Anti-allergic actions of F-PASA, a novel herbal cocktail, in IgE/antigen-mediated allergic responses in RBL-2H3 cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice

Abstract Background The anti-inflammatory actions of Polygonum cuspidatum, Angelica gigas, Sophora flavescens and Arctium fruit are well known. Nonetheless, effects of herbal combination (PASA) or its fermentation by microorganisms (F-PASA) on the allergic response remain unknown. Purpose We investigated whether PASA or F-PASA could inhibit IgE/antigen complex (IgE/Ag)-mediated allergic responses. Methods To evaluate and compare anti-allergic actions of PASA and F-PASA, we performed cell viability, β-hexosaminidase activity, ELISA assays for cytokines and eicosanoids, immunoblot analysis, HPLC analysis and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) models. Results F-PASA had stronger anti-degranulation actions (IC 50 , 510.9  µg/ml) than PASA (IC 50 , 1,261  µg/ml) without cytotoxicity until 2000  µg/ml in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. Additionally, F-PASA inhibited formation of tumor necrosis factor-α (IC 50 , 147.4  µg/ml), interleukin-4 (IC 50 , 213.4  µg/ml), prostaglandin D 2 (IC 50 , 42.40  µg/ml) and leukotriene C 4 (IC 50 , 157.9  µg/ml). Moreover, F-PASA dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation and expression of proteins that are related to the FceRI and arachidonate cascades. Consistent with in vitro studies, F-PASA from 25 to 100  mg/kg also suppressed IgE/Ag-induced PCA reaction more than PASA did in mice. In phytochemical analysis, using PASA and F-PASA, F-PASA showed a higher level of emodin-8- O -β- d -glucoside, whereas the level of arctiin, an artigenin glycoside, was reduced compared with that using PASA. Conclusion These findings indicate that F-PASA, including both artigenin and emodin-8- O -β- d -glucoside, possesses stronger anti-allergic properties. Therefore, F-PASA may be useful as a functional food or as a phytomedicine for allergic diseases.