Seabuckthorn juice alleviates allergic symptoms in shrimp-induced food allergy mice

Tropomyosin(TM)in shrimp is one of the predominant causes of food allergy around the world.In the present study,the effect of seabuckthorn juice against TM-induced shrimp allergy was investigated in BALB/c mice.Allergic symptoms,spleen index,intestinal section and diarrhea were measured in shrimp allergy mice.As the results,seabuckthorn juice suppressed the lesions in jejunum tissue,diarrhea and allergic symptoms in shrimp allergy mice.Seabuckthorn juice also reduced serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-α)as well as immunoglobulin E(IgE)and stimulated the secretion of interleukin-10(IL-10)in mice with shrimp allergy.Taken together,our findings suggest that increased IL-10 by seabuckthorn juice inhibits Th2 cytokine production to suppress shrimp allergic symptoms.Furthermore,seabuckthorn juice also regulates shrimp allergy by reducing jejunum lesions,inhibiting levels of TNF-αand IgE.

Olive oil ameliorate allergic response in ovalbumin-induced food allergy mouse by promoting intestinal mucosal immunity

The numerous health benefits of olive oil are widely known,however,it also provides anti-allergic properties that have not yet been fully defined.In this study,the anti-allergic activity of olive oil was evaluated by analyzing the clinical symptoms and immune-related factors in BALB/c mice that had ingested600 mg/(kg·day)olive oil for two weeks prior to the evaluation.An allergy model was subsequently constructed for analysis,the results of which showed that the olive oil reduced the scores of allergic symptoms in the mice,and up-regulated the hypothermia and the decline in the immune organ index.Moreover,fewer allergy-related cytokines and reduced intestinal inflammation was discovered in the olive oil-treated group.In addition,analysis of intestinal mucosal immune-related factors revealed that the olive oil promoted the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins(Claudin-1,Occludin,and ZO-1)and IL-22,and helped maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial physical barrier.Increased levels of mucin 2 andβ-defensin were also found in the intestinal mucus of the olive oil-treated mice.These findings suggest that the oral administration of olive oil effectively attenuated the ovalbumin-induced allergic immune response in the mice,and had a positive effect on intestinal epithelial mucosal immunity.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Data-driven analysis of chemicals,proteins and pathways associated with peanut allergy:from molecular networking to biological interpretation

Peanut allergy is majorly related to severe food induced allergic reactions.Several food including cow's milk,hen's eggs,soy,wheat,peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,hazelnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios),fish and shellfish are responsible for more than 90%of food allergies.Here,we provide promising insights using a large-scale data-driven analysis,comparing the mechanistic feature and biological relevance of different ingredients presents in peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios)and soybean.Additionally,we have analysed the chemical compositions of peanuts in different processed form raw,boiled and dry-roasted.Using the data-driven approach we are able to generate new hypotheses to explain why nuclear receptors like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs)and its isoform and their interaction with dietary lipids may have significant effect on allergic response.The results obtained from this study will direct future experimeantal and clinical studies to understand the role of dietary lipids and PPARisoforms to exert pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions on cells of the innate immunity and influence antigen presentation to the cells of the adaptive immunity.

Comparison of immune responses and intestinal flora in epicutaneously sensitized BALB/c or C57BL/6 mouse models of food allergy

Cutaneous exposure to food allergens through a disrupted skin barrier is recognized as an important cause of food allergy,and the cutaneous sensitized mouse model has been established to investigate relevant allergic disorders.However,the role of different genetic backgrounds of mice on immune responses to food allergens upon epicutaneous sensitization is largely unknown.In this study,two strains of mice,i.e.,the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice,were epicutaneously sensitized with ovalbumin on atopic dermatitis(AD)-like skin lesions,followed by intragastric challenge to induce IgE-mediated food allergy.Allergic outcomes were measured as clinical signs,specific antibodies and cytokines,and immune cell subpopulations,as well as changes in intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota.Results showed that both strains of mice exhibited typical food-allergic symptoms with a Th2-skewed response.The C57BL/6 mice,rather than the BALB/c mice,were fitter for establishing an epicutaneously sensitized model of food allergy since a stronger Th2-biased response and severer disruptions in the intestinal barrier and gut homeostasis were observed.This study provides knowledge for selecting an appropriate mouse model to study food-allergic responses associated with AD-like skin lesions and highlights the role of genetic variations in the immune mechanism underlying pathogenesis of food allergy.

