U.S. patent application number 13/636451 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for composition for treating inflammatory, allergic or asthma diseases, containing paprika extracts.
This patent application is currently assigned to INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY. The applicant listed for this patent is Hyo-Sung Choi, Sang-Kyung Lee, Min-Young Park, Young-Jin You. Invention is credited to Hyo-Sung Choi, Sang-Kyung Lee, Min-Young Park, Young-Jin You.
Application Number | 20130071499 13/636451 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44956256 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130071499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Sang-Kyung ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
COMPOSITION FOR TREATING INFLAMMATORY, ALLERGIC OR ASTHMA DISEASES,
CONTAINING PAPRIKA EXTRACTS
Abstract
The present invention relates to a composition containing a
paprika extract as an active ingredient, and more particularly to a
pharmaceutical composition or health functional food for preventing
or treating inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease, which
contains a paprika extract. Particularly, paprika is a natural food
which is readily available to anyone, and thus does not cause
adverse effects even when it is taken for a long period of
time.
Inventors: |
Lee; Sang-Kyung; (Songpa-gu,
KR) ; You; Young-Jin; (Kimpo-shi, KR) ; Choi;
Hyo-Sung; (Eunpyung-gu, KR) ; Park; Min-Young;
(Kwangjin-gu, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lee; Sang-Kyung
You; Young-Jin
Choi; Hyo-Sung
Park; Min-Young |
Songpa-gu
Kimpo-shi
Eunpyung-gu
Kwangjin-gu |
|
KR
KR
KR
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION
FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY
Seongdong-gu, Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
44956256 |
Appl. No.: |
13/636451 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
March 22, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR11/01951 |
371 Date: |
November 26, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/760 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 37/08 20180101;
A61P 29/00 20180101; A61K 36/81 20130101; A61P 11/06 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/760 |
International
Class: |
A61K 36/81 20060101
A61K036/81 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0025300 |
Mar 21, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0025017 |
Claims
1. A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease, which contains a paprika
extract as an active ingredient.
2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the extract
is a crude extract, polar solvent-soluble extract or non-polar
solvent-soluble extract of paprika.
3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the crude
extract is an extract solubilized in a solvent selected from among
water, including purified water, methanol, ethanol, butanol, and
mixed solvents thereof.
4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the polar
solvent-soluble extract comprises an extract solubilized in a
solvent selected from among water, ethanol, butanol, and mixed
solvents thereof.
5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 2, wherein the non-polar
solvent-soluble extract comprises an extract solubilized in hexane,
chloroform, dichloromethane or ethyl acetate.
6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease is one or more diseases
selected from the group consisting of acute inflammation, chronic
inflammation, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, allergic nasitis,
allergic asthma, allergic dermatitis, and atopy.
7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the content
of the paprika extract in the composition is 0.1-50 wt % based on
the total weight of the composition.
8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the paprika
is selected from the group consisting of paprikas which are green,
orange, yellow and red in color.
9. A health functional food for preventing or ameliorating
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease, which contains a paprika
extract as an active ingredient.
10. The health functional food of claim 9, which is used in the
form of powders, granules, tablets, capsules, syrups, or
beverages.
11. The health functional food of claim 9, wherein the content of
the paprika extract in the health functional food is 0.01-15 wt %
based on the total weight of the food.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical
composition or health functional food for preventing or treating
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease, which contains a paprika
extract as an active ingredient.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Oxidative stress is known to be closely related to aging and
various diseases. Particularly, oxidative stress is known to be
closely related to autoimmune responses, and examples of diseases
caused by oxidative stress include inflammatory reactions, such as
asthma, allergy, atopy and nasitis.
[0003] As is known, respiratory disease patients show an imbalanced
ratio of oxidants to antioxidants, and superoxide dismutase (SOD),
a peroxide inhibitor, relieves respiratory diseases. It was also
reported that antioxidants can be used to treat inflammatory
reactions caused by oxidative stress. In addition, it is known that
reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause immune system abnormalities and
autoimmune diseases and increase the expression of interleukin-4
(IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13).
[0004] Interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 are cytokines made by
T-helper 2 cells (Th2 cells) and are very closely related to
autoimmune diseases. In signaling of these interleukins,
Janus-associated kinase (JAK), STATE, IRS1/2, phosphoinositol-3
kinase (PI-3 kinase) and the like are involved and cause
proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1, interleukin-6,
interleukin-8, interleukin-10, interleukin-12 and the like. In
addition, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 are involved in the
expression of immunoglobulin IgE, MHC class II antigen, and cluster
of differentiation (CD23) and the proliferation of B cells and are
also closely related to the differentiation of T helper 2
cells.
[0005] Particularly, bronchial asthma is a chronic allergic
inflammatory disease in bronchi. Bronchial asthma occurs when the
bronchial airways have inflammation or the bronchi have an
increased sensitivity to allergens. It also occurs when the airway
muscles become thicker or swell.
[0006] Asthma is caused by external factors or internal factors.
The external factors include atmospheric pollutants, various
allergens and industrial particles. These asthma triggers produce
IgE in immune responses, and the produced IgE clogs the nasal, skin
and airway passages and binds to receptors on the surface of mast
cells in various organs to cause inflammation. The internal factors
include genetic factors. It is known that human chromosome 5,
.beta.2-adrenoreceptor gene and human chromosomes 11, 12, 14 and 16
are involved in the occurrence of asthma and the changes in these
genes increase IgE and cause hypersensitivity.
[0007] In asthma symptoms, CD4+ T cells in the airway are
controlled, and upon exposure to triggering allergens, airway
inflammation occurs which is characterized by an increase in Th2
immune responses, the inhibition of Th1 immune responses and the
infiltration of eosinophils. Thus, various inflammatory cells,
including eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes, infiltrate
bronchial mucosa and alveoli, and the kind and amount of cytokine
secreted change. Therapies for controlling immune responses in
bronchial asthma include avoidance therapy for allergens, and
desensitization therapy for allergies, but it is actually
impossible to avoid allergens.
