isoquercitrin and Asthma

Eosinophils and cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. In the present study, we investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin and isoquercitrin in a murine model of asthma.. BALB/c mice were immunized (ovalbumin/aluminum hydroxide, s. c.), followed by two intranasal ovalbumin challenges. From day 18 to day 22 after the first immunization, the mice received daily gavages of isoquercitrin (15 mg/kg) or quercetin (10 mg/kg). Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, s. c.) was administered as a positive control. Leucocytes were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood and pulmonary parenchyma at 24 h after the last ovalbumin challenge. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) was analyzed in BALF and lung homogenates.. In animals receiving isoquercitrin or quercetin, eosinophil counts were lower in the BALF, blood and lung parenchyma. Neutrophil counts in blood and IL-5 levels in lung homogenate were lower only in isoquercitrin-treated mice. No alterations in mononuclear cell numbers were observed.. Quercetin and isoquercitrin are effective eosinophilic inflammation suppressors, suggesting a potential for treating allergies.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Asthma; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cell Count; Female; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-5; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Quercetin

Argemone platyceras is used in Mexico as a remedy for cough, bronchitis and pneumonia. The present study was performed to investigate the pharmacological anti-asthmatic properties of Argemone platyceras on airways and to identify its active principles. Methanol extracts of leaves and flowers, subsequent organic and aqueous extraction phases, and silica gel chromatography fractions were assayed on the carbachol-induced response, and/or on ovalbumin antigenic challenge, and on leukotriene D(4)-induced response of tracheae from sensitized and non-sensitized guinea-pigs. Methanol extracts, ethyl-acetate phase, and its fractions 6 and 7 inhibited the carbachol-induced contractile response. Isoquercitrin and rutin were the main compounds found in fractions 6 and 7 respectively. Isoquercitrin (fraction 6) abolished the response to ovalbumin, and decreased the contractile response to leukotriene D(4). Because of its effect on carbachol-induced contractile response, on the late-phase response to ovalbumin, and on leukotriene D(4)-induced contractile response, isoquercitrin might be highly useful in treatment of asthma.

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Argemone; Asthma; Bronchoconstriction; Carbachol; Chemical Fractionation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Flowers; Guinea Pigs; Indomethacin; Leukotriene D4; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Male; Methanol; Molecular Structure; Muscle Contraction; Ovalbumin; Phytotherapy; Plant Leaves; Quercetin; Rutin; Time Factors; Trachea

Topics: Antitussive Agents; Asthma; Bronchitis; Expectorants; Flavonoids; Galactosides; Humans; Kaempferols; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Quercetin; Rutin