Abstract
The effect of aqueous extract of Stachys riederi var. japonica Miq. (Labiatae) (SRAE) on the mast cell‐mediated allergic and inflammatory reactions were investigated. SRAE inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80. SRAE dose‐dependently inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) activated by anti‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. SRAE also dose‐dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti‐DNP IgE. Moreover, SRAE inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐6 in phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated human mast cells (HMC‐1 cells). These results provide evidences that SRAE may be beneficial in the treatment of acute and chronic allergic diseases.