Protective activity of mogroside V against ovalbumin‐induced experimental allergic asthma in Kunming mice

We investigated the antiasthmatic effect of mogroside V (Mog V) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma. Administration of Mog V effectively attenuated OVA‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and reduced the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histological examination showed that Mog V reduced the inflammatory infiltration of the lungs in the asthmatic mice. ELISAs suggested that Mog V effectively decreased the levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in BALF and serum levels of OVA‐specific IgE and IgG1 in the asthmatic mice. A quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR assay also indicated that Mog V decreased the mRNA levels of IL‐17A, IL‐23, and RORγt in the lungs of the asthmatic mice (the opposite effect on Foxp3 mRNA). Furthermore, Mog V significantly reduced the OVA‐induced activation of NF‐κB in the lungs. This study indicates that Mog V alleviates OVA‐induced inflammation in airways, and this effect is associated with a reduction in NF‐κB activation. Practical applications A traditional Chinese medicine herb has been reported to have a strong curative effect on asthma in clinical practice. Siraitia grosvenorii is known in China as a functional food product with the ability to improve lung function. Mogroside V is a triterpene glycoside isolated from S. grosvenorii. Nonetheless, the antiasthmatic effect of mogroside V has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiasthmatic activity of mogroside V in mice with chemically induced asthma. The data from this study will provide some scientific evidence supporting wider use of S. grosvenorii in functional foods. Key findingsMogroside V can reduce an OVA‐induced inflammatory response in airways, decrease the production of IgE and IgG1, and correct the balance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in asthmatic mice. The potential protective mechanism of mogroside V’s action in the mice with OVA‐induced asthma may be associated with a reduction in NF‐κB activation and reversal of the imbalance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. The mogroside V may serve as adjunctive medication for the treatment of allergic asthma.