Oral administration of Bacillus coagulans TQ-35 alleviates allergic responses in OVA-sensitive BALB/c mice

Bacillus coagulans has been extensively studied so far,but there has been a lack of research on its usage in allergy.In this study,we designed to assess the effect of different concentrations of B.coagulans on food allergy in a BALB/c mouse model of ovalbumin(OVA)-induced food allergy and its effect on gut microbes.The assessment of symptoms,specific immunoglobulin E(IgE),T-cell differentiation,and related gene expression levels in sensitized mice by assay indicated that high doses of oral B.coagulans could alleviate allergic symptoms.Treatment with B.coagulans,in the high-dose group,significantly reduced IgE and IgG1 levels and modulated the balance of T helper type 1 cell(Th1)and Th2 and the expression of relevant genes in the spleen.16S rRNA analysis showed that probiotics improved the structure of the microbiota,in particular by boosting the percentage of Clostridia,Bacteroides vulgatus and Enterococcus faecium,and by increasing the abundance of microbial species,thereby modulating the immune system.Therefore,this study can provide insights into the practical application of B.coagulans doses to alleviate OVA allergy.

Preventive effects of Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 on ovalbumin-induced food allergy in mice

Food allergy is a significant public health concern globally.Certain probiotics have been found to enhance food allergy by regulating immune-microbe interactions in animal models and patients.However,the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 on food allergy have not been thoroughly investigated.The present study examined the anti-allergic properties of Probio-M8,particularly in relation to immune response and gut microbiota composition.Results demonstrate that oral administration of Probio-M8 effectively mitigated the allergy symptoms triggered by ovalbumin(OVA)by ameliorating the morphological damage in the jejunum,reducing OVA-specific IgE and histamine levels in the serum,and suppressing Th2 cytokines(interleukin(IL)4 and IL-13)while increasing Th1 cytokines(interferon(IFN)γ)and regulatory T(Treg)cytokines(IL-10 and transforming growth factor(TGF)β1)in the culture supernatants of splenic cells.Furthermore,Probio-M8 effectively altered the diversity and composition of gut microbiota,particularly the relative abundances of Akkermansia_muciniphila in OVA-induced mice.Compared to the OVA group,the Probio-M8 group showed a decrease in the relative abundance of Akkermansia_muciniphila.In conclusion,Probio-M8 demonstrates the potential to alleviate food allergy by regulating the Th1/Th2 response and modulating gut microbiota,thereby offering a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with food allergy.

The role of gut microbiota and its metabolites short-chain fatty acids in food allergy

Emerging evidence indicated that the increase in food allergy(FA)over the past few decades was associated with the abnormal compositional and metabolic changes of gut microbiota.Gut microbiota played a vital role in maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system and the dysbiosis of gut microbiota promoted the occurrence of FA.Recent research suggested that short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the main metabolites derived from gut microbiota,contributed to FA protection.Herein,we provided a comprehensive review on the relationship between gut microbiota and FA.The multifaceted mechanisms underlymg beneficial effects of gut microbiota composition/metabolites on the regulation of diverse cellular pathways in intestinal epithelial cells,dendritic cells,innate lymphoid cells,T cells,B cells and mast cells in the immune system were discussed systematically.These findings emphasized the positive function of gut microbiota in FA and provided novel ideas for the treatment or prevention of FA in the future.

The role of probiotics in prevention and treatment of food allergy

With the prevalence of food allergy increasing every year,food allergy has become a common public health problem.More and more studies have shown that probiotics can intervene in food allergy based on the intestinal mucosal immune system.Probiotics and their metabolites can interact with immune cells and gut microbiota to alleviate food allergy.This review outlines the relationship between the intestinal mucosal immune system and food allergy.This review also presents the clinical application and potential immunomodulation mechanisms of probiotics on food allergy.We aim at providing a reference for further studies to explore the key active substances and immunomodulation mechanisms of anti-allergic probiotics.