[0008] Also, existing desensitization therapies that use steroids,
.beta.2-agonists and cromones are limited to patients with atopic
bronchial asthma caused by some allergens and can cause serious
adverse effects such as anaphylaxis. In addition, the development
of asthma therapeutic agents, such as soluble IL-4 receptors and
soluble IL-13 and anti-IL-5 antibodies, which use mechanisms for
inhibiting the action of Th2-type cytokines, is in progress.
However, many agents for treating asthma are available only on a
physician's prescription and are mostly steroidal drugs which can
cause adverse effects upon long-term use.
[0009] Accordingly, the present inventors have made extensive
efforts to develop a pharmaceutical composition or food effective
for the treatment of inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease,
which is based on a food readily available to anyone and does not
cause side effect even upon long-term use. As a result, the present
inventors have found that an extract of paprika is effective for
the treatment of the above disease, thereby completing the present
invention.
[0010] DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0011] It is a main object of the present invention to provide a
pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating inflammatory,
allergic or asthma disease, which contains a paprika extract as an
active ingredient.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
health functional food for preventing or ameliorating inflammatory,
allergic or asthma disease, which contains a paprika extract and
food-acceptable additives.
Technical Solution
[0013] To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides
a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease, which contains a paprika
extract as an active ingredient.
[0014] The "inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease" may be one or
more diseases selected from the group consisting of acute
inflammation, chronic inflammation, bronchitis, bronchial asthma,
allergic nasitis, allergic asthma, allergic dermatitis, and atopy,
and typical examples thereof include bronchial asthma, allergic
natitis, atopy and the like.
[0015] In the present invention, the extract may be a crude
extract, polar solvent-soluble extract or non-polar solvent-soluble
extract of paprika.
[0016] Herein, the crude extract is preferably an extract
solubilized in a solvent selected from among water, including
purified water, methanol, ethanol, butanol, and mixed solvents
thereof. The polar solvent-soluble extract is preferably an extract
solubilized in a solvent selected from among water, ethanol,
butanol, and mixed solvents thereof. The non-polar solvent-soluble
extract is preferably an extract solubilized in hexane, chloroform,
dichloromethane or ethyl acetate.
[0017] Further, the content of the paprika extract in the
composition is preferably 0.1-50 wt % based on the total weight of
the composition. The paprika that is used in the present invention
may be, for example, green, orange, yellow or red in color.
[0018] The present invention also provides a health functional food
for preventing or ameliorating inflammatory, allergic or asthma
disease, which contains a paprika extract as an active
ingredient.
[0019] In the present invention, the health functional food may be
used, for example, in the form of powders, granules, tablets,
capsules, syrups, or beverages. The content of the paprika extract
in the health functional food may be 0.01-15 wt % based on the
total weight of the food.
[0020] The composition containing the paprika extract according to
the present invention is effective for the prevention or treatment
of oxidative stress-induced inflammatory responses, such as
inflammation, allergy or asthma. Particularly, paprika is a natural
food which is readily available to anyone, and thus does not cause
adverse effects even when it is taken for a long period of
time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a photograph of a paprika extract powder prepared
from paprika.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a graphic diagram showing the results of
observation of changes in the bodyweights of a control group and
test groups.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows the results of observation of changes in the
total number of cells in mice of a control group and test
groups.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows the results of observation of changes in the
number of macrophages in mice of a control group and test
groups.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows the results of observation of changes in the
number of eosinophils in mice of a control group and test
groups.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows the results of observation of changes in the
number of neutrophils in mice of a control group and test
groups.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows the results of observation of changes in the
number of T lymphocytes in mice of a control group and test
groups.
[0028] FIG. 8 collectively shows the results shown in FIGS. 3 to
7.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a set of micrographs showing the infiltration of
mucin and immune cells in mice of a control group and test
groups.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of measurement of
blood immunoglobulin-E (IgE) levels.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a set of graph showing the results of measurement
of blood IgG1 and IgG2a levels.
[0032] FIG. 12 shows the results of examining the immune cell
infiltration of luteolin.
[0033] FIG. 13 shows the results of measurement of immunoglobulin-E
(IgE) levels which resulted when luteolin was used.
[0034] FIG. 14 shows the results of measurement of IgG1 and IgG2a
levels which resulted when luteolin was used.
[0035] FIG. 15 shows the results of observing immune responses by
measuring the concentrations of cytokines secreted upon exposure to
ConA.
[0036] FIG. 16 shows the results of observing immune responses by
measuring the concentrations of cytokines secreted upon exposure to
OVA.
[0037] FIG. 17 shows the results of measuring the amount of the TH1
cytokine IFN-gamma after stimulation with OVA.
[0038] FIG. 18 shows the results of measuring the relative
concentration of bronchial alveolar epithelial cell m-RNA (mucin
gene m-RNA).
[0039] FIG. 19 is a set of micrographs of stained lung tissues of
test groups.
[0040] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the results of examining the
effects of the paprika extract of the present invention in a
chronic rat model as a function of time.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0041] The definitions of the terms used in the present invention
are as follows.
[0042] The "extract" that is used in the present invention may be a
crude extract, a polar solvent-soluble extract or non-polar
solvent-soluble extract of paprika.
[0043] As used herein, the term "crude extract" is meant to include
an extract solubilized in a solvent selected from among water,
including purified water, lower alcohols containing 1 to 4 carbon
atoms, such as methanol, ethanol or butanol, and mixed solvents
thereof, preferably a mixed solvent of water and ethanol, and more
preferably a 50-100% ethanol.
[0044] As used herein, the term "polar solvent-soluble extract" is
meant to include an extract solubilized in a solvent selected from
among water, methanol, butanol, and mixed solvents thereof,
preferably water or butanol, and more preferably butanol.
