The effects and the mechanisms of naringenin from Artemisia ordosica Krasch on allergic rhinitis based on mast cell degranulation model and network pharmacology

The ethyl acetate extraction of Artemisia ordosica Krasch (AOK) root showed anti-allergic rhinitis (AR) effect, while the active compounds and pharmacological targets were unknown. The P815 degranulation was established by cell counting kit 8 assay, β-hexosaminidase releasing assay and toluidine blue staining. The flavonoids were screened in vitro. Then toluidine blue staining and ELISA were carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the active compound. Network pharmacology was implemented to explain the mechanisms of the active compound. iGEMDOCK was used to investigate the binding between active compound and hub targets. C48/80 was the optimum reagent in triggering P815 degranulation. Naringenin could significantly decrease P815 degranulation. Meanwhile, naringenin could remarkably increase the IL-4 and decrease the tumour necrosis factor-α. The effect of naringenin on AR was achieved by regulating multiple targets (e.g. AKT1, MAPK3, VEGFA) and pathways (e.g. pathways in cancer, VEGF signalling pathway). Nine hub proteins were obtained by topological analysis. Multiple hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were formed between the naringenin and the residues of hub proteins. Naringenin might be one of the effective ingredients of AOK against AR. And its effects could achieve through regulating multiple targets and pathways.