Reduced allergic lung inflammation by root extracts from two species of Peucedanum through inhibition of Th2 cell activation

Publication date: 20 January 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 196
Author(s): A.-Reum Lee, Jin Mi Chun, A. Yeong Lee, Hyo Seon Kim, Gyo Jeong Gu, Bo-In Kwon
Ethnopharmacological evidencePeucedani Radix (PR), the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (PPD) or Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim. (PDM), has long been used in Korea to eliminate sputum, relieve cough, and reduce bronchus contraction. Furthermore, these therapeutic strategies are recognized as general and effective methods in western medicine as well as traditional Korean medicine.Aim of the studyTo determine and compare the anti-inflammatory effects of PPD extracts (PPDE) and PDM extracts (PDME) on allergic lung inflammation, using in vivo OVA-induced airway inflammation in mice and in vitro primary cell culture systems.Materials and methodsEight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were placed into four groups (n=4 per group): saline control, OVA-induced allergic lung inflammation with vehicle, or PPDE (200mg/kg) or PDME (200mg/kg) treatment. PR extracts (PRE) were administered from 1 week before 1st OVA sensitization to the day before sacrifice. Mice were sacrificed 18h after last OVA intra-nasal challenge followed by histological and biochemical analyses.ResultsInflammatory phenotypes were alleviated with oral administration of PRE. PRE treatment decreased mucus production in airway epithelium, inflammatory cell number, eosinophilia, type 2 cytokines, and histamine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Mice with PRE administration showed diminished activated CD4 T cell (CD4⁺CD25⁺ cell) and GATA-3 level in the lung. In addition, PRE treatment reduced Th2 cell activation in vitro, using Th2 polarization system.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of PRE arise from reduced Th2 cell activation and validate the clinical use of PR in traditional Korean medicine.

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