Genistein-4'-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside from Sophora japonica (Leguminosae) ameliorates mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation in vivo and in vitro

Genistein-4'-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (GRG) is one of constituents isolated from Sophora japonica (Leguminosae). It is known to exert various effects such as anti-inflammatory effect. However, the anti-allergic effects of GRG and its molecular mechanisms have yet to be clearly elucidated. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effects of GRG on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation in vitro and in vivo. We investigated to ascertain the pharmacological effects of GRG on compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and experimental scratching behavior in mice. Additionally, to find a possible explanation for the anti-allergic mechanisms of GRG, we evaluated the regulatory effects of GRG on the level of inflammatory mediators in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). The finding of this study demonstrated that GRG reduced compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and scratching behavior in mice. Additionally, GRG inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-8 and histamine as well as the activation of caspase-1 in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1. Taken together, the findings of this study provide a novel insight into the pharmacological actions of GRG as a potential molecule for use in the treatment of allergic inflammation diseases.