Beef Meat Allergy in Cow’s Milk Allergic Adults

Milk has been recognized as a leading cause of food allergy in children;however, studies on cow’s milk allergy (CMA) in adults are scanty. The known cross-reactivity of bovine serum albumin and bovine γ-globulin which are present in both milk and beef is recognized, so that, patients with allergy to cow’s milk are often instructed to avoid beef. Our Objective was to determine the prevalence of allergy to beef meat in adult patients with allergy to cow’s milk. Thirty adults with CMA were included in the study. The diagnosis of cow’s milk and beef allergy was based on a thorough history concerning type of allergic symptoms and its link to the ingestion of milk and beef supported by skin prick test (SPT) with fresh milk and raw beef extracts and by determination of their serum specific IgE by enzyme linked immuosorbant assay (ELISA). Finally, cross reactivity test between milk and meat was performed. Three of 30 patients (10%) evaluated for CMA were found to have symptomatic sensitivity to beef, 2 gave urticarial symptoms and one gave gastrointestinal symptoms. Six patients (20%) had a positive SPT response to beef. On the other hand, beef specific IgE were positive in 18 CMA patients (60%). Concordance of positive specific IgE and SPT to meat was found in only 5 patients (17%). Mean cross reactivity between milk and beef was 31.6 ± 13.1% among studied patients. Patients allergic to milk protein are not necessarily to be allergic to beef, so, elimination of beef from the diet of adults with CMA should not be done except after investigations so as not to lose its nutritional value without benefit.

Roles of fermented plant-,dairy-and meat-based foods in the modulation of allergic responses

This review attempts to delineate the effects and roles of fermented foods on allergic responses(AR),specifically from milk,plant,and meat sources.Evidence for AR alleviation and aggravation were noted for many different fermented food groups.Positive outcomes on AR through fermented foods could be linked to microbial hydrolysis of food allergens,improvement in gut microbiota robustness,and modulation of the immune system that promotes a balance between T helper 1(Th1)and Th2 cells.Studies on plant-based,non-protein rich fermented foods tend to show more favourable results compared to those on meat-based or protein-rich group.The usage of specific and known starter cultures are helpful in alleviating AR,as in the case for many yogurt,Kefir or Dahi products.Sufficient fermentation time was also deemed important,exemplified in studies that showed inefficient AR reduction through consumption of fresh cheese.However,formation of new allergens through fermentation of certain meat-based foods,or by using specific fermenting microbes(e.g.Penicillium sp.),is possible.Thus,combination of starter cultures and food substrates must be considered in preventing or eliminating AR from intake of these foods.This review may aid consumers to make informed decision during the consumption of fermented food.

Maternal obesity exacerbates the responsiveness of offspring BALB/c mice to cow's milk protein-induced food allergy

Food allergy has become a significant public health problem affecting a large number of people worldwide.Maternal obesity causes inflammation and alters the immune system of offspring,which may exacerbate their food allergy.The aim of this study was to determine whether offspring mice born to obese mothers would have more serve reactions to cow's milk protein-induced food allergy,and further investigate the underlying mechanisms.Female offspring BALB/c mice of mothers with normal and high-fat diets were sensitized withβ-lactoglobulin(BLG),respectively.Maternal obesity increased the serum immunoglobulin E and mouse mast cell protease levels,though did not have significant influence on anaphylactic symptom score,core temperature and diarrhea rate of offspring mice after BLG sensitization.Furthermore,maternal obesity led to a lower level of occludin mRNA expression in BLG-sensitized mice.The mice born to obese mothers exhibited increased mRNA expression levels of GATA-3,interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in jejunum after BLG sensitization,indicating maternal obesity intensified Th2-type biased immune responses.In conclusion,maternal obesity exerted exacerbating effects on the responsiveness of their offspring to cow's milk protein sensitization.

