Effects of Perilla frutescens extract on anti-allergic reactions in a mouse model

We investigated the effect of Perilla frutescens (PF) ethanol extract powder (PF-E30) on the local allergic reaction activated by anti-DNP IgE and the mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions induced by compound 48/ 80 in a mouse model. One gram of PF powder extracted with 30% ethanol at 8°C contained 12.3 mg of rosmarinic acid. Oral administration of PF-E30 (0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced plasma histamine levels and inhibited histamine release from peritoneal mast cells in mice activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. Moreover PF-E30 dose-dependently inhibited the production of antigen-induced IgE. These results indicate that the PF ethanol extract inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro.