• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.133-144
• /
• 2009

Background and Objectives: Sinusitis, referring to an inflammatory disease that occurs on the mucus membrane inside the sinus, is one of the most common diseases in the otorhinolaryngology area. In oriental clinic, Sunbanghwalmyungeum (SHE) has been used as a primary prescription to treat inflammatory diseases and intumescence and to treat sinusitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of SHE on acute sinusitis induced mice. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: the normal group, the group inoculated with S. pneumoniae which caused them allergic rhinitis (control group), and the group treated with the SHE extract after it was treated the same as the control group (sample group). We investigated the inhibition of Th 2 cell differentiation by SHE and the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Results: NF-${\kappa}B$ activation was suppressed, and iNOS & COX-2 production were inhibited by SHE in acute sinusitis. IL-4 and STAT 6 also appeared to be suppressed. The number of eosinophils in the sample group noticeably decreased when compared to the control group. In the general morphologic change, the increase of damaged respiratory ciliated epithelium & eosinophil's infiltration were decreased in the sample group. Goblet cells were maintained in the sample group. MIP-2 and HSP-70 decreased in the sample group. Apocrine secretion decreased in the sample group. Conclusion: The results suggest that SHE is significantly effective in the treatment of inflammation caused by acute sinusitis through the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and the inhibition of Th 2 cell differentiation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.33-42
• /
• 2013

Objective : Morus alba Linne Root Bark (MRAL) is a medicinal herb in Korean Medicine, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. However, its mechanisms of action and the cellular targets have not yet been found and the study was developed to investigate the allergic suppressive effect of MRAL. The purpose of this study is to investigate the allergic suppressive effects of MRAL on activation of MC/9 mast cells. Methods : Cytotoxic activity of MRAL (50, 100, 200, 400 ${\mu}g/mL$) on MC/9 mast cells measured using EZ-Cytox cell viability assay kit (WST reagent). The levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-13 and IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 mRNA expression were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time PCR respectively. The expression of transcription factors such as GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT, AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 DNA binding activity were measured by western blot and electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results : Our results indicated that MRAL (50 ${\mu}g/mL$, 100 ${\mu}g/mL$) significantly inhibited PMA/Ionomycin-induced production of IL-5 and IL-13 and the expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 mRNA in MC/9 mast cells. Moreover, MRAL (50 ${\mu}g/mL$, 100 ${\mu}g/mL$) inhibited PMA/Ionomycin-induced GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Fos protein expression and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 DNA binding activity in MC/9 mast cells. Conclusions : In conclusion, we suspect the anti-allergenic activities of MRAL, may be related to the regulation of transcription factors GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Fos and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 DNA binding assay causing inhibition of Th2 cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 in mast cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.135-153
• /
• 2005

Herbal mixture water extract of (Phellodendron amurense, Scuellaria baiklensis, Spphora flavescens, Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Mellaphis chinesis, Alumite, Zanthoxylum schinifolium, Glycyrrhiza uralensis), which exhibit several beneficial effects including acne and skin diseases, was tested for anti-microbial activity and anti-inflammation effects. The herbal mixture extract showed antimicrobial activity against Stapylococcus epidermis, Propionibacterium acne, and Malassezia furfur. The growth of Stapylococcus epidermis, Propionibacterium acne, and Malassezia furfur was inhibited allergy and LPS induced cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)gene expression in RAW24.7macrophage. The results indicated th ear swelling and histamine release induced by compound 48/80 were dose-dependently reduced, ranging 11-38% and 11-56%, respectively. Furthermore the extract inhibited the expression of LPS-induced COX-2 proteins and mRNAs without an appreciable cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells. The cytotoxicity of the extract using M7T assay showed the cytotoxicity of 7 and 18% against L929 cell line. Based on these results, it is concluded that the herbal mixture water extract can be applied to the acne and skin diseases therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.154-171
• /
• 2005

Herbal mixture water extract of (Rheum coreanum Scutellaria baikalensis, Phellodendron amurese), which exhibit several beneficial effects including acne and skin diseases, was tested for anti-microbial activity and anti-inflammation effects. The herbal mixture extract showed antimicrobial activity against Stapylococcus epidermis and Propionbacterium acne. The growth of Stapylococcus epidermis and Propionibacterium acne was inhibited completely by addition of 1.0% of the extract. Also in the present study we examined the mixture extract on compound 48/80 induced allergy and LPS induced cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) gene expression in RAW264.7 macrophage. The results indicated the ear swelling and histamine release induced by compound 48/80 were dose-dependently reduced, ranging 18-36% and 10-61%, respectively. Furthermore the extract inhibited the expression of LPS-induced COX-2 proteins and mRNAs without an appreciable cytotoxic effects on RAW264.1 cells. The cytotoxicity of the extract using MTT assay showed the cytotoxicity of 6% and 13% against L929 cell line. Based on these results, it is concluded that the herbal mixture water extract can be applied to this acne and skin diseases therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.35-49
• /
• 2013

Objectives : We aimed to determine therapeutic effects of probiotics-fermented Magnolia denudata(MD) in the allergic rhinitis model mice. Methods : Polyphenol production, DPPH radical scavenging activity and NO inhibition of fermented MD by different bacterial strains were evaluated to select the one that is most suitable for fermentation. Thirty C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into 5 groups as follows: normal group, ovalbumin(OVA)-treated plus water fed(CON group), OVA-treated plus unfermented MD fed(UMD group), OVA-treated plus fermented autoclaved MD fed(A-FMD group) and OVA-treated plus fermented unautoclaved MD fed(FMD group). After 9 weeks, we observed changes in the blood cell count, OVA-specific IgE level, nasal rubbing, nasal mucosal tissue and body weight. Results : Extract of MD fermented by Bifidobacterium breve(BB) for 48 hours showed the highest anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity out of all the other bacterial strains. The number of eosinophil count in A-FMD, FMD group and platelet count in FMD group showed statistically significant decrease(p<0.05). OVA-specific IgE level decreased in all 3 experimental groups, significantly in UMD and A-FMD group. Nasal symptoms were attenuated in all 3 experimental groups, statistically significant in A-FMD and FMD group (p<0.05). Histologically, infiltration of eosinophils into the nasal mucosa decreased in all 3 experimental groups, especially marked decrease in FMD group. Conclusions : According to the above results, it is considered that probiotics-fermented Magnolia denudata has inhibitory effects on the allergic rhinitis animal models.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.231-237
• /
• 2010

