In vitro and in vivo anti-allergic effects of an extract of a traditional Chinese medicine preparation

Abstract

BackgroundThe present research was conducted to investigate the in vivo and in vitro anti-allergic activity of a traditional Chinese medicine formulation comprising Ampelopsis grossedentata, Saposhnikovia divaricata, Sophora flavescens, Angelica sinensis, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Cornus officinalis.MethodsThe hyaluronidase inhibitory activity of an active extract of this formulation (AEF) was evaluated in vitro. In vivo studies were conducted to explore its effects on pruritus, the anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction, and skin repair, in order to investigate the therapeutic effects of AEF in allergic skin reactions. The inhibitory effects of the main active ingredient of AEF (dihydromyricetin (DMY)) on the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate plus the calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated KU812 cells, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsAn in vivo test showed that AEF produced significant inhibition of pruritus, PCA reaction, and skin barrier dysfunction. The main chemical DMY significantly decreased the PMACI-induced increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-8 in KU812 cells. The in vivo anti-allergy effects on the skin may have resulted from reduced levels of IL-6 and IL-8.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that the formulation and one of its constituents, DMY, may exert excellent anti-inflammatory effects, with applications in the treatment of skin allergic reactions including pruritus, diffuse redness, and swelling.