We aimed to determine the in vitro and in vivo synergistic antiallergic effect of guaijaverin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) complex (GEC), and the antiallergic rhinitis (AR) properties of guaijaverin-rich Psidium guajava and EGCG-rich Camellia sinensis (ILS-F-2301). GEC showed synergistic inhibition of β-hexosaminidase by 4.20% and interleukin (IL)-4, -5, and -13 by 4.08%, 0.67%, and 4.71%, respectively, while increasing interferon (IFN)-γ by 12.43%, compared with EGCG only. In addition, 50 μg/mL of ILS-F-2301 inhibited β-hexosaminidase release, and inhibited IL-4, -5, and -13 by 61.54%, 58.79%, and 59.25%, respectively, while increasing IFN-γ (showing 133.14% activation). Moreover, 50 μg/mL of ILS-F-2301 suppressed p-STAT6 and GATA3, while p-STAT1 and T-bet increased, and 0.039 μg/mL of guaijaverin or 5.275 μg/mL of EGCG modulated T helper (Th)1- and Th2-related proteins. These data suggested that guaijaverin and EGCG in ILS-F-2301 was the main active compound involved in Th1/Th2 modulation. In the AR mouse model, the administration of ILS-F-2301 inhibited ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE, histamine in serum; it also inhibited IL-4 and -5 by 28.23% and 47.15%, respectively, while increasing IFN-γ (showing 37.11% activation), compared with OVA/Alu-treated mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that ILS-F-2301 is a functional food for alleviating anti-AR.
Keywords: Anti-rhinitis; Camellia sinensis; EGCG; Guaijaverin; Ovalbumin; Psidium guajava.