Frutescens Leaf Extract Research Articles

Orally delivered perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf extract effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in a Syrian hamster model

On analyzing the results of cell-based assays, we have previously shown that perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf extract (PLE), a food supplement and orally deliverable traditional Chinese medicine approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by directly targeting virions. PLE was also found to modulate virus-induced cytokine expression levels. In this study, we explored the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of PLE in a hamster model by examining viral loads and virus-induced immunopathology in lung tissues. Experimental animals were intranasally challenged with different SARS-CoV-2 doses. Jugular blood samples and lung tissue specimens were obtained in the acute disease stage (3−4 post-infection days). As expected, SARS-CoV-2 induced lung inflammation and hemorrhagic effusions in the alveoli and perivascular areas; additionally, it increased the expression of several immune markers of lung injury − including lung Ki67-positive cells, Iba-1-positive macrophages, and myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils. Virus-induced lung alterations were significantly attenuated by orally administered PLE. In addition, pretreatment of hamsters with PLE significantly reduced viral loads and immune marker expression. A purified active fraction of PLE was found to confer higher antiviral protection. Notably, PLE prevented SARS-CoV-2-induced increase in serum markers of liver and kidney function as well as the decrease in serum high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent fashion. Differently from lung pathology, monitoring of serum biomarkers in Syrian hamsters may allow a more humane assessment of the novel drugs with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Our results expand prior research by confirming that PLE may exert an in vivo therapeutic activity against SARS-CoV-2 by attenuating viral loads and lung tissue inflammation, which may pave the way for future clinical applications.

Ecofriendly green synthesis, characterization and biomedical applications of CuO nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extract of Capsicum frutescens

The green technology is creating an interest among researchers as they are simple, ecofriendly, and also cost-effective especially in synthesizing nanoparticles. In the present study, CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by taking copper nitrate as precursor and using the leaf extract of Capsicum frutescens as capping and stabilizing agent. The visual observation of dark green color indicated the formation of CuO nanoparticles. The gas chromatograph illustrated the phytochemicals in leaf extract. The synthesized CuO nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques such as UV–visible, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra-red, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and energy dispersive X-ray analyses. Field emission scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron micrographs illustrated the spherical and rectangular-rod shaped nanoparticles with its diameter (width) ranging from 20 to 40 nm. The antibacterial and biofilm activities against Gram-positive (Bacillus anthracis, and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacterial human pathogens showed strong inhibition at 95%, 94% and 92% in 150 μg/mL concentration, respectively. The antioxidant activity revealed high (97%) free radical scavenging property at 80 μg/mL concentration. The anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities showed 90% and 85% efficacy at 500 μg/mL concentration, respectively. These results assured the synthesized CuO nanoparticles by using Capsicum frutescens leaf extract may have applications in the biomedical field.

Perilla frutescens Leaf Extract and Fractions: Polyphenol Composition, Antioxidant, Enzymes (α-Glucosidase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Tyrosinase) Inhibitory, Anticancer, and Antidiabetic Activities.

This study aims to evaluate the bioactive components, in vitro bioactivities, and in vivo hypoglycemic effect of P. frutescens leaf, which is a traditional medicine-food homology plant. P. frutescens methanol crude extract and its fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol fractions, and aqueous phase residue) were prepared by ultrasound-enzyme assisted extraction and liquid–liquid extraction. Among the samples, the ethyl acetate fraction possessed the high total phenolic (440.48 μg GAE/mg DE) and flavonoid content (455.22 μg RE/mg DE), the best antioxidant activity (the DPPH radical, ABTS radical, and superoxide anion scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power were 1.71, 1.14, 2.40, 1.29, and 2.4 times higher than that of control Vc, respectively), the most powerful α-glucosidase inhibitory ability with the IC50 value of 190.03 μg/mL which was 2.2-folds higher than control acarbose, the strongest proliferative inhibitory ability against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell with the IC50 values of 37.92 and 13.43 μg/mL, which were considerable with control cisplatin, as well as certain inhibition abilities on acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. HPLC analysis showed that the luteolin, rosmarinic acid, rutin, and catechin were the dominant components of the ethyl acetate fraction. Animal experiments further demonstrated that the ethyl acetate fraction could significantly decrease the serum glucose level, food, and water intake of streptozotocin-induced diabetic SD rats, increase the body weight, modulate their serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C, improve the histopathology and glycogen accumulation in liver and intestinal tissue. Taken together, P. frutescens leaf exhibits excellent hypoglycemic activity in vitro and in vivo, and could be exploited as a source of natural antidiabetic agent.

