Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Rosebud Extracts of Newly-Crossbred Roses

Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts of rosebuds newly-crossbred in Korea were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Twenty-four candidate rosebuds were extracted with 80% ethanol, and analyzed for polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, and pyrogallol (1,2,3-benzenetriol). The extracts’ in vitro anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities were analyzed through inhibitory effects on the β-hexosaminidase release from Compound 48/80-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells and nitric oxide production from lipopolysacchrade-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, respectively. The in vivo activity was assessed via protection against lethality and itching (scratching) symptoms in mice challenged with Compound 48/80. Among candidates, Lover Shy, Pretty Velvet, Ice Wing, Red Perfume, Onnuri, Jaemina Red, and Hanggina were found to possess high concentrations of antioxidative components. By comparison, Pretty Velvet, Red Perfume, Jaemina Red, Hanggina, Onnuri, and Ice Wing were highly effective in anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, in parallel with their concentrations of pyrogallol. Their anti-allergic effects were confirmed in mice: The 6 extracts protected against Compound 48/80-induced mortality and scratching behaviors in a dose-dependent manner. The allergen-induced increases in serum IgE and histamine as well as inflammatory cytokines, tumor-necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, were remarkably attenuated following treatment with the rosebud extracts. Therefore, it is suggested that the extracts and active ingredients from cross-bred Korean rosebuds exert anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities through their high levels of antioxidants and pyrogallol, and that could be promising candidates to overcome allergic responses such as atopic dermatitis.