Assessment of a Case of Immediate-Type Allergy against Human Insulin in a Type 2 Diabetic Patient and Allergic Reactions to Human Insulin in Japan

We report a 64-year-old female patient with an insulin allergy. She was treated with a combination of oral antihistamines, topical hydrocortisone cream, and moisturizing agents, which resulted in the improvement of eczema and intense pruritus. To evaluate insulin allergy, intradermal skin tests were performed with several insulin agents for clinical use and 0.9% NaCl. Skin testing with semisynthetic human insulin resulted in local, immediate skin reactions such as itchy erythema and wheals. Furthermore, we analyzed our case and 25 Japanese cases of insulin allergy previously reported in the literature as far as we know. Interestingly, the number of male patients was approximately two times higher than that of female, and the insulin-specific IgE antibody test was positive in 21 patients. We should keep the possibility of human insulin allergy in mind and prepare for it when initiating human insulin therapy.

Ultrasound-guided carotid angioplasty and stenting in a patient with iodinated contrast allergy:A case report

BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is an entity with high incidence,morbidity,and mortality rates.Carotid artery stenosis is an important and independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.The three current approaches for treating carotid artery stenosis are drug treatment,carotid endarterectomy(CEA),carotid angioplasty and stenting(CAS).The approach is chosen based on the degree of stenosis.CEA or CAS could have been chosen for the current patient,who had severe carotid stenosis and an iodinated contrast allergy.After thoroughly communicating with the patient,the patient chose CAS for treatment.Therefore,we performed ultrasound-guided CAS to avoid the use of iodinated contrast.CASE SUMMARY The main symptoms of the patient were numbness and weakness of the left limb.Computed tomography angiography of the head and neck at another hospital indicated multiple sites of stenosis in the arteries of the head and neck.The patient requested CAS for treatment but was allergic to iodinated contrast media.Thus,routine digital subtraction angiography(DSA)with iodinated contrast could not be used for the procedure.The diagnosis of this patient was as follows:(1)Right parietal lobe cerebral infarction;(2)multiple sites of stenosis in the arteries of the head and neck(severe stenosis of the right internal carotid artery,severe stenosis of the right subclavian artery);(3)right subclavian steal syndrome;and(4)hypertension(stage 3,high risk).The interventions included routine treatment for cerebral infarction,oral administration of clopidogrel(75 mg qd)and aspirin(100 mg qd),ultrasound-guided CAS,and postoperative follow-up.Postoperative color Doppler ultrasound and cerebrovascular magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid artery showed good vascular recovery,and the postoperative follow-up indicated a good prognosis.CONCLUSION This case study suggests that ultrasound-guided endovascular treatment is a potential option for patients with contraindications to the iodinated contrast agents used in DSA-guided surgery,although excellent surgical operating skills are needed.

Association of nutrients intake during pregnancy with the risk of allergic disease in offspring:a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

To investigate the role of nutrients intake during pregnancy with longitudinal development of rhinitis,asthma,eczema,wheeze,and food allergy in offspring.The PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane library were searched for articles published throughout May 2022.The pooled effect estimate were presented using relative risk and calculated by the random-effects model.Twenty-three prospective cohort studies enrolling 210817 individuals were included.The risk of wheeze in offspring were lowered when high vitamin D,vitamin E,zinc,and milk intakes during pregnancy,whereas high meat intake during pregnancy could induce additional risk of wheeze in offspring.Moreover,highβ-carotene and magnesium intakes during pregnancy were related to lower eczema risk in offspring,whereas eczema risk in offspring was increased for pregnant women with high intake of butter and margarine.Finally,the asthma risk in offspring could protect against for pregnant women with high intake of vitamin D and apple,whereas high folic acid during pregnancy could produce excess asthma risk in offspring.This study provides the summary evidences regarding the role of nutrients intake during pregnancy and subsequent risk of rhinitis,asthma,eczema,wheeze,and food allergy,and further effective intervention strategies should be employed to improve childhood allergic diseases.