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Perilla frutescens Leaf Extract: Characterization and Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activities

PurposeThe present study investigates the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Perilla frutescens leaf extract, which acts as a reducing agent for the conversion of silver ions (Ag+) into AgNPs. P. frutescens leaf synthesized AgNPs (PF@AgNPs) were evaluated for biomedical properties including antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities.Materials and MethodsPF@AgNPs were synthesized using P. frutescens leaf extract and silver nitrate solution. The morphology and physical properties of PF@AgNPs were studied by spectroscopic techniques including, UV-Vis, FTIR, TEM, XRD, DLS, and TGA. Antibacterial activity of PF@AgNPs was evaluated by disk diffusion assay. Antioxidant activity of PF@AgNPs was checked by 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2.2ʹ-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging assays. Anticancer activity of PF@AgNPs was checked by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cytotoxic effects of PF@AgNPs on most susceptible cancer cell lines were observed by phase contrast microscopy.ResultsPF@AgNPs showed surface plasmon resonance peak at 461 nm. XRD pattern showed that the PF@AgNPs were face-centered cubic crystals with a mean size of 25.71 nm. TEM analysis revealed the different shapes (spherical, rhombic, triangle, and rod) of PF@AgNPs. Zeta potential value (−25.83 mV) indicated that PF@AgNPs were long-term stable and not agglomerated. A low polydispersity index value (0.389) indicated the monodispersity of PF@AgNPs. TGA revealed the high thermal stability of PF@AgNPs. PF@AgNPs exhibited maximum inhibition against Escherichia coli, followed by Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. PF@AgNPs showed maximum inhibition of 68.02 and 62.93% against DPPH and ABTS-free radicals, respectively. PF@AgNPs showed significant anticancer activity against human colon cancer (COLO205) and prostate adenocarcinoma (LNCaP). PF@AgNPs exhibited apoptotic effects on LNCaP cells including cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, fragmentation of nuclei, and formation of apoptotic bodies.ConclusionThe present study reports the successful synthesis of PF@AgNPs using P. frutescens leaf extract. The synthesized PF@AgNPs are FCC crystals, monodispersed, long-term stable, and non-agglomerated. The observed antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities demonstrate the potential biomedical applications of PF@AgNPs.

The influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the Perilla frutescens leaf extract: Changes in the active compounds and bioactivities.

In this study, the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PFLE) were measured. Results revealed that total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significantly decreased after simulated digestion (ca. 53% of phenolics and 40% of flavonoids). The IC50 value of DPPH· scavenging activity and ABTS+ scavenging ability increased by 23% and 56%, respectively, while ferric reducing antioxidant power reduced by 53%. For the inhibition ability on α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and MCF-7 cell proliferation, their IC50 values increased by 360%, 197%, and 25%, respectively. Three phenolic acids and one flavonoid in PFLE were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Overall, although significant losses of the active components and biological activities occurred during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, it still showed the potential as an oral agent for treatment and prevention of oxidative stress, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As an important annual herbaceous plant with rich biochemical compounds and many biological functions, Perilla frutescens leave is widely used in the food and traditional Chinese medicine. However, the dynamic changes of its active compounds and activities during the digestion process are unclear. In this study, the digestion results in significant loss of the active ingredients and biological activities of P. frutescens leaf extract (PFLE), particularly in the gastric digestion. In addition, PFLE remains to show certain antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory ability, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory ability, and MCF-7 cell proliferation inhibitory ability after digestion. Therefore, this research might facilitate further research and development of P. frutescens.

The effect of Perilla (Perilla frutescens) leaf extracts on the quality of surimi fish balls.

The effects of Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PLE) on the quality of surimi fish balls were investigated in the present study. Firstly, the extract was prepared by solvent extraction using 95% ethanol. Then, the phenolics in the extract were analyzed by instrumental analysis. The total phenolic content in the PLE was found to be 14.51 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW). The amount of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and apigenin, determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was 4.80, 5.10, 2.95, 6.46, and 3.93 mg/g DW, respectively. Furthermore, the PLE was found to show high free radical scavenging activity toward DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values of 12.15 and 7.26 μg/ml, respectively. When PLE was fortified into surimi fish balls at 0.03% and stored at 4°C, it was found to slow down lipid and protein oxidation during storage of surimi fish balls as evidenced by the significant reduction in TBARS values and protein carbonyl contents (p < 0.05). PLE (0.03%) also decreased the formation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and inhibited the growth of E. coli compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the overall acceptability of PLE‐added (0.03%) samples was higher than control samples during the storage process (p < 0.05) by sensory analysis. Overall, PLE have the potential to be used as a natural food additive to improve the shelf life and sensorial qualities of surimi fish ball.

