Aceriphyllum rossii extract and its active compounds, quercetin and kaempferol inhibit IgE-mediated mast cell activation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.

Aceriphyllum rossii contains an abundant source of natural flavonoids with potential antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of A. rossii extract (ARE) on immunoglobulin E(IgE)-mediated allergic responses remains unknown. In the present study, the effects of ARE and its active compounds, quercetin and kaempferol, on IgE-mediated rat basophilic leukemia mast cell activation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) were investigated. ARE, quercetin, and kaempferol inhibited secretion of β-hexosaminidase and histamine, and reduced the production and mRNA expression of interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α. ARE also decreased the production of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 and expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and 5-lipoxygenase. Furthermore, ARE, quercetin, and kaempferol inhibited IgE-mediated phosphorylation of Syk, phospholipase Cγ, protein kinase C (PKC)μ, and the mitogen-activated protein kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. ARE, quercetin, and kaempferol markedly suppressed mast cell-dependent PCA in IgE-sensitized mice. These results indicate that ARE and its active constituents, quercetin and kaempferol, may be a useful therapy for immediate-type hypersensitivity.