Anti-Allergic Effects of Quercetin and Quercetin Liposomes in RBL-2H3 Cells

Abstract

Background: Quercetin is a kind of flavonoid with important bioactivities, such as hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. Although it is unstable, it is worth exploring how to better exert its anti-allergic effect.

Objective: The current study aimed to elucidate the anti-allergic effect of quercetin liposomes on RBL-2H3 cells in vitro.

Methods: Quercetin liposomes were prepared to improve the anti-allergic activity of quercetin through a green thin-film dispersion method. We compared the anti-allergic effects of quercetin and quercetin liposomes in RBL-2H3 cells. The anti-allergic activity of the quercetin liposomes was evaluated by the level of β-hexosaminidase, histamine, Ca²⁺, IL-4, IL-8, and MCP-1.

Results: The results showed that quercetin liposomes could significantly restrain the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine, calcium influx, and the expression of inflammatory factors, whose effect is stronger than quercetin.

Conclusion: Collectively, our research suggests that the quercetin liposome can be used as a potential allergy antagonist.

Keywords: Quercetin; RBL-2H3 cells; anti-allergic; liposomes; polyhydroxy flavonoid; viability.