Enhanced catalytic performance of magnetic Fe3O4–MnO2 nanocomposites for the decolorization of rhodamine B, reduction of 4-nitroaniline, and sp3 C–H functionalization of 2-methylpyridines to isatins

A novel biosynthesized nanocatalyst, iron oxide-loaded manganese dioxide nanocomposites (Fe3O4–MnO2 NCs), was fabricated with the aid of a Perilla frutescens leaf extract. The MnO2 is composed of numerous nanoflakes radiating from the center, which results to a flowerlike structure. A change in the flowerlike morphology of MnO2 in Fe3O4–MnO2 NCs was observed due to the distribution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of MnO2. To check the catalytic performance of the synthesized NCs, they were utilized as a catalyst for the decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB), reduction of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA), and sp3 C–H functionalization of 2-methylpyridines to isatins for the synthesis of azaarene-substituted 3-hydroxy-2-oxindole derivatives. The Fe3O4-loaded MnO2 exhibited enhanced catalytic ability over MnO2. Moreover, the nanocomposites could be recovered by a magnetic separation technique and reused for five consecutive reactions without significant loss of catalytic ability.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Biologically Active Silver Nanoparticles Using Perilla frutescens Leaf Extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using an aqueous Perilla leaf extract and evaluated for anticancer activity. These green -synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and SAED. The synthesized AgNPs were spherical and hexagonal in shape, and the average size of the NPs was ~23 nm. SRB assay investigated the anticancer activity of the AgNPs against human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. The fluorescence and confocal microscopy studies were confirmed the DNA damage and apoptosis following nanoparticle treatment. Furthermore, the intracellular ROS was also increased after treatment. Taking all these data together, it is suggested that AgNPs may be a potential agent for the inhibition of cervical tumor cells.

Facile fabrication of eco-friendly nano-mosquitocides: Biophysical characterization and effectiveness on neglected tropical mosquito vectors.

Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors are solely responsible for transmitting important diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis and Zika virus. Eco-friendly control tools of Culicidae vectors are a priority. In this study, we proposed a facile fabrication process of poly-disperse and stable silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using a cheap leaf extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens (Apocyanaceae). Bio-reduced Ag NPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The acute toxicity of I. frutescens leaf extract and green-synthesized Ag NPs was evaluated against larvae of the malaria vector Anopheles subpictus, the dengue vector Aedes albopictus and the Japanese encephalitis vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Compared to the leaf aqueous extract, Ag NPs showed higher toxicity against A. subpictus, A. albopictus, and C. tritaeniorhynchus with LC50 values of 14.22, 15.84 and 17.26μg/mL, respectively. Ag NPs were found safer to non-target mosquito predators Anisops bouvieri, Diplonychus indicus and Gambusia affinis, with LC50 values ranging from 636.61 to 2098.61μg/mL. Overall, this research firstly shed light on the mosquitocidal potential of I. frutescens, a potential bio-resource for rapid, cheap and effective synthesis of poly-disperse and highly stable silver nanocrystals.

Ultrasonic-assisted green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles and their nanocatalytic application in multicomponent reaction

Palladium nanoparticles were synthesized using the Perilla frutescens leaf extract and used as catalysts for the preparation of pyrazolylphosphonate derivatives.

Sonochemically synthesized ferromagnetic Fe3O4nanoparticles as a recyclable catalyst for the preparation of pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinoline-1,3-dione derivatives

This paper reports the green, rapid synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles by the ultrasonic irradiation of Fe2O3 solution and Perilla frutescens (P. frutescens) leaf extract, which was used as both reducing and capping agent. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The FT-IR spectra indicated that the bioactive molecules present in the plant extract contain polyols, which act as a reducing as well as capping agent, as confirmed by TGA. TEM and SEM showed that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles were approximately spherical in shape with a mean size of 50 nm. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibited ferromagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 25.15 emu g−1. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles, with their easy recovery by an external magnetic field, exhibited strong catalytic activity towards pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinoline-1,3-dione derivatives. These results suggest that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles produced can be applied as a catalyst in organic synthesis and recycled at least five times without significant loss in its activity.

