The ameliorative effect of AST2017-01 in an ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis animal model.

OBJECTIVE: AST2017-01 is developed to be used for treatment and prevention of allergic diseases and composed of processed-Cordyceps militaris and processed-Rumex crispus. But, effect of AST2017-01 remains unclear in an allergic rhinitis (AR). So, this study aimed to explore the effects of AST2017-01 in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR animal model. METHODS: OVA-induced AR animals were orally administered AST2017-01 and chrysophanol, an active component of AST2017-01 for 10 days. RESULTS: In mice with AR, AST2017-01 and chrysophanol markedly decreased number of rubs, IgE, histamine, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in serum or nasal mucosa tissues. Moreover, activities and protein levels of caspase-1 were markedly diminished by oral administration of AST2017-01 and chrysophanol. Declines of macrophage inflammatory protein-2, intercellular adhesion molecules-1, eosinophil, and mast cells were also noted in nasal mucosa tissues of AST2017-01 and chrysophanol groups. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings indicate that AST2017-01 has an anti-allergic effect as a therapeutic agent or functional food for treating and preventing AR.

Molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effect of chrysophanol, an active component of AST2017-01 on atopic dermatitis in vitro models.

AST2017-01 mainly consists of Rumex crispus and -Cordyceps militaris and has been widely consumed as an herbal medicine or functional food in Korea. Here we investigated the influences of AST2017-01 and its active component, chrysophanol on human mast cell (HMC-1 cell) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT cell)-mediated inflammatory reactions. Pretreatment with AST2017-01 or chrysophanol suppressed intracellular calcium levels and histamine release in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-treated HMC-1 cells. Levels of phosphorylated-mitogen-activated protein kinase increased by PMACI stimulation were reduced by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol pretreatment. Protein levels of IκB kinaseß and receptor-interacting protein 2 in PMACI-treated HMC-1 cells were decreased by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol pretreatment. Pretreatment with AST2017-01 or chrysophanol significantly blocked PMACI-induced activation of caspase-1 and nuclear factor-κB. In addition, pretreatment with AST2017-01 or chrysophanol significantly decreased the PMACI-induced levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) on HMC-1 cells. In activated HaCaT cells, pretreatment with AST2017-01 or chrysophanol significantly reduced production of TSLP and activation of caspase-1. In conclusion, these findings indicate that chrysophanol is an active component of AST2017-01 and AST2017-01 acts as a novel potent anti-inflammatory herbal medicine or functional food.

Regulatory effects of chrysophanol, a bioactive compound of AST2017-01 in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis.

The aim of this study is to determine whether AST2017-01 which consists of Rumex crispus and Cordyceps militaris would improve atopic dermatitis (AD). We analyzed anti-AD effects of AST2017-01 and chrysophanol, a bioactive compound of AST2017-01, using a 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced AD murine model. AST2017-01 and chrysophanol relieved clinical severity in AD-like skin lesions and significantly decreased scratching behavior. The thickness of epidermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in AD-like skin lesions were reduced by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol. AST2017-01 and chrysophanol significantly suppressed the levels of histamine, immunoglobulin E, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum of AD mice. The protein levels of TSLP, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 were significantly inhibited in the skin lesions. The mRNA expressions of TSLP, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17, and C-C chemokine receptor 3 were inhibited in the skin lesions by AST2017-01 or chrysophanol. In addition, AST2017-01 and chrysophanol significantly suppressed the expressions and activities of caspase-1 in the skin lesions. Taken together, these results suggest that AST2017-01 has beneficial effects on AD and may be used as a health functional food in AD.