Chinese herbal extracts of Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus suppress IgE production and prevent peanut-induced anaphylaxis

Iván López-Expósito,Nan Yang,Alexandra Castillo,Xiu-Min Li,Banghao Liang

doi:10.1186/1749-8546-6-35

Abstract

BackgroundPeanut allergy is characterized by increased levels of peanut-specific IgE in the serum of most patients. Thus, the most logical therapy would be to inhibit the IgE production by committed B-cells. This study aims to investigate the unreported anti-IgE effects of Chinese herbal extracts of Rubia cordifolia (Qiancao) and Dianthus superbus (Qumai).MethodsSeventy herbal extracts were tested for their ability to reduce IgE secretion by a human B-cell line. Those with the lowest inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) values were tested in a mouse model of peanut-anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic scores, body temperature, plasma histamine and peanut-specific-immunoglobulins were determined.ResultsRubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus inhibited the in vitro IgE production by a human B-cell line in a dose-dependent manner and the in vivo IgE production in a murine model of peanut allergy without affecting peanut-specific-IgG1 levels. After challenge, all mice in the sham groups developed anaphylactic reactions and increased plasma histamine levels. The extract-treated mice demonstrated significantly reduced peanut-triggered anaphylactic reactions and plasma histamine levels.ConclusionThe extracts of Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus inhibited the IgE production in vivo and in vitro as well as reduced anaphylactic reactions in peanut-allergic mice, suggesting potentials for allergy treatments.

Highlights

Peanut allergy is characterized by increased levels of peanut-specific IgE in the serum of most patients
While peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising therapeutic intervention for Peanut allergy (PNA) [3], many questions remain, such as the risks of OIT compared with avoidance, dosing regimen issues, patient selection and post desensitization strategy [4]
Anti-IgE screening for the Chinese medicinal herbs Seventy herbs extracts from our herbal repository with demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions were screened for potential anti-IgE properties via incubating them with an IgE producing human B-cell line (U266B1)

Summary

Introduction

Peanut allergy is characterized by increased levels of peanut-specific IgE in the serum of most patients. The most logical therapy would be to inhibit the IgE production by committed B-cells. Peanut allergy (PNA) is a worldwide health concern, in developed countries. PNA accounts for approximately 80% of fatal and near-fatal food allergic reactions [1]. Apart from strict avoidance of the peanut-containing foods, no satisfactory therapy is available to prevent or reverse this condition. Standard subcutaneous immunotherapy has been abandoned due to undesirable adverse reactions and marginal efficacy [2]. While peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising therapeutic intervention for PNA [3], many questions remain, such as the risks of OIT compared with avoidance, dosing regimen issues, patient selection and post desensitization strategy [4]

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