Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) targets the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor and inhibits human bronchial smooth muscle activation induced by PAF

). The effects of HSYA were prevented by the addition of a PAF receptor (PAFR) antagonist or by PAFR gene silencing with small interfering RNA. These results suggest that HSYA may inhibit PAF-induced activation of HBSMCs by targeting the PAFR. Overall, these findings provide evidence that HSYA can be applied as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of bronchial asthma.