Inhibitory effect of tannins from galls of Carpinus tschonoskii on the degranulation of RBL-2H3 Cells

Abstract

In this study, the anti-allergy potency of thirteen tannins isolated from the galls on buds of Carpinus tschonoskii (including two tannin derivatives) was investigated. RBL-2H3 (rat basophilic leukemia) cells were incubated with these compounds, and the release of β-hexosaminidase and cytotoxicity were measured. Of the thirteen tannins, tetragalloyl-glucose (2), pentagalloylglucose (3), casuarictin (4), and casuarinin (9) were the most potent inhibitors, and all the tannins showed no cytotoxic effect after 24 h of incubation. The results obtained suggest that tannins from C. tschonoskii are capable of inhibiting allergic reactions and may be useful for the treatment or prevention of type I allergic diseases. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012.