Perilla frutescens extract ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Anti-inflammatory effects have been reported in Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PE), which is a plant of the genus belonging to the Lamiaceae family. We examined the effect of PE on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Preliminarily, PE was safely administered for 7 wk without any adverse effects. In the preventive protocol, mice were fed 1.5% DSS solution dissolved in distilled water (control group) or 0.54% PE solution (PE group) ad libitum for 7 days. In the therapeutic protocol, distilled water or 0.54% PE solution was given for 10 days just after administration of 1.5% DSS for 5 days. PE intake significantly improved body weight loss. The serum cytokine profile demonstrated that TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-10 were significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group. In the therapeutic protocol, mice in the PE group showed significantly higher body weight and lower histological colitis scores compared with mice in the control group on day 15. The serum cytokine profile demonstrated that TGF-β was significantly higher in the PE group than in the control group. In distal colon mRNA expression, TNF-α, and IL-17A were significantly downregulated. In vitro analyses of biologically active ingredients, such as luteolin, apigenin, and rosmarinic acid, in PE were performed. Luteolin suppressed production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A. Apigenin also suppressed secretion of IL-17A and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Rosmarinic acid increased the regulatory T cell population. We conclude that PE might be useful in treatment and prevention of DSS-induced colitis.

Synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Perilla frutescens--a biogenic approach.

The present investigation demonstrates a rapid biogenic approach for the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using biologically active and medicinal important Perilla frutescens leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent under ambient conditions. Gold and silver nanoparticles were first synthesized from Perilla frutescens leaf extract which was used as a vegetable and in traditional medicines for a long time in Korea, Japan, and China. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface plasmon resonance spectra of gold and silver nanoparticles were obtained at 540 and 430 nm and triangular and spherical shape respectively. TEM studies showed that the particle sizes of gold and silver nanoparticles ranges -50 nm and -40 nm respectively. X-ray diffraction studies confirm that the biosynthesized nanoparticles were crystalline gold and silver. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy revealed that biomolecules were involved in the synthesis and capping of the nanoparticles produced. XRD and EDX confirmed the formation of gold and silver nanoparticles. This is a simple, efficient and rapid method to synthesize gold and silver nanoparticles at room temperature without use of toxic chemicals. Obtained gold and silver nanoparticles can be used in various biomedical and biotechnological applications.