[0045] As used herein, the term "non-polar solvent-soluble extract"
is meant to include an extract solubilized in a hexane, chloroform,
dichloromethane or ethyl acetate solvent, preferably a hexane,
dichloromethane or ethyl acetate solvent, and more preferably a
hexane or ethyl acetate solvent.
[0046] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutical composition" refers
to a mixture of the paprika extract and other chemical components
such as diluents or carriers.
[0047] As used herein, the term "carrier" is defined as a compound
that facilitates the incorporation of a compound into cells or
tissues. For example, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a carrier which
is commonly used to facilitate the incorporation of many organic
compounds into the cells or tissues of organisms.
[0048] As used herein, the term "diluent" refers as a compound
diluted in water that will dissolve the compound of interest as
well as stabilize the biologically active form of the compound.
Salts dissolved in buffered solution are generally used as diluents
as in the art. One commonly used buffered solution is phosphate
buffer saline because it mimics the salt conditions of human blood.
Since buffer salts can control the pH of a solution at low
concentrations, a buffered diluent rarely modifies the biological
activity of a compound.
[0049] As used herein, the term "subject" or "patient" means any
single subject for which therapy is desired, including humans,
cattle, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, insects and so on.
Also intended to be included as a subject are any subjects involved
in clinical research trials not showing any clinical sign of
disease, or subjects involved in epidemiological studies, or
subjects used as controls. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the subject is a human.
[0050] As used herein, the term "tissue or cell sample" means a
collection of similar cells obtained from a tissue of a subject or
patient. The source of the tissue or cell sample may be solid
tissue as from a fresh, frozen and/or preserved organ or tissue
sample or biopsy or aspirate; blood or any blood constituents; or
cells from any time in gestation or development of the subject. The
tissue sample may also be primary or cultured cells or cell
lines.
[0051] Optionally, the tissue or cell sample is obtained from a
primary or metastatic tumor. The tissue sample may contain
compounds which are not naturally intermixed with the tissue in
nature such as preservatives, anticoagulants, buffers, fixatives,
nutrients, antibiotics, or the like. For the purposes herein, a
"section" of a tissue sample is meant a single part or piece of a
tissue sample, e.g. a thin slice of tissue or cells cut from a
tissue sample. It is understood that multiple sections of tissue
samples may be taken and subjected to analysis according to the
present invention, provided that it is understood that the present
invention comprises a method whereby the same section of tissue
sample is analyzed at both morphological and molecular levels, or
is analyzed with respect to both protein and nucleic acid.
[0052] As used herein, the term "effective amount" is an amount
sufficient to effect beneficial or desired clinical or biochemical
results. An effective amount can be administered one or more times.
For purposes of this invention, an effective amount of an inhibitor
compound is an amount that is sufficient to palliate, ameliorate,
stabilize, reverse, slow or delay the progression of the disease
state. A composition is said to be "pharmacologically acceptable"
if its administration can be tolerated by a recipient patient. Such
an agent is said to be administered in a "therapeutically effective
amount" if the amount administered is physiologically significant.
An agent is physiologically significant if its presence results in
a detectable change in the physiology of a recipient patient.
[0053] The term "treating", as used herein, unless otherwise
indicated, means reversing, alleviating, or inhibiting the progress
of, the disorder or condition to which such term applies, or one or
more symptoms of such disorder or condition. The term "treatment",
as used herein, refers to the act of treating as "treating" is
defined immediately above.
[0054] As used herein, the term "functional food" refers to a food
obtained by adding the paprika extract of the present invention to
general food so as to improve the functionalities of the general
food. Functionalities can be broadly divided into physical
properties and physiological functionalities, and when the paprika
extract of the present invention to general food, the physical
properties and physiological functionalities of the general food
will be improved. In the present invention, such food having
improved functions is generally defined as "functional food".
[0055] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in
detail.
[0056] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
desired methods and materials are described herein, any methods and
materials similar or equivalent to those described herein also fall
within the scope of the present invention. The contents of all the
publications described by reference herein are incorporated into
the present invention.
[0057] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a
pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating inflammatory,
allergic or asthma disease, which contains a paprika extract as an
active ingredient.
[0058] That is, the present invention is directed to a composition
for preventing or treating inflammatory, allergic or asthma
disease.
[0059] The "inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease" is meant to
include acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, bronchitis,
bronchial asthma, atopy, allergic nasitis, allergic asthma or
allergic dermatitis, preferably acute inflammation, chronic
inflammation, bronchial asthma, allergic nasitis or allergic
asthma, and more preferably bronchial asthma, atopy or allergic
nasitis.
[0060] More specifically, the effect of preventing or treating
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease as defined herein means
the effect of inhibiting COX-2-dependent PGD2 production and the
production of IL-4, IL-5 and LTC4. Thus, although asthma disease is
described as a typical example in an embodiment of the present
invention, the asthma disease can be said to be representative of
inflammation, allergy and the like which are characterized by the
above-described mechanism.
[0061] Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by typical
inflammatory cells, such as mast cells, and various humoral
inflammatory mediators such as eosinophils and T-lymphocytes and is
characterized by airway obstruction and bronchial hypersensitivity,
and various mediators are involved in the pathology thereof.
Substances which are known to be involved in asthma include
leukotriene (LT) C4, D4 and E4, which are the metabolic products of
5-lipoxygenase known as SRS-A (slow reacting substance of
anaphylaxis), as well as interleukin (IL)-4, -5 and -6 which are
inflammatory cytokines (Barnes P. J, et al., Inflammatory mediators
of asthma: an update, Pharmacol Rev, 50, pp 515-596, 1998; Galli S,
et al., Mast-cell-leukocyte cytokine cascades in allergic
inflammation, Allergy 50, pp 851-862, 1995).
[0062] Asthma is a disease caused by a kind of inflammatory
response, and inflammation is a defensive response to tissue injury
in a local area of the body. That is, the inflammatory response is
a defense response that removes injury caused by various harmful
stressors to restore the tissue to the original state. Inflammatory
stressors include infections or physical and chemical stressors,
and biological factors related to inflammatory responses include
low-molecular or high-molecular weight chemical substances, such as
free radicals, proteins, saccharides or lipids, as well as plasma,
blood cells, blood vessels and connective tissues. The processes of
inflammation can be divided into acute inflammation and chronic
inflammation. Acute inflammation is a short-term (within several
days) response in which plasma components or blood cells are
involved in the removal of foreign substances through the
micro-circulatory system. Chronic inflammation is long-lasting and
shows tissue proliferation or the like.
[0063] Antigenic substances that cause allergy are referred to as
allergens. When an allergen enters the body through the respiratory
organ or the skin, an IgE antibody specific for the allergen is
produced and attached to the surface of allergy-causing cells. When
the allergen enters the body again, it binds to the IgE antibody on
the surface of the allergy-causing cells, and the stimulated
allergy-causing cells release various mediators, including
histamines, after which a variety of inflammatory cells, including
eosinophils, are introduced into the allergy-causing cells, thus
causing inflammatory responses. A key mediator that induces the
inflammatory and allergic diseases is produced from the precursor
arachidonic acid by phospholipases A2, such as prostaglandins,
leukotriens and platelet-activating factor (PAF), cyclooxygenase
and lipoxygenase.
[0064] Prostaglandins serve to bind to a specific cell surface
receptor to increase the intracellular concentration of cAMP (cGMP
in some cases). The effects resulting from the increase in cAMP
concentration vary depending on the kind of cell, and it is known
that PGA2 and PGB2 lower blood pressure and PGD2 and PGE1 are
involved in inflammation processes, such as pain and fever.
Particularly, PGD2 is known as a main factor that worsens asthma by
contracting the smooth muscle of bronchial asthma patients.
[0065] Leukotriens (LTs) constitute a group of locally functional
hormones produced from arachidonic acid in vivo, and major
leukotrienes include leukotriene B4 (LTB4), C4 (LTC4), D4 (LTD4)
and E4 (LTE4). The biosynthesis of these leukotrienes involves the
production of an epoxide known as leukotriene A4 (LTA4) from
arachidonic acid by the action of 5-lipoxygenase, and LTA4 is then
converted to other leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4) through
a series of enzymatic steps. Leukotriens are known to be involved
in pulmonary arterial diseases, for example, asthma, chronic
bronchitis and related obstructive airway diseases, allergy and
allergic responses, such as allergic nasitis, contact dermatitis or
allergic conjunctivitis, and inflammations, such as arthritis,
inflammatory bowel diseases or pain. Drugs which have recently
received attention as agents for treating allergic asthma are drugs
having activities of inhibiting the release of histamines, the
production of leukotrien C4 and the production of
platelet-activating factor.
[0066] The composition of the present invention contains a paprika
extract as an active ingredient so as to prevent or treat
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease.
[0067] Paprika is an annual plant having a scientific name of
`Capsicum annuum var. angulosum` and belonging to the annuum
species of the Capsicum genus of the Solanaceae family. Paprika has
six subtypes, and the word "paprika" is derived from Greece and
collectively refers to all kinds of pepper in European. Paprika is
known as a health food which contains carotenoid pigments, such as
capsanthin, .beta.-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, and is rich in
vitamins A, B1 and C. In addition, paprika contains large amounts
of luteolin, pectin, capsaicin and the like. It is green, red,
yellow or orange in color according to the pigment contained
therein.
[0068] The paprika extract can be prepared by a method known in the
art, a modified method thereof or the method of the present
invention.
[0069] In one embodiment, the paprika extract can be prepared by
the following method.
[0070] The extract or crude extract of paprika of the present
invention can be prepared in the following manner. Paprika is added
to an about 1-30-fold volume (preferably 5-15-fold volume) (w/v) of
a solvent selected from among water, including purified water,
lower alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methanol,
ethanol or butanol, and mixed solvents thereof, preferably a mixed
solvent of water and ethanol, more preferably 50-100% ethanol, and
is extracted about 1-7 times, preferably 1-3 times, at about 0 to
100.degree. C., preferably room temperature, for 10-60 hours,
preferably 30-50 hours, by an extraction method such as maceration
extraction (cold extraction), hot-water extraction, ultrasonic
extraction, or heating extraction, preferably maceration
extraction. The extract is concentrated under reduced pressure,
thereby obtaining the paprika extract of the present invention.
[0071] In addition, the polar solvent-soluble or non-polar
solvent-soluble extract of the present invention can be prepared in
the following manner. The crude extract obtained as described
above, preferably the 50-100% ethanol crude extract, is dispersed
in an about 1-150-fold volume (preferably 5-100-fold volume) (w/v)
of water, and then hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol are
sequentially added thereto in an amount of about 1-10 times
(preferably 1-5 times) the volume of the water, and the crude
extract is fractionated 1-5 times, preferably 2-4 times, thereby
obtaining the polar solvent-soluble or non-polar solvent-soluble
extract of the present invention.
[0072] Thus, in another aspect, the present invention is directed
to a method of preparing said paprika extract. The above preparing
method is merely illustrative, and can be used by properly making a
modification using various methods based on the technology related
in the art to which the present invention pertains. For example,
the non-illustrated extraction method according to can be
successfully performed by a person of an ordinary skill in the art
through a distinct modification.
[0073] The detailed reaction conditions for preparation of the
paprika extract according to the present invention can be
understood by a person having an ordinary skill in the art through
the preparation examples and examples, which will be described
later, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted to
avoid redundancy.
[0074] A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating
inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease, which contains the
inventive paprika extract obtainable by the above-described method,
contains the extract in an amount of 0.1-50 wt % based on the total
weight of the composition.
[0075] The pharmaceutical composition containing the paprika
extract of the present invention may further comprise suitable
carriers, excipients, and diluents, which are typically used in the
preparation of the pharmaceutical composition.
[0076] In addition, the composition containing the paprika extract
of the present invention may be formulated or used in combination
with known drugs, such as steroidal drugs, anti-histamine agents,
anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
[0077] The pharmaceutical composition containing the paprika
extract according to the present invention can be formulated
according to a conventional method. For example, it may be
formulated in the form of powders, granules, tablets, capsules,
suspensions, emulsions, syrups, aerosols, agents for external
applications, suppositories, and sterile injection solutions.
[0078] Carriers, excipients and diluents that can be contained in
the composition containing the paprika extract according to the
present invention include lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol,
mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, starch, gum acacia,
alginate, gelatin, calcium phosphate, calcium silicate, cellulose,
methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
water, methylhydroxybenzoate, propylhydroxybenzoate, talc,
magnesium stearate, and mineral oil.
[0079] For formulations, commonly used diluents or excipients such
as fillers, expanders, binders, wetting agents, disintegrants and
surfactants, etc., are used.
[0080] Solid Formulations for oral administration include tablets,
pills, powders, granules, capsules, etc. Such Formulations are
prepared by mixing the paprika extract of the present invention
with at least one excipient, such as starch, calcium carbonate,
sucrose, lactose, gelatin, etc. In addition to simple expedients,
lubricants such as magnesium stearate, talc, etc. may also be
added. Liquid Formulations for oral administration, such as
suspensions, internal solutions, emulsions, syrups, etc., may
comprise simple diluents, e.g., water and liquid paraffin, as well
as various excipients, e.g., wetting agents, sweeteners, aromatics,
preservatives, etc.
[0081] Formulations for parenteral administration include
sterilized aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solvents, suspensions,
emulsions, lyophilized agents, suppositories, etc. Non-aqueous
solvents and suspensions may be prepared using propylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, or
injectable esters such as ethyloleate. As a base for suppositories,
Witepsol, Macrogol, Tween 61, cacao fat, laurin fat,
glycerogelatin, etc. may be used.)
[0082] The dosage of the paprika extract of the present invention
may vary depending on the patient's age, sex and weight, but it may
be administered at a dosage of 0.0001-100 mg/kg, preferably
0.001-10 mg/kg, once or several times a day. In addition, the
dosage of the paprika extract can be increased or decreased
depending on the route of administration, severity of the disease,
the patient's sex, weight, and age, and the like. Thus, the dosage
is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any
way.
[0083] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may
be administered by various routes to mammals, including rats, mice,
livestock and humans. All routes of administration can be
contemplated and include, for example, oral, tissue, rectal,
intravenous, intramuscular, intrauterine, intrathecal or
intracerebrovascular injections.
[0084] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may
be used in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and may be
used alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically active
compounds.
[0085] The present invention is characterized in that the
pharmaceutical composition containing the paprika extract is
effective for the treatment of inflammatory, allergic or asthma
disease.
[0086] Particularly, the excellent effect of the inventive paprika
extract on the inhibition of inflammatory, allergic or asthma
disease can be said to be an effect attributable to a combination
of various components present in the paprika extract. Whether the
asthma inhibitory effect of the paprika extract of the present
invention is attributable to various components or a specific
component alone was examined in the Examples of the present
invention. As a result, it was shown that the specific component
luteolin did not reduce blood immunoglobulin-E (IgE) levels and
showed an effect similar to that of budesonide which has been used
as an asthma-relieving agent.
[0087] In other words, a combination of various components present
in the paprika extract shows the effect of reducing blood
immunoglobulin-E (IgE) levels, and the effect of the specific
component luteolin alone on asthma inhibition is not excellent.
[0088] In the meantime, in still another aspect, the present
invention is directed to a health functional food for preventing or
ameliorating inflammatory, allergic or asthma disease, which
contains a paprika extract as an active ingredient.
[0089] Functionalities can be broadly divided into physical
properties and physiological functionalities, and when the paprika
extract of the present invention to general food, the physical
properties and physiological functionalities of the general food
will be improved. For example, based on the effect of the inventive
paprika extract on the inhibition of asthma, allergy, atopy or
nasitis, a functional food for preventing or ameliorating
inflammation, allergy, atopy or asthma can be prepared. In
addition, a food having enhanced functionality can be prepared.
[0090] In addition, a compound containing the inventive paprika
extract or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be used
as a main component, an additive or an adjuvant in the preparation
of various functional foods and health functional foods.
[0091] Examples of foods to which the inventive paprika extract can
be added include various foods, powders, granules, tablets,
capsules, syrups, drinks, gums, vitamin complexes, and health
functional foods.
[0092] In one embodiment, the extract of the present invention may
be added to a food or drink for preventing asthma or allergic
disease. With respect to the content of the extract in a food or a
drink, the extract of the present invention may be added in an
amount of 0.01-15 wt % based on the total weight of the health food
composition of the present invention, and the extract of the
present invention may be added in an amount of 0.02-30 g,
preferably 0.3-10 g, based on 100 ml of the health drink
composition of the present invention.
[0093] The health drink composition of the present invention has no
particular limitation on liquid components, except that it contains
the extract as an essential component in the specified amount. The
health beverage compositions of the present invention may
additionally contain various sweetening agents or natural
carbohydrates as in conventional beverages. Examples of the natural
carbohydrates include monosaccharides, such as glucose and
fructose, disaccharides, such as maltose and sucrose,
polysaccharides, such as dextrin and cyclodextrin, and sugar
alcohols, such as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol. In addition,
flavors, including natural flavors (thaumatin and stevia extracts,
e.g., rebaudioside A, glycyrrhizin, etc.) and synthetic flavors
(saccharine, aspartame, etc.) may advantageously be used. The
natural carbohydrates are generally added at a ratio of about 1-20
g, preferably about 5-12 g, per 100 ml of the composition of the
present invention.
[0094] Aside from the above components, the composition of the
present invention may contain various nutrients, vitamins, minerals
(electrolytes), flavors such as synthetic flavors and natural
flavors, coloring matter and enhancer (cheese, chocolate, etc.),
pectic acid and its salts, alginic acid and its salts, organic
acids, protective colloid thickeners, pH control agents,
stabilizers, preservatives, glycerins, alcohols, carbonating agents
for carbonated beverage use, and so on. In addition, the
composition of the present invention may contain fruit fresh for
the preparation of natural fruit juices, fruit juice beverages and
vegetable beverages. These components can be used independently or
in combination. The proportion of these additives is not so
critical but can be generally selected from the range of 0 to about
20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the composition of
the present invention.
[0095] Further, because the composition containing the paprika
extract of the present invention is based on natural materials, it
has little or no toxicity and adverse effects, and thus can be used
with safety for the purpose of prevention for a long period of
time.
EXAMPLES
[0096] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in
further detail with reference to examples. It will be obvious to a
person having ordinary skill in the art that these examples are
illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed to limit the
scope of the present invention.
Example 1
Preparation of Paprika Extract
[0097] Yellow, orange and red paprika plants which received GAP
(Good Agricultural Practices) were purchased from a farming
association corporation located in Iksan city, Jeollabuk-do,
Korea.
[0098] First, paprika was washed clean with tap water and cut to a
suitable size. The cut paprika pieces were squeezed into juice
using a liquidizer in order to increase extraction efficiency. The
obtained paprika juice and dregs were placed in a 1-L round bottom
flask which was then connected to a 350-mm reflux condenser. While
cold tap water was continuously allowed to flow into the reflux
condenser, the round bottom flask containing the paprika juice and
dregs was placed in a distiller at 80.degree. C. and heated for 24
hours, thereby extracting concentrated paprika liquid.
[0099] The paprika extract obtained using the reflux condenser was
filtered three times through filter paper having a diameter of 5
.mu.m to remove impurities other than the paprika extract. 25 ml of
the filtered paprika extract was dispensed into each of 50-ml tubes
and frozen rapidly using liquid nitrogen, and then kept in a deep
freezer at -70.degree. C. overnight (about 16 hours). In order to
make the paprika into the form of powder, the paprika extract
contained in the 50-ml tube was placed in a freeze drying container
which was then connected to a freeze dryer, and it was freeze-dried
for 5 days. After 5 days, the freeze-dried paprika extract powder
was obtained (see FIG. 1).
Example 2
Construction of Asthma Mouse Model Using OVA
[0100] 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were purchased from OrientBio
Inc. All the mice were housed in a SPF (specific pathogen-free)
state. All the animal experiments were approved by the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Hanyang University
and carried out according to an animal experiment guideline
provided by the College of Medicine, Hanyang University.
[0101] A solution of 100 .mu.g of OVA (ovalbumin; mouse
inflammation inducer, Sigma) in 100 .mu.l of PBS was mixed with 100
.mu.l of aluminum hydroxide (immune response enhancer; 40 mg/ml;
Pierce) for 30 minutes using two syringes. 200 .mu.l of the
obtained OVA/alum mixture was administered intra-abdominally into
mice at 7 days after the start of oral administration of the
paprika extract, thereby inducing sensitization.
[0102] 14 days after the first sensitization (experiment day 21),
sensitization was induced once more. At experiment days 22, 23 and
24, a solution of 1.5 mg of OVA in 50 .mu.l of PBS was injected
intranasally into the mice by an animal anesthetic (PBS: Rompun:
Zoletil 50=6:3:1), thereby making an asthma mouse model. In the
case of the paprika group, the paprika extract powder was dissolved
in saline at a concentration of g/Kg and administered orally using
a sonde once a day during the experiment period (0-24 days). In the
case of the bodesonide group, bodesonide was injected intranasally
into the mice at a concentration of 350 .mu.g/ml at 1 hour before
intranasal injection of OVA at days 22, 23 and 24. The bodesonide
group, the control group and the asthma group were administered
with saline at a concentration of 1 g/Kg once a day in the same
manner as the paprika group.
Test Example 1
Change in Bodyweight of Mice
[0103] For the mice of the control and asthma group prepared in
Example 2, the change in bodyweight caused by intake of the paprika
extract was observed.
[0104] As a result, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the change in mouse
bodyweight caused by intake of the paprika extract was not
significant.
Example 3
Change in Number of Immune Cells
3-1: Extraction of Bronchial Alveolar Lavage Fluid (BAL Fluid) and
Left Lung
[0105] At 24 hours (experiment day 25) after experiment day 24 at
which OVA was finally injected intranasally in Example 2, the mice
were sacrificed for analysis. The mice were anesthetized with an
animal anesthetic and then fixed to an anatomic plate. The
diaphragm was removed, and blood was taken out from the left
ventricle of the heart.
[0106] Then, the airway was secured and a catheter was inserted
into the airway. A 1-ml syringe containing 1 ml of PBS was
connected to the catheter, and the plunger of the syringe was
pushed slowly and then pulled, after which the syringe was placed
in a 1.5-ml tube. This process was repeated once more, thereby
obtaining 2 ml of bronchial alveolar lavage fluid. 2 ml of PBS was
allowed to flow through the left ventricle of the heart to wash the
lungs. The lungs were extracted by incision, and for tissue
staining, the left lung tissue was fixed in 4 ml of 10% neutral
buffered formalin (NBF).
3-2: Change in the Number of Immune Cells in Bronchial Alveolar
Lavage Fluid
[0107] 2 ml of the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid obtained from
each of the mice was centrifuged at 3000 rpm at 4.degree. C. for
minutes to settle down immune cells present in the bronchial
alveolar lavage fluid. The supernatant was removed while the
settled cells. 100 .mu.l of PBS was added to the tube from which
the supernatant has been removed to leave the immune cells, and the
cells were suspended.
[0108] To count the cell number, 100 .mu.l of PBS containing 10
.mu.l of the immune cells was mixed with 90 .mu.l of the cell
staining reagent Trypan blue. 10 .mu.l of the mixture was taken and
placed on a hemacytometer slide, after which the total number of
the immune cells was counted with an optical microscope.
[0109] The results of the cell counting are shown in FIG. 3.
[0110] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the mice administered with the
paprika extract showed a significant decrease (about 70%) in the
total cell number compared to the asthma mouse model
[Saline--normal mice; OVA--asthma-induced mice; Orange, Red,
Yellow--paprika extract; budesonide--control]. In other words, it
was shown that the total cell number of the mice administered with
the paprika extract was significantly reduced close to that of the
normal mouse group. Herein, the closer the total cell number, the
better is the therapeutic effect.
[0111] After completion of the counting of the total immune cell
number, the immune cells in PBS were diluted in 90 .mu.l of PBS so
that the immune cell number reached 100, and 90 .mu.l of the cell
dilution was placed into each hole of a cytospin device equipped
with a slide. The cell dilution was centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 5
minutes, and the slide was separated. The cells on the slide were
dried, and then the immune cells were stained using a Diff-quik
staining kit, and one drop of mount solution was added thereto.
Then, the slide was covered with a cover glass. The numbers of the
stained macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils and T lymphocytes
were counted with an optical microscope.
[0112] The results of the cell counting are shown in FIGS. 4 to 7,
respectively.
[0113] The number of the macrophages obtained from the bronchial
alveolar lavage fluid was compared between the test groups. As a
result, it was shown that the mice administered with the paprika
extract showed a significant decrease in the total cell number
compared to the asthma mouse model (orange--70%, red--74%,
yellow--60%) (see FIG. 4).
[0114] Also, the number of the eosinophils obtained from the
bronchial alveolar lavage fluid was compared between the test
groups. As a result, it was shown that the mice administered with
the paprika extract showed a significant decrease in the total cell
number compared to the asthma mouse model (orange--78%, red--63%,
yellow--73%) (see FIG. 5).
[0115] Furthermore, the number of the neutrophils obtained from the
bronchial alveolar lavage fluid was compared between the test
groups. As a result, it was shown that the mice administered with
the paprika extract showed a significant decrease in the total cell
number compared to the asthma mouse model (orange--64%, red--64%,
yellow--72%) (see FIG. 6).
[0116] In addition, the number of the T-lymphocytes obtained from
the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid was compared between the test
groups. As a result, it was shown that the mice administered with
the paprika extract showed a significant decrease in the total cell
number compared to the asthma mouse model (orange--90%, red--60%,
yellow--70%) (see FIG. 7).
[0117] FIG. 8 is a graph collectively showing the results shown in
FIGS. 3 to 7. As can be seen therein, the induction of asthma in
the mice administered with the paprika extract was inhibited, and
thus the mice administered with the paprika extract showed the
normal immune cell number, like the mice treated with budesonide or
the control Sham (PBS) mice.
[0118] In other words, the above results revealed that the paprika
extract of the present invention has the effect of ameliorating
asthma disease by reducing the number of various immune cells.
Example 4
Tissue PAS Staining
[0119] The left lung extracted from the mice in Example 3 was fixed
in 10% formalin solution for 72 hours, and then the tissue was
washed with running tap water overnight (about 16 hours).
[0120] The tissue was placed in 70% ethanol for 1 hour and 100%
ethanol for 50 minutes, and then placed twice in a 1:1 mixture of
xylene and 100% ethanol for 30 minutes each time and in 100% xylene
for 40 minutes each time. Then, the tissue was placed twice in a
1:1 mixture of paraffin and xylene for 40 minutes each time and in
100% paraffin for 40 minutes each time. After these dehydration,
clearing and paraffin infiltration processes, the tissue was
embedded to prepare a paraffin block.
[0121] The prepared paraffin block was sectioned to a thickness of
3 .mu.m using a microtome (Leica). The sectioned tissue was
deparaffinized with xylene, hydrated with ethanol, washed with tap
water, and dipped three times in 0.5% periodic acid (JUNSEI)
aqueous solution for 10 minutes each time, tap water for 5 minutes
each time, Schiff reagent (Sigma-Aldrich) for 10 minutes each time,
rap water for 10 minutes each time, and sulfite (JUNSEI) rinse for
2 minutes each time. Then, the tissue was dipped 2-3 times in
Harris hematoxylin solution (Sigma-Aldrich) for 3 minutes each
time, tap water for 5 minutes, and 1% HCL-alcohol, and washed with
tap water. After the tissue has been dried, one drop of balsam was
added to the tissue which was then mounted. The stained tissue was
observed with an optical microscope.
[0122] As can be seen that FIG. 9, the mice administered with the
paprika extract showed a significant decrease in the infiltration
of mucin and immune cells compared to the asthma mouse model.
Example 5
Measurement of Immunoglobulin E(IgE) Level
[0123] When asthma in mice is induced using OVA, the
immunoglobulin-E (IgE) among the blood antibody levels of the mice
increases in proportion to the severity of asthma. Based on this
principle, the paprika extract obtained according to the method of
Example 1 was named "sample SP526", and the blood immunoglobulin-E
(IgE) level of the mice was measured.
[0124] The results of the measurement are shown in FIG. 10. As can
be seen therein, the IgE levels of the mice administered with the
red paprika extract were about 70% lower than those of the
asthma-induced mice (OVA) (P<0.01).
[0125] Meanwhile, immunoglobulin IgG2a is produced by activation of
Th1 cells, and the activity of Th1 cells reduces the level of IgG1
which is increased by the activity of Th2 cells. Thus, IgG1 and
IgG2a were analyzed.
[0126] As a result, it was shown that the level of IgG1 increased
in the OVA-induced mice and the expression of IgG1 did not increase
in the control mice and the budesonide-treated mice (see FIG. 11).
