Attenuation of allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma by Licochalcone A

Abstract

These findings suggest that Lico A may effectively delay the progression of airway inflammation and could be used as a therapy for patients with allergic airway inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory activity of licorice, a widely used Chinese herb

“…In TCM therapeutics, licorice has been used to strengthen the function of digestive system, eliminate phlegm, relieve coughing and alleviate pain since ancient times (Guo et al 2014). Licorice is honoured as the 'excellent coordinator' for harmonizing different ingredients, and regarded as 'guide drug' for helping the rapid absorption into bloodstream, organs and target cells (Wang X et al 2013). In authoritative medical formulary in ancient China, it has been applied to treat respiratory, gastric and liver diseases, and also used to alleviate the toxicity of other drugs.…”

“…Furthermore, LCA significantly inhibited the release of cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and serum levels of ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG. It also reduced the mRNA expression of acidic mammalian chitinase, chitinase 3-like protein 4, E-selectin, Muc5ac, CCl 11 and CCR 3 in lung tissues (Chu et al 2013). LCC decreased the expression and activity of iNOS, and modulated the antioxidant network activity of SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase .…”

“…For studies in vivo, LCA attenuated allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma (Chu et al 2013), inhibited xylene-induced mice ear oedema and carrageenan-induced paw oedema (Cui et al 2008). LCE has been studied in TPA-induced mouse ear oedema models and oxazolone-induced chronic allergic contact dermatitis mouse skin models (Cho YC et al 2010;Lee et al 2013;).…”

Pharmacological Effects ofGlycyrrhizaspp. and Its Bioactive Constituents: Update and Review

“…They showed that the compound reduced inflammation and hyperactivity of the airway and increased CD4 + , CD25 + , and Foxp3 + regulatory T cells. Similarly, in another study, licochalcone A suppressed IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in OVA-treated mice, as well as reducing levels of specific IgE and IgG in OVA (Chu et al, 2013).…”

An Herbal Formula (GPC) Suppresses the Releases of Pro-Inflammatory Effectors in Lipopolysaccharide/Peptidoglycan-Activated RAW264.7 Macrophages and Reduces the Extent of Chemical-Induced Acute/Chronic Inflammation in Rodents

“…Glycyrol was shown to suppress the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as inflammatory effector molecules in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages [13]. Licochalcone A w, which serves as a screening study, as found to attenuate the allergic airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice [14]. The aqueous extract of Platycodonis Radix, which is also a component herb in GPC, was found to inhibit the nuclear factor-κB-mediated expression of pro-inflammatory effectors in LPS-activated human cul-tured airway epithelial cells [15] as well as suppress the airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice [16].…”