[Inhibitory effects of saiboku-to and compornent herbs on the production of peptide leukotrienes (LTs) and LTB4].

We investigated the effects of Saiboku-to, Syoseiryu-to and compornent herbs of these two Kampo-Medicines (Saiko, Hange, Bukuryo, Ogon, Koboku, Taiso, Ninjin, Kanzo, Soyo, Syokyo, Keihi, Gomisi, Saisin, Syakuyaku, Mao and Kankyo) on the production of peptide leukotrienes (LTs) and LTB4 in cultured rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-1 cells. Cultured RBL-1 cells were stimulated with Ca ionophore, A23187, at 10(-5) M in the absence or presence of various concentrations of these substances, and the production of peptide LTs and LTB4 was measured by reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The production of LTs was dose-dependently suppressed by the addition of Saibokuto. Saiboku-to (100 micrograms/ml) showed 35% and 30% inhibition on the production of peptide LTs and LTB4, respectively. These inhibitory actions of Saiboku-to on LT-synthesis were attributable to the effects of its component herbs, Ogon, Koboku and Kanzo. On the other hand, Syoseiryu-to showed no inhibitory action on LT-production. these results indicate that anti-allergic action of Saiboku-to is, at least in part, attributable to its inhibitory action on LT-synthesis.