Inhibitory Effect of Astragaloside Ⅰ and Ⅳ on Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis Reaction and Scratching Behaviors in Mice

To evaluate the antiallergic effect of the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (AM) (Leguminosae), which inhibited the mouse passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in a preliminary experiment, its main constituents, astragalosides Ⅰ and Ⅳ, were isolated and their antiallergic effects were investigated. Astragalosides Ⅰ and Ⅳ inhibited the PCA reaction induced by the IgE-antigen complex, and the scratching behaviors induced by compound 48/80. These constituents reduced the protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-4 in IgE-induced RBL-2H3 cells. These findings suggest that astragalosides Ⅰ and Ⅳ as well as AM can improve IgE-induced anaphylaxis and scratching behaviors.