LAUSR

ABSTRACT AST2017‐01 mainly consists of Rumex crispus and ‐Cordyceps militaris and has been widely consumed as an herbal medicine or functional food in Korea. Here we investigated the influences of AST2017‐01 and its active component, chrysophanol on human mast cell (HMC‐1 cell) and human keratinocyte (HaCaT cell)‐mediated inflammatory reactions. Pretreatment with AST2017‐01 or chrysophanol suppressed intracellular calcium levels and histamine release in phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)‐treated HMC‐1 cells. Levels of phosphorylated‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase increased by PMACI stimulation were reduced by AST2017‐01 or chrysophanol pretreatment. Protein levels of I&kgr;B kinase&bgr; and receptor‐interacting protein 2 in PMACI‐treated HMC‐1 cells were decreased by AST2017‐01 or chrysophanol pretreatment. Pretreatment with AST2017‐01 or chrysophanol significantly blocked PMACI‐induced activation of caspase‐1 and nuclear factor‐&kgr;B. In addition, pretreatment with AST2017‐01 or chrysophanol significantly decreased the PMACI‐induced levels of interleukin (IL)‐1&bgr;, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐&agr;, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) on HMC‐1 cells. In activated HaCaT cells, pretreatment with AST2017‐01 or chrysophanol significantly reduced production of TSLP and activation of caspase‐1. In conclusion, these findings indicate that chrysophanol is an active component of AST2017‐01 and AST2017‐01 acts as a novel potent anti‐inflammatory herbal medicine or functional food. HighlightsAST2017‐01 and chrysophanol diminished levels of intracellular calcium and histamine.AST2017‐01 and chrysophanol diminished MAPK activation in activated HMC‐1 cells.AST2017‐01 and chrysophanol diminished activities of IKK&bgr;, RIP2, caspase‐1 and NF‐&kgr;B.AST2017‐01 and chrysophanol diminished levels of inflammatory cytokine.