The incidence of food allergy, which is triggered by allergen permeation of the gastrointestinal tract followed by a T-helper (Th) 2-mediated immune response, has been increasing annually worldwide. We examined the effects of baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone), a flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis used in oriental herbal medicine, on regulatory T (Treg) cell induction and intestinal barrier function through the regulation of tight junctions in a mouse model of food allergy. An allergic response was induced by oral challenge with ovalbumin, and the incidence of allergic symptoms and T cell-related activity in the mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed with and without the presence of baicalein. Our results demonstrated that the administration of baicalein ameliorated the symptoms of food allergy and attenuated serum IgE and effector T cells. However, Treg-related factors were up-regulated by baicalein. Furthermore, baicalein was shown to enhance intestinal barrier function through the regulation of tight junctions. We also found that baicalein treatment induced the differentiation of Treg cells via aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs). Thus, the action of baicalein as an agonist of AhR can induce Treg differentiation and enhance barrier function, suggesting that baicalein might serve as an effective immune regulator derived from foods for the treatment of food allergy.

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Context: HemoHIM is a medicinal herbal preparation of Angelica gigas Nakai (Apiaceae), Cnidium officinale Makino (Umbelliferae), and Paeonia japonica Miyabe (Paeoniaceae) developed for immune regulation. HemoHIM has been investigated for its ability to enhance tissue self-renewal and stimulate immune systems. To date, studies on the protective effects of HemoHIM against gastritis and gastric ulcers have not been conducted. Objective: The protective effects of HemoHIM using models of indomethacin and ethanol/hydrochloric acid (EtOH/HCl)-induced gastric mucosal injury were investigated. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into five groups ( n = 10): control, indomethacin, or EtOH/HCl groups, HemoHIM 250, 500 mg kg −1 , and cimetidine 100 mg kg −1 , respectively. Indomethacin (80 mg kg −1 ) and 60% EtOH/150 mM HCl were administered orally 1 h after the administration of samples and rats were anesthetized 3 h after induction. The lesion area (%), inhibition ratio (%), and total acidity were investigated, and tissues were histopathologically analyzed using hematoxylin and-eosin (H&E) staining. Results: HemoHIM significantly reduced gastric injury in indomethacin-induced model (250 and 500 mg kg −1 ; 64.30% and 67.75%, p < 0.001) compared to indomethacin group. In the EtOH/HCl-induced model, HemoHIM reduced gastric lesion (250 and 500 mg kg −1 ; 61.05% and 73.37%, p < 0.001) and gastric acidity (250 and 500 mg kg −1 ; 37.80 and 45.20 meq L −1 , p < 0.001) compared to EtOH/HCl group. H&E staining of the gastric mucosa showed decreased erosion and hemorrhage in HemoHIM group compared to EtOH/HCl group. Discussion and conclusions: Based on the results, HemoHIM is potential candidate for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers.

BACKGROUND Silkworm droppings have long been used in traditional medicine to remedy allergic itching, palsy, blood circulation problems, and arthritis in Asian countries. To investigate the anti‐allergic effect of silkworm dropping extract (SDE) and its mechanism, we used a mouse model of food allergy induced by ovalbumin (OVA). RESULTS SDE ameliorated the symptoms of OVA‐induced food allergies, and the levels of T helper 2 (Th2)‐related cytokines [such as interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, and IL‐13] were found to be significantly decreased in both the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes by SDE. Furthermore, SDE treatment directly inhibited OVA permeation, IL‐4 production, and degranulation of mast cells; in contrast, immunoglobulin E (IgE) production from B cells was not affected. CONCLUSION These results suggest that SDE has potential anti‐allergic activities, and SDE may be useful in the treatment/prevention of allergic disorders such as food allergies, serving as therapeutic agents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry