Protective effects of bioactive components targeting β2-adrenergic receptors and muscarinic-3 acetylcholine receptor in Zhisou San on ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma

Abstract

One promising approach to overcome drug resistance in asthma treatments involves dual-target therapy, specifically targeting the β2 adrenergic receptor (β₂-AR) and muscarinic-3 acetylcholine receptor (M₃R). This study investigated the anti-asthma effects and dual-target mechanisms of glycyrrhizic acid, hesperidin, and platycodin D (GHP) from Zhisou San. GHP administration effectively attenuated OVA-induced inflammatory infiltration and overproduction of mucus in asthmatic mice. Additionally, GHP treatment significantly suppressed M₃R and promoted β₂-AR activation, resulting in the relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle. These findings concluded that GHP mitigated asthma by targeting β₂-AR and M₃R to ameliorate airway inflammation and modulate airway smooth muscle relaxation.

Keywords:

• Anti-asthmatic drugs
• Zhisou San
• dual-target bioactive compounds
• β2 adrenergic receptor
• muscarinic-3 acetylcholine receptor

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

We thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82174088).