Maoto, a traditional Japanese medicine, controls acute systemic inflammation induced by polyI:C administration through noradrenergic function

•Maoto and its constituent ephedrine inhibited systemic inflammatory responses.•The anti-inflammatory effects of maoto were T-cell-independent.•Maoto increased IL-10 levels independent of its anti-inflammatory effects.•Maoto did not act directly on inflammatory cells.•Maoto exerted its anti-inflammatory effects via β-adrenergic receptors.