Anti-inflammatory effect of epigallocatechin gallate in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis

•EGCG has a beneficial effect in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.•The beneficial effect is that EGCG can suppress the number of sneezes and the occurrence of nasal rubbing.•A mechanism for improving symptom is associated with the decrease levels of IgE and histamine in serum.•The beneficial effect is related to the decrease cytokines levels in nasal lavage fluid or in nasal mucosa tissue.

Currently, a variety of studies have demonstrated that green tea has anti-allergic properties, and the major polyphenolic compound, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), plays a significant role. Some research indicates that EGCG reduces the production and expression of allergy-related substances. Therefore, EGCG has a potential effect of reducing allergic rhinitis (AR). In this study, the effect of EGCG on allergic rhinitis in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model was investigated. After administration of EGCG, the number of sneezes and the occurrence of nasal rubbing were significantly decreased, the concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine were suppressed in AR mouse serum, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 were reduced in AR mice nasal lavage fluid (NLF), and the nasal mucosa mRNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 were inhibited. The data indicate that EGCG has a beneficial effect of reducing allergic rhinitis.