Objective: To observe the effect of Saposhnikoviae Radix on protease-activated receptors-2 (PAR-2) expression and the related cytokine secretion of mast cells

and explore new anti-allergic mechanism of Saposhnikoviae Radix. Method: Mast cell degranulation models were established by stimulating P815 cells with trysin in vitro. Blank group

model group

Saposhnikoviae Radix high dose group and low dose group (0.02

0.01 g · mL-1) were set up. After 6 h of treatment

ELISA assay was used to detect histamine

interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 levels in cell supernatant. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect PAR-2 protein and mRNA expression of P815 cells. Result: Compared with the blank group

histamine

IL-4

IL-13 levels and PAR-2 protein and mRNA expression were significantly increased in model group (P<0.05

P<0.01). Compared with model group

Saposhnikoviae Radix in vitro significantly inhibited the histamine

IL-4

IL-13 levels and PAR-2 protein and mRNA expression in mast cells (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: By reducing the expression of PAR-2

Saposhnikoviae Radix extract can inhibit mast cell degranulation

selectively decrease the secretion of related cytokines and then suppress the "waterfall effect" of mast cells

eventually resulting in anti-allergic effect.