Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Allergic Effect of Agaricus blazei Extract in Bone Marrow-Derived Mast Cells

In this study, the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of the chloroform-soluble extract of Agaricus blazei in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were investigated. The chloroform-soluble extract inhibited IL-6 production in PMA plus A23187-stimulated BMMCs, and down-regulated the phosphorylation of Akt. In addition, this extract demonstrated inhibition of the degranulation of beta-hexosaminidase and the production of IL-6, prostaglandin D-2 and leukotriene C-4 in PMA plus A23187-induced BMMCs. In conclusion, the chloroform-soluble extract of Agaricus blazei exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities mediated by influencing IL-6, prostaglandin D-2, leukotriene C-4, and the phosphorylation of Akt.