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Chinese Medicine
Published in: Chinese Medicine 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Chinese herbal extracts of Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus suppress IgE production and prevent peanut-induced anaphylaxis

Authors: Iván López-Expósito, Alexandra Castillo, Nan Yang, Banghao Liang, Xiu-Min Li

Published in: Chinese Medicine | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Peanut allergy is characterized by increased levels of peanut-specific IgE in the serum of most patients. Thus, the most logical therapy would be to inhibit the IgE production by committed B-cells. This study aims to investigate the unreported anti-IgE effects of Chinese herbal extracts of Rubia cordifolia (Qiancao) and Dianthus superbus (Qumai).

Methods

Seventy herbal extracts were tested for their ability to reduce IgE secretion by a human B-cell line. Those with the lowest inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) values were tested in a mouse model of peanut-anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic scores, body temperature, plasma histamine and peanut-specific-immunoglobulins were determined.

Results

Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus inhibited the in vitro IgE production by a human B-cell line in a dose-dependent manner and the in vivo IgE production in a murine model of peanut allergy without affecting peanut-specific-IgG1 levels. After challenge, all mice in the sham groups developed anaphylactic reactions and increased plasma histamine levels. The extract-treated mice demonstrated significantly reduced peanut-triggered anaphylactic reactions and plasma histamine levels.

Conclusion

The extracts of Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus inhibited the IgE production in vivo and in vitro as well as reduced anaphylactic reactions in peanut-allergic mice, suggesting potentials for allergy treatments.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Chinese herbal extracts of Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus suppress IgE production and prevent peanut-induced anaphylaxis
Authors
Iván López-Expósito
Alexandra Castillo
Nan Yang
Banghao Liang
Xiu-Min Li
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Chinese Medicine / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1749-8546
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-6-35

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