랫드에서의 t-BHP 유발 산화스트레스에 대한 기능성 들깻잎 열수 추출물의 간 보호 효과

t-BHP는 대표적인 산화스트레스에 의한 간 손상 모델이며, 본 연구자는 랫드에 기능성이 강화된 기능성 들깻잎 추출물(P. frutescens leaf extract, PLE)을 250, 500 또는 1000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)으로 6일간 경구 투여하고 t-BHP의 복강 주사로 간 손상을 일으킨 후 기능성 들깻잎 추출물이 간에서 산화스트레스를 얼마나 억제하여 주는지를 혈액의 간 손상 지표인 lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 그리고 alanine aminotransferase (ALT)를 측정하였으며, 간 조직에서 항산화 바이오 마커인 reduced glutathione (GSH), 지질과산화물의 척도인 malondialdehyde (MDA)를 통해서 측정하였다. 산화스트레스에 의한 간 손상시 GSH는 아무것도 처리하지 않은 정상 대조군(<TEX>$146.0{\pm}5.4$</TEX> mM GSH/g protein)에 비해 t-BHP로 산화스트레스를 유발한 그룹에서 <TEX>$128.6{\pm}6.8$</TEX> mM GSH/g protein로 감소하였다. 반면 기능성 들깻잎 추출물을 250, 500 그리고 1000 mg/kg b.w. 을 투여한 그룹에서는 <TEX>$129.3{\pm}2.6$</TEX> mM GSH/g protein, <TEX>$151.9{\pm}6.8$</TEX> mM GSH/g protein, <TEX>$171.9{\pm}5.2$</TEX> mM GSH/g protein로 농도 의존적으로 GSH 함량이 회복되는 경향을 나타내며, 500 mg/kg b.w. 투여군부터 정상 대조군의 GSH 함량과 비슷한 수준을 나타내었다. 또한, 간 조직에서 산화스트레스에 의하여 발생된 지질과산화물을 측정하였을 때 t-BHP에 의하여 산화스트레스만 유발한 그룹은 <TEX>$834.0{\pm}154.7{\mu}M/g$</TEX> protein 로 정상 대조군의 <TEX>$385.6{\pm}39.7{\mu}M/g$</TEX> protein 보다 2.17배 높은 MDA를 생성한 것으로 지질과산화가 많이 일어난 것을 확인하였으나, 기능성 들깻잎 추출물을 투여한 그룹의 MDA의 생성량은 <TEX>$669.2{\pm}145.0$</TEX>, <TEX>$595.1{\pm}142.6$</TEX>, <TEX>$415.9{\pm}133.8{\mu}M/g$</TEX> protein 로 농도에 따라 감소하는 경향을 확인하였다. 랫드의 간 조직에서, 독성을 유발하는 t-BHP를 복강 투여 후 기능성 들깻잎 추출물을 경구 투여하였을 때 지질과산화의 지표인 MDA의 감소와 항산화의 지표인 GSH 함량이 증가하였다. 조직병리학적 확인을 위하여 간 조직을 H&E 염색 후 광학현미경으로 관찰하였을 때, t-BHP만 처리한 음성 대조군의 경우 간 세포의 괴사와 조직의 변형을 확인할 수 있었지만 기능성 들깻잎 추출물을 처리하였을 경우 모두 정상 상태의 조직을 관찰할 수 있었다. 위의 결과들을 종합하였을 때, t-BHP가 간에서 산화스트레스를 유발하여 간 손상을 야기시키고, 간 조직의 인지질 막 손상을 줄 수 있으며, 기능성 들깻잎 추출물은 간 손상에 대한 보호 효과가 있음을 확인하였다. Perilla frutescens usually dieted in East Asian country such as Korea and Japan. Antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anticancer activities of perilla leaves have been founded. In previous study, we confirmed that caffeic acid, major compound of perilla, was accumulation by sucrose aqueous solution and thus antioxidant effect of perilla was enhanced. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of functional perilla leaves extract (PLE) against tert-butyl hydroperoxide(t-BHP) induced-oxidative hepatotoxicity. The pretreatment with PLE (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w.) for 5 days before a single dose of t-BHP (i.p.; 0.5 mmol/kg) significantly lowered the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase dose-dependently. And we confirmed that the indicators of oxidative stress were remarkably reduced in the liver, such as the glutathione contents and malondialdehyde, marker of lipid peroxidation. Pathological histology of the rat livers tissues showed that PLE reduced the hepatocyte degeneration and neutrophilic infiltration of liver induced by t-BHP. These results suggest that functional perilla frutescens has the protective effect of liver against t-BHP-induced oxidative hepatic stress in rats.

Effect of Perilla frutescens var. acuta Kudo and rosmarinic acid on allergic inflammatory reactions

Allergy is characterized by an overreaction of the immune system. Perilla frutescens leaf extract has been reported to exhibit antiallergic inflammatory activity. To investigate precisely the effect and mechanism of 30% ethanol extract powder of P. frutescens var. acuta Kudo (EPPF) and rosmarinic acid (RA), a component of EPPF in allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis, the antiallergic effects of EPPF and RA were analyzed using in vivo and in vitro models. Cytokine production was analyzed by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cytokine expression was analyzed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Transcription factor and caspase-1 activity were analyzed by a luciferase assay and caspase-1 assay, respectively. The number of nasal, ear and eye rubs after an ovalbumin (OVA) challenge in OVA-sensitized mice was significantly higher than that in OVA-unsensitized mice. Increased number of rubs was inhibited by administration of EPPF or RA. Increased levels of IgE in the serum, spleen and nasal mucosa of OVA-sensitized mice were reduced by EPPF or RA administration. The histamine level was also reduced by EPPF or RA administration in the serum of OVA-sensitized mice. Protein levels and mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were inhibited by EPPF or RA administration in the nasal mucosa tissue or spleen of OVA-sensitized mice. In EPPF or RA-administered mice, the mast cell and eosinophil infiltration increase as caused by OVA-sensitization was decreased. In addition, EPPF or RA inhibited both cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression and caspase-1 activity in the same nasal mucosa tissue. In activated human mast cells, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/Rel A and caspase-1 activation increased, whereas NF-κB/Rel A and caspase-1 activation was inhibited after a treatment of EPPF or RA. These results indicate that EPPF and RA ameliorate allergic inflammatory reactions such as allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.