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

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, alpha-cubebenoate was isolated as an anti-inflammatory component from Schisandra chinensis. In the present study, the authors examined the anti-allergic effect of alpha-cubebenoate using in vivo and in vitro experiments. Materials and methods: alpha-Cubebenoate was isolated from an extract of Schisandra chinensis fruits. Antigen-induced degranulation and Ca2+ 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. alpha-Cubebenoate (1 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before each ovalbumin challenge. Results: In RBL-2H3 mast cells, alpha-cubebenoate inhibited antigen-induced degranulation and increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. In the ovalbumin-induced asthma model, alpha-cubebenoate suppressed bronchiolar structural changes induced by ovalbumin challenge. Furthermore, alpha-cubebenoate strongly inhibited accumulations of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. alpha-Cubebenoate also suppressed Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and TGF-beta 1 in lung tissues and in immune cells at the mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion: alpha-Cubebenoate has an inhibitory effect on allergic inflammation and could be utilized as an agent for the treatment of asthma. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.