Suppressive Effects of Benincasae hispida on Allergic Inflammation

The effects of an extract of Benincasae hispida on allergic inflammation were examined in terms of histamine and $\beta$-hexosaminidase release, serum IgE level and inflammatory cytokine level. The B. hispida extract inhibited the release of histamine and $\beta$-hexosaminidase, a degranulation marker, from rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3). When mice were first ovalbumin-challenged and then treated with B. hispida extract, there was a significant decrease in the IgE level in the mouse serum. The extract treatment reduced the serum IgE level prominently, compared with the ovalbumin-challenged mice. The extract also significantly reduced the TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-4 levels in the BAL fluid when challenged with antigen. Taken together, the Benincasae hispida extract may be efficacious against allergic inflammation.