AUTHOR=Lee Hye Jin , Kim Ki Cheon , Lee Woo Jin , Nam Hyo Jung , Ryu Su Jin , Kim Seon Hyeok , Kim Won Jun , Yoon Jae Won , Lee Tae-Hee , Jeong Pan-Young 

TITLE=Therapeutic effects of a combination of Chinese quince and Saururus chinensis extract on allergic airway inflammation in an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1613413

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2025.1613413

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundAllergic asthma involves chronic inflammation, airway remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. Inhaled corticosteroids combined with long-acting β2 agonists are effective; however, some patients experience side effects, highlighting the need for safer natural alternatives suitable for long-term use. Chinese quince (Q) and Saururus chinensis (SC) are used to treat various diseases, including asthma and inflammation. Q and SC extracts contain bioactive compounds that help modulate airway inflammation. Therefore, combining the two may enhance their immunomodulatory effects. However, the effects of a Q/SC mixture on allergic asthma remain unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of a Q/SC mixture in treating asthma.MethodsThe therapeutic efficacy of the Q/SC extract was evaluated in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation model. After euthanasia, we assessed cell counts, cytokine expression in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production in the lung tissue, and the expression of protein and cytokine.ResultsA high-concentration Q/SC extract significantly reduced total cell and eosinophil counts, cytokine expression in BALF, and serum IgE levels. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and inducible nitric oxide synthase in lung tissue. The extract also attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production while inhibiting the STAT6 signaling pathway.ConclusionA high concentration of Q/SC extract effectively alleviates allergic airway inflammation by reducing eosinophilic inflammation, type 2 cytokine secretion, and mucus hyperproduction. This suggests that it could be a potential remedy for managing allergic airway inflammation.