Ma Huang Tang ameliorates asthma though modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines and inhibition of Th17 cells in ovalbumin-sensitized mice.

Abstract

AIM:

Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra decoction, MHT) is a famous classical formula from Shang Han Lun by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. The anti-asthmatic effects of MHT and the possible mechanisms were tested.

METHOD:

An asthma model was established by ovalbumin (OVA)-induction in mice. A total of forty-eight mice were randomly assigned to six experimental groups: control, model, dexamethasone (2 mg·kg(-1)) and MHT (5, 10, and 20 mg·kg(-1)). Airway resistance (Raw) was measured by the forced oscillation technique, histological studies were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Th1/Th2 and Th17 cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Th17 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTS:

This study demonstrated that MHT inhibited OVA-induced increases in Raw and eosinophil count; interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17 levels were recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increased IFN-γ level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histological studies demonstrated that MHT substantially inhibited OVA-induced eosinophilia in lung tissue. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated that MHT substantially inhibited Th17 cells.

CONCLUSION:

These findings suggest that MHT may effectively ameliorate the progression of asthma, and could be further investigated for potential use as a therapy for patients with allergic asthma.

• Authors: Chun-Hua Ma, Zhan-Qiang Ma, Qiang Fu, Shi-Ping Ma
• Journal: Chinese journal of natural medicines (Chin J Nat Med) Vol. 12 Issue 5 Pg. 361-6 (May 2014) ISSN: 1875-5364 [Electronic] China
• PMID: 24856759 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Anti-Asthmatic Agents
• Cytokines
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• Ovalbumin

Topics

• Airway Resistance (drug effects)
• Animals
• Anti-Asthmatic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Asthma (chemically induced, drug therapy, immunology, physiopathology)
• Cytokines (immunology)
• Down-Regulation (drug effects)
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Ovalbumin (adverse effects)
• Th1 Cells (drug effects, immunology)
• Th17 Cells (drug effects, immunology)
• Th2 Cells (drug effects, immunology)