Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Cordyceps sinensis Mycelium Culture Extract (Cs-4) on Rodent Models of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are common chronic allergic diseases of the respiratory tract, which are accompanied by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation and the involvement of type 2 T helper cells, mast cells, and eosinophils. Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc is a fungal parasite on the larva of Lepidoptera. It has been considered to be a health-promoting food and, also, one of the best-known herbal remedies for the treatment of airway diseases, such as asthma and lung inflammation. In the present study, we demonstrated the antiallergic rhinitis effect of Cs-4, a water extract prepared from the mycelium culture of Cordyceps sinensis (Berk) Sacc, on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis in mice and the anti-asthmatic effect of Cs-4 in a rat model of asthma. Treatment with Cs-4 suppressed the nasal symptoms induced in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. The inhibition was associated with a reduction in IgE/OVA-IgE and interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 levels in the nasal fluid. Cs-4 treatment also decreased airway responsiveness and ameliorated the scratching behavior in capsaicin-challenged rats. It also reduced plasma IgE levels, as well as IgE and eosinophil peroxidase levels, in the bronchoalveolar fluid. Cs-4 treatment completely suppressed the increases in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in rat lung tissue. In conclusion, our results suggest that Cs-4 has the potential to alleviate immune hypersensitivity reactions in allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Dioscorea nipponica Makino Relieves Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mice through Regulating RKIP-Mediated Raf-1/MEK/MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway

“…In China, there is a long-term history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use in the treatment of respiratory diseases including asthma [ 8 ]. A diversity of TCMs have been determined to have therapeutic potential for asthma, such as Cordyceps sinensis [ 9 ], Astragalus membranaceus [ 10 ], Carthamus tinctorius [ 11 ], Atractylodis rhizome [ 12 ], and Cimicifugae Rhizoma [ 13 ]. Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DNM) is a perennial twining herb that exhibits a variety of medicinal functions, such as anti-inflammation, antitussive, antitumor, antipain, panting-calming and phlegm-dispelling, immune regulation, and cardiovascular system protection [ 14 ].…”

Ajwain oil attenuates allergic response of ovalbumin‐induced allergic rhinitis via alteration of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and Th1/Th2 responses

“…Moreover, IL‐4, a significant cytokine of up‐regulating IgE, IFN‐γ is an anti‐allergic factor of respiratory tract and biological antagonist of IL‐4 synthesis. In the development and activation of eosinophils, IL‐5 plays a critical function, increased survival time and is a significant marker in the delayed phase of hypersensitivity (Chen, Chan, et al., 2020; Piao et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020). Airway hyper responsiveness requires IL‐5‐mediated eosinophil infiltration in the trachea (Chen, Chan, et al., 2020; Piao et al., 2019).…”

“…In the development and activation of eosinophils, IL‐5 plays a critical function, increased survival time and is a significant marker in the delayed phase of hypersensitivity (Chen, Chan, et al., 2020; Piao et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020). Airway hyper responsiveness requires IL‐5‐mediated eosinophil infiltration in the trachea (Chen, Chan, et al., 2020; Piao et al., 2019). The results of the current experimental study showed that IL‐5 and IL‐4 were significantly reduced by Ajwain oil and increased the IFN‐γ level.…”

Antioxidant and Immunopotentiating Effects of <i>Cordyceps </i> Mycelium Extract, Chicken Essence, and Their Combination in Experimental Models

“…Cs-4, an extract of Cordyceps mycelium culture, has long been used for its immunomodulatory action. It has recently been demonstrated that Cs-4 treatment can produce anti-inflammatory effects in allergic rhinitis and asthma in rodent models [15]. CE, which is a health product based on traditionally made chicken…”