Suppression of mast cell-mediated allergic reaction by Amomum xanthiodes

The mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reaction is involved in many allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Stimulation of mast cells starts the process of degranulation resulting in release of mediators such as histamine and an array of inflammatory cytokines. In this report, we investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Amomum xanthiodes (Zingiberaceae) (AXE) on the mast cell-mediated allergy model and studied its possible mechanisms of action. AXE inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic reactions and serum histamine release in mice. AXE decreased immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction. AXE reduced histamine release and intracellular calcium from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80. Furthermore, AXE decreased the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-jun N-terminal kinase, and downstream tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cells. Our findings provide evidence that AXE inhibits mast cell-derived allergic reactions, and that intracellular calcium, TNF-alpha, and p38 MAPK are involved in these effects.