Assessment of immune responses and intestinal flora in BALB/c mice model of wheat food allergy via different sensitization methods

Increasing incidences showed that food allergies have attracted more and more attention from researchers.BALB/c mice were sensitized with wheat gluten combined with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant via intraperitoneal injection,transdermal sensitization,and oral gavage sensitization route.Results showed that all the three sensitization methods could induce allergic symptoms;increase the serum antibody(total immunoglobulin E(IgE),specific IgE,IgG,IgA)and histamine content;promote the secretion of Th2 cytokines(interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13)and inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-17 A,IL-10);and inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines(IFN-γ,IL-2).However,the allergic symptoms of mice sensitized by intraperitoneal injection were the most obvious among the three models.The level of serum antibodies in intraperitoneal injection group was significantly higher than control.Subsequently,16 S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the intestinal flora of mice.The results showed that the abundance of Firmicutes in the wheat protein sensitized group was lower than that in the normal group,while the abundance of Bacteroidetes was higher,and Lactobacillus was the difference marker in normal group.Bacterial species diversity analysis showed that the species richness and diversity of intestinal flora in mice were decreased,the difference between mice induced by intraperitoneal injection and normal control group mice was the most significant.Taken together,these results show that among three sensitization methods used to build a mouse model with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant,intraperitoneal injection is the comparably best way to build a mouse sensitization mode.

Very early onset perinatal constipation:Can it be cow’s milk protein allergy?

Delayed passage of meconium or constipation during the perinatal period is traditionally regarded as a signal to initiate further work up to evaluate for serious diagnoses such as Hirschsprung’s disease(HD),meconium ileus due to Cystic Fibrosis,etc.The diagnosis of HD particularly warrants invasive testing to confirm the diagnosis,such as anorectal manometry or rectal suction biopsy.What if there was another etiology of perinatal constipation,that is far lesser known?Cow’s milk protein allergy(CMPA)is often diagnosed in infants within the first few weeks of life,however,there are studies that show that the CMPA allergen can be passed from mother to an infant in-utero,therefore allowing symptoms to show as early as day one of life.The presentation is more atypical,with perinatal constipation rather than with bloody stools,diarrhea,and vomiting.The diagnosis and management would be avoidance of cow's milk protein within the diet,with results and symptom improvement in patients immediately.Therefore,we discuss whether an alternative pathway to address perinatal constipation should be further discussed and implemented to potentially avoid invasive techniques in patients.This entails first ruling out CMPA with safe,noninvasive techniques with diet modification,and if unsuccessful,then moving forward with further diagnostic modalities.

Study on the mechanism of Fuzi in the treatment of allergic rhinitis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

Objective:To study the key target genes and signaling pathways in the treatment of Allergic Rhinitis(AR)with Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata(aka Fuzi).Methods:The TCMPS and PubChem databases were used to screen the active ingredients and target genes of Fuzi using oral bioavailability and drug similarity as screening conditions,and the GeneCards database was used to screen the target genes of AR.The online tool Venny2.1 was used to screen the target genes of Fuzi for the treatment of Allergic Rhinitis;the STRING database was used to obtain the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network of drug-disease targets,and the key target genes were identified by the MCC algorithm.The potential biological processes and signaling pathways were identified by GO enrichment and KEGG enrichment analysis.Finally,animal experiments were conducted to demonstrate the therapeutic effect ofFuzi on Allergic Rhinitis.Results:The TCMSP,PubChem and GeneCards databases were used to screen the 21 active compound components of Fuzi and 68 potential therapeutic target genes of Fuzi for Allergic Rhinitis.PPI network analysis identified the top ten key target genes,namely:PTGS2,TNF,IL6,AKT1,ALB,STAT3,CCL2,CXCL8,VEGFA and JUN,GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the significantly enriched functions and pathways of Fuzi on Allergic Rhinitis were closely related to Allergic Rhinitis.Finally,animal experiments were conducted to verify that Fuzi is effective in the treatment of Allergic rhinitis.Conclusion:Increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-αin nasal mucosal tissues of patients with Allergic Rhinitis was positively correlated with indicators related to the disease activity of AllergicRhinitis.Fuzi ameliorated the inflammatory changes in mice with Allergic Rhinitis by inhibiting the activation of Toll-like signaling pathway in the nasal mucosa and decreasing the expression activity of IL-6 and TNF-α.

