• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2021

Clematis trichotoma Nakai (CTN) is a broad-leaved vine plant belonging to the family Ranunculus, native to Korea. Young leaves are used as food, and the stem and roots are used as medicinal materials. Antioxidant studies have been reported on the stems of CTN, but no studies have been conducted on the leaves. In this study, a 70% ethanol extract of CTN was prepared and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated. For measuring the antioxidant activity, five assays (polyphenol and flavonoid content, reducing power, 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity) were performed and CTN showed a concentration-dependent effect in all assays. To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity, we used RAW 264.7 cells. The concentrations (from 31.25 to 250 ㎍/mL) of CTN did not show cytotoxicity. CTN (250 ㎍/mL) inhibited dendritic transformation (34.4%) and also inhibited inflammation as seen by reduced levels of NO (77.4%), IL-6 (85.5%) and TNF-α (41.2%) compared to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CTN (250 ㎍/mL) also suppressed the expression of the following genes: COX-2 (79.8%), iNOS2 (93.9%), IL-6 (87.6%), and TNF-α (77.3%) compared to LPS. These results demonstrated that CTN has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and can therefore be used as a natural biological resource.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.383-388
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• 2003

Bee venom is used as a traditional medicine for treatment of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory activity of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous partitions from bee venom (Apis mellifera) was studied using cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-$\alpha and IL-1\beta$) production, in vitro. COX-2 is involved in the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain and support the inflammatory process. The aqueous partition of bee venom showed strong dose-dependent inhibitory effects on COX-2 activity ($IC_{50} = 13.1 \mu$ g/mL), but did not inhibit COX-1 activity. The aqueous partition was subfractionated into three parts by molecular weight differences, namely, B-F1 (above 20 KDa), B-F2 (between 10 KDa and 20 KDa) and BF-3 (below 10 KDa). B-F2 and B-F3 strongly inhibited COX-2 activity and COX-2 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, without revealing cytotoxic effects. TNF-$\alpha and IL-1\beta$ are potent pro-inflammatory cytokines and are early indicators of the inflammatory process. We also investigated the effects of three subfractions on TNF-$\alpha and IL-1\beta$ production using ELISA method. All three subfractions, B-F1, B-F2 and B-F3, inhibited TNF-$\alpha and IL-1\beta$production. These results suggest the pharmacological activities of bee venom on anti-inflammatory process include the inhibition of COX-2 expression and the blocking of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-$\alpha and IL-1\beta$) production.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.85-91
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• 2012

Objectives : In this study, we investigated the effect of Saposhnikoviae Radix on allergic responses in ovalbumin(OVA)-induced Allergic rhinitis(AR) mice. Methods : BALB/c mice were orally administrated with Saposhnikoviae Radix water extract (SRW, 50 mg/kg) or anti-histamine drug, Ketotifen (10 mg/kg) as a reference drug, followed by sensitization and challenge of OVA. Mice were measured clinical symptoms and the serum levels of histamine, IgE, IL-4, and IFN-${\gamma}$, and observed histopathological changes of nasal mucosa H&E staining. Results : SRW significantly decreased rubs and the serum levels of histamine, IgE, and IL-4, and then increased the serum levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ in OVA-induced AR mice, and inhibited histopathological changes of nasal mucosa with inflammation and the eosinophils infilteration. Conclusions : These data suggest that SRW has anti-allergic effect through the inhibitory property of Saposhnikoviae Radix against allergic responses in allergic rhinitis.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2021

PosMAC^® is a brand of Zn-Mg-Al hot-dip coated steel sheet developed by POSCO. PosMAC^® can form dense surface oxides in corrosive environments, providing advanced corrosion resistance compared to traditional Zn coatings such as GI and GA. PosMAC^® 3.0 is available for construction and solar energy systems in severe outdoor environments. PosMAC^®1.5 has better surface quality. It is suitable for automotive and home appliances. Compared to GI and GA, PosMAC^® shows significantly less weight reduction due to corrosion, even with a lower coating thickness. Thin coating of PosMAC^® provides advanced quality and productivity in arc welding applications due to its less generation of Zn fume and spatters. In repeated friction tests, PosMAC^® showed lower surface friction coefficient than conventional coatings such as GA, GI, and lubricant film coated GA. Industrial demand for PosMAC^® steel is expected to increase in the near future due to benefits of anti-corrosion and robust application performance of PosMAC^® steel.

• Journal of Chitin and Chitosan
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.277-284
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• 2018

In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of Ecklonia cava (EC-EtoAc) on the immunoglobulin E (IgE)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-mediated activation of bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMCs). We revealed that the $62.5{\mu}g/ml$ of EC-fractions ($EC-CHCl_3$, EC-Hexane and EC-EtoAc) inhibited IgE/BSA-activated ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release from BMCMCs without cytotoxicity. Especially, EC-EtoAc showed the higher ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase release than the others. Also, EC-EtoAc reduced the expression levels of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and a chemokine, thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), compared to the only IgE/BSA-treated BMCMCs. Furthermore, EC-EtoAc significantly prevented the binding of IgE to Fc epsilon receptor $(Fc{\varepsilon}R)I$ and reduced the $Fc{\varepsilon}RI$ expression on the sensitized BMCMCs. Taken together, these results suggest that E. cava may be the natural agent with beneficial potentials for the treatment of type I allergic diseases induced by mast cell activation.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.157-166
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• 2004

