Ma Huang Tang ameliorates asthma though modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines and inhibition of Th17 cells in ovalbumin-sensitized mice

AIM:Ma Huang Tang(Ephedra decoction,MHT) is a famous classical formula from Shang Han Lun by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty.The anti-asthmatic effects of MHT and the possible mechanisms were tested.METHOD:An asthma model was established by ovalbumin(OVA)-induction in mice.A total of forty-eight mice were randomly assigned to six experimental groups:control,model,dexamethasone(2 mgkg-1) and MHT(5,10,and 20 mgkg-1).Airway resistance(Raw) was measured by the forced oscillation technique,histological studies were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining,Th1/Th2 and Th17 cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and Th17 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry(FCM).RESULTS:This study demonstrated that MHT inhibited OVA-induced increases in Raw and eosinophil count;interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-17 levels were recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,increased IFN- level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Histological studies demonstrated that MHT substantially inhibited OVA-induced eosinophilia in lung tissue.Flow cytometry studies demonstrated that MHT substantially inhibited Th17 cells.CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that MHT may effectively ameliorate the progression of asthma,and could be further investigated for potential use as a therapy for patients with allergic asthma.