The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-allergic reaction with Glycyrrhiza uralensis. We examined cell viability, $\beta$-hexosaminidase release, IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA expression from RBL-2H3 cell after pre-treatment with 0, 100, 250, 500, 1000${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Glycyrrhiza uralensis water extracts. Effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis on the degranulation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) expression were evaluated with $\beta$-hexosaminidase assay, and RT-PCR analysis. We observed that Glycyrrhiza uralensis concentrations from 100${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ to 1000${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ had no effect on cell survival. The release of $\beta$-hexosaminidase decreased significantly with all concentrations of Glycyrrhiza uralensis extracts. The expression of the IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA were decreased by Glycyrrhiza uralensis in dose-dependent manner. These results that Glycyrrhiza uralensis has an anti-histamin effects and controls IL-4, IL-13 secretion on allergic reaction.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.82-93
• /
• 2008

Objective: Previously, the methanol extracts of the semen of Xanthium strumsrium could involved anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw 264,7 cells, We evaluated the anti-allergic effects of X. strumarium on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells, Methodes : To investigate the effect of X. strumarium on the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187-induced RBL-2H3 cells. The effects of X. strumarium on the degranulation and the pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and expression from RBL-2H3 cells were evaluated with $\beta$-hexosaminidase assay, ELISA, and RT-PCR analysis, In addition, we examined the effects of X. strumarium on nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ activation and $I{\kappa}B-\alpha$ degradation using Western blot analysis. Results : X. strumarium inhibited degranulation and secretions and expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-\alpha$), interleukin (IL)-4 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, on stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, however, X. strumarium not affect cell viability. In stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, the protein expression level of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) was decreased in the nucleus by X. strumarium. In addition, X. strumarium suppressed the degradation of inhibitory protein $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ protein in RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusion : These results suggest that X. strumarium inhibits the degranulation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines through blockade of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and I $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.349-354
• /
• 2014

Elevation of intracellular calcium ($Ca^{{+}{+}}$) triggers degranulation of mast cells by bypassing receptor activation. Flos Sophora japonica L. has been used as a natural dying source and has been reported to have biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects through $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ and IgE crosslinking. In the present investigation, we report the regulatory effect of ethanolic extract of Flos Sophora japonica L. (S.F) on allergic mediators produced by $Ca^{{+}{+}}$ ionophore activation in mast cells. S.F significantly inhibited calcium ionophore (A23187)-induced interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ production as well as mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, administration of S.F suppressed allergic reactions in a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic dermatitis mouse model. Both oral administration and ear painting using 50 mg/kg of S.F significantly reduced levels of cytokines such as IL-4, TNF, and interferon-${\gamma}$ in ear tissues compared to the DNFB alone-treated group. Serum IgE level in the S.F-treated group also decreased compared to the DNFB alone-treated group. Weights of spleens and lymph nodes in the S.F-treated groups also decreased compared to the control group. Considering the data, we conclude that S.F mediates its anti-allergic effects not only through $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ stimulation but also $Ca^{{+}{+}}$ influx in mast cells.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.165-173
• /
• 2014

Objectives : Platycodon Root is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases of the throat. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of the EtOH extract of fermented Platycodon grandiflorum on the ameliorative effects on the Antipruritic Effect of atopic dermatitis mouse model induced by compound 48/80 and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic responses in mice. Methods : In the present study, we examined the anti allergic effect of Platycodon grandiflorum (PR) and its fermented production (FPR) in several mouse model. We measured acute ear edema in a mouse model caused by TPA and consecutively histological change of Ear tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. and also Scratching behaviors by compound 48/80 was investigated. The levels of allergic mediators such as immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and anti-oxidant markers such as SOD and MDA in the sera of OVA induced allergic mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results : FPR inhibited compoud 48/80-induced scratching behavior in mice, as well as acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The anti-scratching behavioral effect of FPR was more potent than PR. FPR extract significantly decreased the serum levels of IgE and MDA compared with those of OVA control group. Conclusions : These results indicate that Anti allergic effect of Platycodon grandiflorum is enhanced by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisae and FPR may be useful for protection from the itching reactions, which are IgE-mediated representative skin allergic diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.36-44
• /
• 2011

Objective : Propolis (PP) has been used in oriental medicine. PP has various biological activities. However, its immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities have not been well studied. In this study, I investigated these activities of PP by using ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice. Methods : To examine the effect of PP on allergic asthma, mice were sensitized with $100{\mu}g$ of OVA and 1mg of aluminum potasssium sulfate (Alum; Sigma) intraperitoneally on day 0 and 7. On day 14, mice were challenged on consecutive 3 days with 5% OVA and AHR was assessed 24 hours after the last challenge. To examine severity of AHR, I examined the population of eosinophiles and T cells in spleen and lung and cytokine production in T cells. Futhermore, I examined histological changes during the OVA-induced allergic asthma. Results and Conclusion : PP reduced the population of eosinophil and CD4+ T cells on the OVA-induced AHR mice model. PP also inhibited IL-4 production but increased INF-g production in T cells. These results suggest that PP may be beneficial material for allergic asthma.