Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Prunella vulgaris (Labiatae; PVAE) on the mast cell–mediated allergy model. We found that PVAE (0.001–0.1 g/kg) dose dependently inhibited compound 48/80–induced systemic anaphylaxis and serum histamine release in mice. PVAE decreased the IgE-mediated local allergic reaction, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In addition, PVAE attenuated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 secretion in human mast cells. The inhibitory effect of PVAE on proinflammatory cytokines was nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) dependent. PVAE suppressed PMA and A23187-induced NF-κB/DNA binding activity and NF-κB–dependent gene reporter assay. Our findings provide evidence that PVAE inhibits mast cell–derived immediate-type allergic reactions and involvement of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB in these effects.
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