Cortex Mori Radicis extract exerts antiasthmatic effects via enhancement of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and inhibition of Th2 cytokines in a mouse asthma model.

ETHONOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cortex Mori Radicis (CMR), the root epidermis of Morus alba L., has been traditionally used for cough treatment in Oriental medicine. In the present study, immunological mechanism of CMR in inhibition of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was investigated in a mouse asthma model.

METHODS

Experimental asthma model was established in Balb/c mice sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA), followed by aerosol allergen challenges. CMR (50 or 200mg/kg) was orally administered for 6-weeks from 3-weeks after OVA sensitization. AHR, pulmonary eosinophilic accumulation, immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, Th2 cytokine expression, and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) were evaluated by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

CMR significantly reduced AHR response, eosinophil infiltration, and production of serum histamine and OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, CMR suppressed Th2 cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, -5 and -13 at protein (secreted) and mRNA levels. Of note, CMR significantly increased Foxp3(+) Tregs population and enhanced Foxp3(+) mRNA expression in a mouse asthma model.

CONCLUSIONS

CMR exerts anti-allergic effect via enhancement of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and inhibition of Th2 cytokines in a mouse asthma model as a potent anti-asthmatic agent.