Pyrogallol Contributes to the Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Rosebud Extracts of Newly Crossbred Roses

Since chemical anti-allergic compounds have adverse effects, many investigators pay attention to relatively safe natural products. Twenty-four newly crossbred rosebuds were extracted with 80% ethanol and analyzed for polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, and pyrogallol (1,2,3-benzenetriol). The extracts’ antioxidative, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Among candidates, Lover Shy, Pretty Velvet, Ice Wing, Red Perfume, Onnuri, Jaemina Red, and Hanggina were found to possess high concentrations of antioxidant components and antioxidative activity. 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 six 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. These findings suggest that the extracts and active ingredients from cross-bred rosebuds exert anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities through their high levels of pyrogallol and antioxidants, and that they could be promising candidates to overcome allergic responses such as atopic dermatitis.