In order to understand the anti-carcinogenic effects of Boo-jung-bae-bon-bang(扶正培本方)-B1), Hwal-hyul-hwa-eo-bang(活血化瘀方-B2), Cheong-youl-hae-dok-bang(淸熱解毒方-B3), prescriptions of individual B1, B2, and B3 treatments or combined treatments (B4; B1+B2, B5; B1+B3, B6; B1+B2+83, B7; B2+83) were applied to cultured cancer cell lines. The major findings on their anti-cardnogenic effects in terms of mechanism and synergistic interactions are summarized below. Results of cytokine gene expression analyses are summarized as follows; IL-2 gene expression was increased by B1 and B6 treatments, IFN-v gene expression increased by B3, B1, B6, and 85, and CD28 gene expression increased by B1 and B5. IL-4 expression was not affected by any treatments. In the FACS analysis, increases in numbers of immunoreactive CD3/sup +//CD25/sup +/ T cells by B1 and B5 treatment, CD3/sup +//CD69/sup +/ T cells by B1, B3, B5, and B6 treatments, CD19/sup +//CD44/sup +/ B cells by B1 and B6 treatments were observed when compared to the corresponding non-treated control groups.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.641-647
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• 2017

Galangin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a polyphenolic compound abundant in honey and medicinal herbs, such as Alpinia officinarum. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of galangin under in vitro and in vivo neuroinflammatory conditions caused by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), a viral mimic dsRNA analog. Galangin suppressed the production of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in poly(I:C)-stimulated BV2 microglia. On the other hand, galangin enhanced anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 production. Galangin also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory markers in poly(I:C)-injected mouse brains. Further mechanistic studies showed that galangin inhibited poly(I:C)-induced nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ activity and phosphorylation of Akt without affecting MAP kinases. Interestingly, galangin increased the expression and transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-${\gamma}$, known to play an anti-inflammatory role. To investigate whether PPAR-${\gamma}$ is involved in the anti-inflammatory function of galangin, BV2 cells were pre-treated with PPAR-${\gamma}$ antagonist before treatment of galangin. We found that PPAR-${\gamma}$ antagonist significantly blocked galangin-mediated upregulation of IL-10 and attenuated the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 in poly(I:C)-stimulated microglia. In conclusion, our data suggest that PI3K/Akt, NF-${\kappa}B$, and PPAR-${\gamma}$ play a pivotal role in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of galangin in poly(I:C)-stimulated microglia.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.29-48
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• 2021

Objectives: Banchong-san (BCS) is a herbal formula composed of 13 korean medicinal herbs and is traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases and pain. The object of this study was to research the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antimicrobial effects of the BCS in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods: In this experiment, effects of BCS on the following four were measured as follows: (1) Anti-oxidative effects were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) Radical scavenging activity, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) Radical scavenging activity. (2) Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by the production amount of Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Nitric oxide (NO), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)(the previous two are "mRNA"), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (the previous five are "Protein") in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. (3)Antipruritic effects were evaluated by the production amount of histamine, Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), LeukotrieneC4 (LTC4) Levels in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)/ionomycin-stimulated MC/9 mast cell. (4) Anti-microbial effects were evaluated by the growth suppression of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus niger. Results: The following results were obtained through each measurement: (1) DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity, ABTS Radical Scavenging Activity evoked a significant concentration-dependent increase. (2) ROS, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE₂ production amount, iNOS, COX-2 mRNA expression were significantly reduced in the BCS extraction group compared with the control group and significantly decreased the amount of ERK, JNK, p38, NF-κB Protein expression. The amount of IκB-α Protein Expression have increased significantly. (3) The amounts of histamine, LTB4, LTC4 were significantly decreased. (4) The antibacterial efficacy, BCS inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa at concentrations of 5 ㎍/ml, but did not suppress the growth of staphylococcus aureus and aspergillus niger. Conclusions: The experimental results show that BCS has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antimicrobial properties.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.183-191
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• 2018

Background: Ginseng saponin has long been used as a traditional Asian medicine and is known to be effective in treating various kinds of pain. Ginsenoside Rf is one of the biologically active saponins found in ginseng. We evaluated ginsenoside Rf's antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, and its mechanism of action on adrenergic and serotonergic receptors, in an incisional pain model. Methods: Mechanical hyperalgesia was induced via plantar incision in rats followed by intraperitoneal administration of increasing doses of ginsenoside Rf (vehicle, 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg). The antinociceptive effect was also compared in a Positive Control Group that received a ketorolac (30 mg/kg) injection, and the $Na{\ddot{i}}ve$ Group, which did not undergo incision. To evaluate the mechanism of action, rats were treated with prazosin (1 mg/kg), yohimbine (2 mg/kg), or ketanserin (1 mg/kg) prior to receiving ginsenoside Rf (1.5 mg/kg). The mechanical withdrawal threshold was measured using von Frey filaments at various time points before and after ginsenoside Rf administration. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect, serum interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumor necrotizing $factor-{\alpha}$ levels were measured. Results: Ginsenoside Rf increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold significantly, with a curvilinear dose-response curve peaking at 1.5 mg/kg. $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, and tumor necrotizing $factor-{\alpha}$ levels significantly decreased after ginsenoside Rf treatment. Ginsenoside Rf's antinociceptive effect was reduced by yohimbine, but potentiated by prazosin and ketanserin. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal ginsenoside Rf has an antinociceptive effect peaking at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Anti-inflammatory effects were also detected.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1264-1269
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• 2003

The inhibitory effects of the Juglans sinensis walnut ethanol extract (JSWE) on carbon tetrachloide (CCl₄)-induced fibrosis, serum transaminases (GOT and GTP), hepatic glutathione (GSH), serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) were investigated in rats. JSWE significantly inhibited on CCl₄-induced fibrosis in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, JSWE significantly inhibited on the serum levels of GOT, GTP, IL-1β, and IL-6 in dose-dependent manner in CCl₄-induced fibrosis rat. However, JSWE markedly increased the production of hepatic GSH in a dose-dependent manner. These results show that JSWE may explain some known biological activities of Juglans sinensis walnut including their anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and is of considerable benefit in the treatment for live diseases.