In addition, the level of IgG2a in the mice administered with the
red paprika extract was about 70% higher than that in the
asthma-induced mice (OVA) (*P<0.01).
Comparative Example 1
Comparison with Luteolin in Asthma Model
[0127] In order to examine whether the asthma inhibitory effect of
the paprika extract of the present invention is attributable to a
combination of components or a specific component alone, the
following test was carried out.
[0128] Specifically, the immune cell infiltration of luteolin was
examined. As a result, it was shown that luteolin inhibited the
infiltration of immune cells, like budesonide (see FIG. 12).
[0129] Also, the level of immunoglobulin-E (IgE) was measured. The
results of the measurement indicated that luteolin did not reduce
blood immunoglobulin-E levels, like budesonide (see FIG. 13).
[0130] In addition, the results of analysis of IgG1 and IgG2a
indicated that the expression of immunoglobulin IgG1 caused by the
activation of Th2 was not inhibited in the luteolin-treated mice
and that luteolin produced IgG2a, which is an index of the
activation of Th1 cells, thereby relieving asthma (see FIG.
14).
[0131] Such results suggest that luteolin shows the same effect as
budesonide which has been used as an asthma-relieving agent. Thus,
in this experiment, budesonide was used as a control, and the
effect of budesonide means the effect of luteolin.
[0132] In other words, because luteolin alone shows an excellent
effect of inhibiting asthma, the significant effect of the use of
the inventive paprika extract can be said to be an effect
attributable to a combination of various components present in the
paprika extract.
Example 6
Measurement of Cytokines IL-4, IL-13
[0133] IL-4 and IL-13 are immune signaling substances (cytokines)
which are secreted from the immune cells of mice affected with
asthma, increases in the amounts thereof indicate an increase in
the severity of asthma.
(1) Concanavalin A (ConA) Stimulation
[0134] Thus, immune cells obtained by spleen homogenization were
exposed to the non-specific stimulus concanavalin A for a
predetermined time (12 hours), and the levels of cytokines secreted
from the immune cells were measured, thereby determining immune
responses.
[0135] The results of measurement of cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13)
secreted from the spleen cells stimulated with ConA are shown in
FIG. 15. As can be seen therein, the level of IL-4 secreted from
the immune cells of the mice administered with the red paprika
extract was as significantly low as about 50% and was similar to
that of the normal mice. In addition, the level of IL-13 secreted
from the immune cells of the mice administered with the red paprika
extract was as low as about 50% of that of the asthma-induced mice
and was similar to that of the normal mice.
[0136] Further, the level of IL-4 from the spleen cells stimulated
for 48 hours did significantly differ from that the level of IL-4
from the spleen cells stimulated for 12 hours. However, stimulation
for 48 hours induced the stimulation of non-activated cells, and
thus the difference in IL-13 between 12-hr stimulation and 48-hr
stimulation was insignificant.
(2) Stimulation with Asthma Inducer Ovalbumin (OVA)
[0137] In addition, immune cells obtained by spleen homogenization
were exposed to the asthma inducer ovalbumin (OVA) for a
predetermined time (12 hours), and the levels of cytokines secreted
from the immune cells were measured, thereby determining immune
responses.
[0138] The results of measurement of cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13)
secreted from the spleen cells stimulated with OVA are shown in
FIG. 16.
[0139] Specifically, the level of IL-4 secreted from the immune
cells of the mice administered with the red paprika extract was
reduced by about 50% and was similar to that from the normal mice,
and the level of IL-13 secreted from the immune cells of the mice
administered with the red paprika extract was reduced by about 60%
compared to that from the asthma-induced mice. A decrease in the
IL-13 level influences Mucin5AC gene expression and airway
hypersensitivity.
[0140] In addition, in the case of the spleen cells stimulated with
OVA, the level of IL-4 did significantly differ between 12-hr
stimulation and 48-hr stimulation, and the expression of IL-13 in
48-hr stimulation was reduced by about 80% (p<0.01). In other
words, it could be seen that the expressions of IL-4 and IL-13 by
stimulation with the asthma inducer OVA were significantly reduced
by the red paprika extract.
[0141] In addition, after 48-hr stimulation with OVA, the amount of
the TH1 cytokine IFN-gamma was measured. The results of the
measurement indicated that the production of IFN-gamma in the mice
administered with the red paprika extract (SP526) was about 5 times
increased (see FIG. 17, P<0.01). Such results suggest that, in
the case of the mice administered with the paprika extract, Th1
immune responses against OVA could be induced.
Example 7
Measurement of Mucin Secretion
[0142] The condition of asthma can be determined by measuring the
degree of secretion of mucin from bronchial alveolar epithelial
cells, and the degree of secretion of mucin can be determined by
the relative concentration of mucin messenger RNA (m-RNA) in
bronchial alveolar epithelial cells.
[0143] Thus, the relative concentration of m-RNA (mucin gene m-RNA)
in bronchial alveolar epithelial cells was measured using real
time-PCR.
[0144] As a result, as can be seen in FIG. 18, the relative
concentration of mucin m-RNA in the mice administered with the red
paprika extract was about 80% lower than that in the asthma-induced
mice.
[0145] In addition, the lung tissues of the test groups were
stained and observed with a microscope. As a result, it was shown
that the infiltration of mucin and immune cells in the mice
administered with the paprika extract was significantly decreased
compared to that in the asthma-induced mice (see FIG. 19).
Example 8
Chronic Asthma Disease
[0146] The effect of administration of the inventive paprika
extract in a chronic mouse model was examined as a function of time
in the following manner.
[0147] As a result, as can be seen in FIG. 20, administration of
the paprika extract induced a decrease in the level of
immunoglobulin E. This effect suggests that administration of the
paprika extract changes an immune response to Th1 even after the
development of asthma, thereby relieving asthma.
* * * * *