Allergic diseases have rapidly increased in recent years. Mast cells play a critical role in IgE-mediated allergy responses and, therefore, closely associated with rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. We studied antiallergic effect of Penthorum chinense extract (PCE) in vitro and in vivo. PCE inhibited the degranulation of mast cells by antigen stimulation and its effect was dose-dependent and reversible in mast cells. PCE also suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines such as

more »

... α and IL-4 by antigen in mast cells. Mechanistically, PCE inhibited the activation of Syk/LAT pathway which is a key signaling pathway for the activation of mast cells by antigen. Notably, PCE suppressed IgE-mediated allergic responses by antigen in mice. These results strongly suggest that PCE is a potential candidate for anti-allergic treatment.