Mast cells are a potent source of mediators that regulate the inflammatory response in allergic reaction. To evaluate the atopic allergic effect of Asiasari radix(AR), the author investigated a possible effect of AR on mast cell-mediated allergic reaction, cytokines secretion and mRNA expression in vivo and in vitro. In mice orally administered by AR (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 g/kg) for 1 h, compound 48/80-induced ear swelling was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). AR had inhibitory effects on tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6 secretion from HMC-1. Significant reduced levels of $TNF-{alpha}$ mRNA was observed in the human mast cell line (HMC-1) with AR (1.0 mg/ml). In addition, AR had no cytotoxic effect on cell viability. These results suggest that AR contributes to the treatment of atopic allergic reactions, and that its action may be due to inhibition of cytokine secretion and mRNA expression in HMC-1.