The ethyl acetate extract of Cordyceps militaris inhibits IgE-mediated allergic responses in mast cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cordyceps militaris has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for treating allergy in East Asia. Aim of the study: We investigated the anti-allergic efficacy of Cordyceps militaris and its mechanism of action. Materials and methods: beta-Hexosaminidase release of mast cells, a key parameter of degranulation, was evaluated. Anti-allergic potential of Cordyceps militaris was studied using passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in vivo. The anti-allergic mechanism of Cordyceps militaris was investigated by immunoblotting analysis, RT-PCR and other biological approaches in mast cells. Results: GSCM EtOAc extract (GSCME) inhibited antigen-induced degranulation with a IC50 value (28.5 mu g/ml) in RBL-2H3 cells and antigen-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) response with a ED50 value (665 mg/kg) in vivo. The release of interleukin (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha were decreased by GSCME in RBL-2H3 cells. In order to elucidate the anti-allergic mechanisms of GSCME in mast cells, we examined the activated levels of signaling molecules. GSCME inhibited the phosphorylation Syk, ERK, p38 and JNK expression. Identified genistein, daidzein, genistein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 4 ''-O-methylate, genistein 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside 4 ''-O-methylate, glycitein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 4 ''-O-methylate, daidzein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 4 ''-O-methylate and adenosine in GSCME, inhibited antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells. Conclusions: Our study suggests that GSCME might be used as a therapeutic agent for allergic diseases. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.