Silkworm Dropping Extract Regulates Food Allergy Symptoms via Inhibition of Th2‐related Responses in an Ovalbumin‐induced Food Allergy Model

BACKGROUND: Silkworm droppings have long been used in traditional medicine to remedy allergic itching, palsy, blood circulation problems, and arthritis in Asian countries. To investigate the anti-allergic effect of silkworm dropping extract (SDE) and its mechanism, we used a mouse model of food allergy induced by ovalbumin (OVA). RESULTS: SDE ameliorated the symptoms of OVA-induced food allergies, and the levels of T helper 2 (Th2)-related cytokines [such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13] were found to be significantly decreased in both the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes by SDE. Furthermore, SDE treatment directly inhibited OVA permeation, IL-4 production, and degranulation of mast cells; in contrast, immunoglobulin E (IgE) production from B cells was not affected. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SDE has potential anti-allergic activities, and SDE may be useful in the treatment/prevention of allergic disorders such as food allergies, serving as therapeutic agents. (c) 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.