Laboratory cultivated Cordyceps militaris modulates cockroach allergen-induced inflammation in keratinocytes and macrophages dual cell platforms.

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BACKGROUND: Cordyceps militaris (CM) is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential efficacy in treating allergic diseases. This research aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts from laboratory-cultivated specific Cordyceps militaris on Per a 2-induced keratinocytes and macrophages.

METHODS: The effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts were evaluated in Per a 2-stimulated HaCaT and RAW264.7 cell models. This study encompassed cytotoxicity assays, quantitative real-time PCR, nitric oxide inhibitory assays, Western blot analysis, and cytokine assays.

RESULTS: The ethanolic and aqueous extracts significantly reduced the Per a 2-induced mRNA levels of IL-8, GM-CSF, and CCL-20 in a dose-dependent manner in HaCaT cells, and the optimal doses of extracts were 20 and 125 µg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extracts of CM significantly inhibited production of iNOS and NO and downregulated COX-2 in Per a 2-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the ethanolic extracts of CM also significantly attenuated secretion of IL-13, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-6, G-CSF, and GM-CSF in a dose-dependent manner in Per a 2-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses revealed that the concentrations of cordycepin, adenosine, ergosterol, adenine, uridine, and uracil in the ethanolic extracts of CM were 3.87, 61.24, 44.76, 39.40, 26.68, and 4.66 mg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extracts of CM, which contain enriched quantities of these compounds, is more effective in terms of anti-inflammation than aqueous extracts of CM.

CONCLUSIONS: These important findings reported herein suggest that ethanolic extracts of CM could be further developed as a potential herbal remedy for aeroallergen-induced skin inflammation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. This study utilizes HaCaT and RAW264.7 cell culture, not human participants.