Inhibitory effect of yunbutang on mast cell-dependent allergic reactions

Yunbutang (YB) is an Oriental herbal prescription, which has been successfully applied for the treatment of allergic disorders, mainly atopic dermatitis in clinical medicine. However, its effect in experimental models remains unknown. Here, we report inhibitory effects of YB on mast cell-dependent immediate-type allergic reactions. YB inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. YB dose-dependently inhibited the histamine release from the mast cells activated by compound 48/80. YB also showed an inhibitory effect of anti-dinitrophenyl IgE antibody-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction by oral administration. Furthermore, YB inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from stimulated mast cells. These findings provide evidence that YB inhibits the mast cell-dependent allergic reactions.