Since the mechanism of action of PHF is not known, we aimed to investigate the actions of PHF on mast cell activation.
Effects of aqueous extracts of PHF and individual component herb on mediator release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) and cytokine production from HMC-1 were investigated.
PHF, Cortex Moutan and Herba Menthae significantly attenuated histamine release and prostaglandin D2 synthesis from RPMC activated by anti-IgE and compound 48/80 (p < 0.05). While Flos Lonicerae and Rhizoma Atractylodis suppressed only mediator release from compound 48/80 activated RPMC, Cortex Phellodendri potentiated only anti-IgE induced mediator release (p < 0.05). However, with the exception of Cortex Moutan, PHF and the other four component herbs failed to affect cytokine production in HMC-1.
Although individual herbs demonstrated different modulating effects on mast cells, inhibition of inflammatory mediator release from mast cells would contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of PHF.