The extract of black cumin, licorice, anise, and black tea alleviates OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mouse via balancing activity of helper T cells in lung

Abstract

Background A formulation of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) (denoted BLAB tea) is traditionally used to relief allergy reaction including allergic rhinitis. However, little is known about its underlining mechanism of anti-allergic effects. Methods To investigate the anti-allergenic mechanism of BLAB tea, we treated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) model of mice with BLAB tea, and elucidated its possible mechanism of action. Mice in the control group were treated with phosphate-buffered saline only. Subsequently, the infiltration of different inflammatory cells was measured. In addition, histopathological changes in the nasal mucosa, and the levels of allergen-specific cytokines and OVA-specific immunoglobulins were measured. Results The aqueous extract of BLAB significantly alleviated the nasal symptoms and reduced the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the nasal mucosa and nasal lavage fluid of AR model of mice. Conclusion The aqueous extract of BLAB induced the production of Th1 and Treg cytokines and inhibited the release of Th2 cytokines and histamine in nasal mucosa and serum of mice while decreasing the serum levels of OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a. These results suggest the potential of the aqueous extract of BLAB as a treatment option for allergic diseases.

Emerging Biopharmaceuticals from Pimpinella Genus

“…In PM 2.5 -induced BEAS-2B and HepG2 cells, anethole ( 40 ) reduced the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 by 96% and 87%, respectively, demonstrating it is a natural therapeutic agent to counteract PM-induced inflammation [ 108 ]. Recently, based on analysis of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) model mice, C. S. Liao’s team found that the anti-inflammatory response of BLAB tea containing P. anisum was relevant to the suppression activity on the accumulation of inflammatory cells and the release of Th2 and histamine in the nasal mucosa, NALF, and serum, and induction of the production of Th1 and Treg [ 109 ]. Another P. anisum study [ 9 ] indicated that polysaccharide extract mediated anti-inflammatory effects by improving edema and reducing MDA and SOD levels of oxidative stress indexes in muscle in carrageenan-induced foot swelling in mice.…”