Adenosine cyclic phosphate with ultrasonic-assisted pectinase extraction alleviated allergic reactions in RBL-2H3 through inhibiting the influx of intracellular Ca^(2+)

Jujube contains abundant cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)and the ultrasonic-assisted pectinase extraction(UAPE)conditions for obtaining the maximum cAMP yield from jujube were optimized.Orthogonal array design was applied to evaluate the effects of 4 variables by UAPE on cAMP yield.The results showed that the optimal cAMP yield(783.0μg/g)was derived at ratio of liquid to solid 5 mL/g,ratio of pectinase to raw material 1.5%,time 60 min and temperature 40℃.Moreover,the effect of cAMP on the anti-allergic function of action induced by immunoglobulin E(IgE)and its meschanism was investigated through establishing the sensitized cell model in rat basophilic leukemia(RBL-2 H3)cells using dinitrophenylated(DNP)-bovine serum albumin(BSA)-IgE.The results showed that cAMP interfered with sensitized cells,effectively inhibited the occurrence of basophil degranulation in dose dependence,and significantly reduced the activity ofβ-hexosamindase(β-hex),at the optimal concentration of 50μg/mL.The level of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10(IL-10)was promoted and the content of pro-inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was suppressed by cAMP.In addition,influx of intracellular Ca^(2+) was repressed effectively.Our results demonstrate that jujube cAMP regulated the cytokine balance in the allergy pathway through blocking the influx of extracellular Ca^(2+),with the prevention of allergy symptoms.

Pharmacodynamics of frigid zone plant Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.against skin melanin deposition,oxidation,inflammation and allergy

Background:Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.is a precious species of frigid zone plant belonging to the Taxaceae family,which possesses anticancer,anti-inflammatory,hypoglycemic,and antibacterial pharmacological properties.While taxane extracted from Taxus chinensis has been reported to elicit antioxidant activities,whether Taxus cuspidata S.et Z.has skin-protective actions against injuries remained unknown.This study aims to explore the pharmacological effects of three Taxus extracts on skin melanin deposition,oxidation,inflammation,and allergy so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of various diseases related to skin damage.Methods:Skin melanin deposition was evaluated by measuring melanin content in the skin of guinea pigs by alkali lysis method.Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by measuring superoxide dismutase(SOD)concentration and glutathione(GSH)content in skin tissue homogenates of Kunming mice by SOD assay kit and micro reduced GSH assay kit.The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and western blotting were used to examine the levels of both SOD and recombinant glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4).Skin inflammation was evaluated by xylene-induced ear swelling test and egg-white-induced paw swelling test in mice.In a mouse model of skin allergy induced by 4-aminopyridine(4-AP),allergy was determined by licking body counts and histamine concentrations in tissue homogenates using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)kits.Two proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-1βwere measured by qRT-PCR.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was conducted to assess the degree of skin lesion.Results:All three Taxus extracts including Taxus chinensis essential oil,Taxus chinensis extract and Taxus chinensis extract compound reduced the melanin deposits in the back skin relative to the non-treated control animals,of which Taxus chinensis essential oil produced the greatest effect.In contrast,the three Taxus extracts elevated SOD and GSH levels in the skin tissues,and the highest increase was seen with Taxus chinensis essential oil.Three Taxus extracts,especially Taxus chinensis essential oil,effectively reduce the rate of ear and paw swelling.All three Taxus extracts reduced the number of body licks,the levels of TNF-αand IL-1β,and the histamine content in tissue homogenates of mice and alleviated skin damage.Consistently,Taxus chinensis essential oil yielded the greatest magnitude of decreases.Conclusion:While all three Taxus extracts possessed the anti-skin melanin deposition,oxidation,and allergy properties,Taxus chinensis essential oil produced the superior effects.