any effects, either good or bad, from the treatment. The perceived efficacy of Sanfujiu treatment was not related to patient age, sex, or diagnosis. This study demonstrated that Sanfujiu treatment was moderately effective, as perceived by the patients, in treating their allergic symptoms immediately after the treatment. Symptoms reactive to the treatment were common but are usually mild. This information is essential for patient consultation, and serves as a reference for clinicians.