Anti-allergic effect of α-cubebenoate isolated from Schisandra chinensis using in vivo and in vitro experiments

Abstract

Aim of the study: In Oriental countries, the dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis are extensively used in traditional medicine to treat asthma, gonorrhea, and other diseases. Recently, α-cubebenoate was isolated as an anti-inflammatory component from Schisandra chinensis. In the present study, the authors examined the anti-allergic effect of α-cubebenoate using in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Materials and methods: α-Cubebenoate was isolated from an extract of Schisandra chinensis fruits. Antigen-induced degranulation and Ca(2+) mobilization were measured in RBL-2H3 mast cells. In addition, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, and then challenged with ovalbumin for three consecutive days. α-Cubebenoate (1mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30min before each ovalbumin challenge.

Results: In RBL-2H3 mast cells, α-cubebenoate inhibited antigen-induced degranulation and increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. In the ovalbumin-induced asthma model, α-cubebenoate suppressed bronchiolar structural changes induced by ovalbumin challenge. Furthermore, α-cubebenoate strongly inhibited accumulations of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. α-Cubebenoate also suppressed Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and TGF-β1 in lung tissues and in immune cells at the mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusion: α-Cubebenoate has an inhibitory effect on allergic inflammation and could be utilized as an agent for the treatment of asthma.

Keywords: Anti-allergy; Asthma; Mast cells; Schisandra chinensis; α-cubebenoate.