How Quercetin in Traditional Herbs Can Help Treat Allergic Rhinitis

Jenn Hoskins
13th August, 2024

How Quercetin in Traditional Herbs Can Help Treat Allergic Rhinitis

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Shanghai Pudong New Area Guangming Hospital found that a traditional herbal pair, Huangqi and Gancao, can effectively treat allergic rhinitis (AR)
  • The study identified 90 active ingredients in the herbs, with quercetin targeting 57 AR-related genes, showing significant anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects
  • Experimental results in a mouse model confirmed that the herbal treatment alleviated AR symptoms and regulated key immune responses, suggesting potential for new AR therapies
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of FDA-approved drugs that provide optimal therapeutic effects. A recent study conducted by researchers at Shanghai Pudong New Area Guangming Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine explored the efficacy of a traditional herbal pair, Huangqi (Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma or licorice), in treating AR using network pharmacology and experimental approaches[1]. AR often triggers eye symptoms due to a nasal-ocular reflex, where nasal allergens can cause histamine release, affecting both the nasal passages and the eyes[2]. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, making it a potential candidate for AR treatment[3]. In the study, the researchers identified 90 active ingredients in the Huangqi-Gancao herb pair, targeting 69 genes related to AR. Among these ingredients, quercetin (QUE) emerged as a crucial component, targeting 57 AR-related genes. The researchers used protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and molecular docking to identify important targets of QUE, including IL1B, TNF, STAT1, IL6, PTGS2, RELA, IL2, NFKBIA, IFNG, IL10, IL1A, IRF1, EGFR, and CXCL10. To experimentally validate these findings, the researchers established an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model and assessed the anti-AR effects of a Huangqi decoction (HQD) prepared from both herbs. The results showed that QUE or HQD significantly alleviated AR-induced histopathological changes, AR symptoms, and IgE levels. Additionally, these treatments counteracted AR-induced expression changes of IFNG, IRF1, RELA, and NFKBIA. The effects were further promoted by the NF-kB inhibitor helenalin, suggesting that HQD and QUE counteracted AR by regulating the IFNG/IRF1 signaling via the NF-κB pathway. The findings of this study align with previous research on the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of licorice extract (LE) administered through nasal irrigation[3]. In that study, LE demonstrated significant improvements in nasal symptoms and procedural comfort compared to corticosteroid and saline nasal irrigations. This supports the potential of licorice as a natural and effective therapy for AR. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effects of Astragali Radix (AR, Huangqi in Chinese) have been well-documented, showing its potential in treating immune-related diseases[4]. AR promotes the development of immune organs, enhances mucosal immune function, and improves the expression of antibodies in acquired immunity. This study builds on these findings by demonstrating the specific molecular mechanisms through which the Huangqi-Gancao herb pair exerts its therapeutic effects on AR. The study also resonates with research on Tuomin-Zhiti-Decoction (TZD), another traditional medicinal compound with anti-AR effects[5]. TZD was shown to reduce nasal symptoms, histamine release, and damage to nasal mucosa, while modulating the balance of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines. The integrative analysis of network pharmacology and proteomics in the TZD study aligns with the approach used in the Huangqi-Gancao study, highlighting the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treating AR. In summary, the study by Shanghai Pudong New Area Guangming Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine provides valuable insights into the efficacy of the Huangqi-Gancao herb pair in treating AR. By identifying the active ingredients and their molecular targets, the researchers have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of these herbs. This research could pave the way for the development of tailored therapeutic interventions for AR, offering hope for improved treatment options for patients suffering from this condition.

HerbsMedicineBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Network pharmacology analysis of the Huangqi-Gancao herb pair reveals quercetin as a therapeutics for allergic rhinitis via the RELA-regulated IFNG/IRF1 axis response.

Published 12th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03353-8

Related Studies

2) Nasal ocular reflexes and eye symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)60442-5

3) Nasal irrigation with Glycyrrhiza glabra extract for treatment of allergic rhinitis - A study of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114116

4) Astragali Radix (Huangqi): A promising edible immunomodulatory herbal medicine.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112895

5) Integrative analysis of network pharmacology and proteomics to identify key targets of Tuomin-Zhiti-Decoction for allergic rhinitis.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115448


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