• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.23-27
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• 2022

This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of 80% ethanol extracts of Stachys affinis (MQ) on 1-fluoro-2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) induced atopic dermatitis (AD) in Balb/c mice. AD-like allergic contact dermatitis was induced by challenge of DNFB on the ear after DNFB sensitization on the back sides of mice. MQ alleivated clinical severity in AD-like skin lesions. In addition, ear thickness of epidermis and penetration of inflammatory cells in AD-like skin lesions were decreased by topical application of MQ. The the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were measured in AD mice using ELISA kits. Levels of TNF-α and IL-4 in serum were significantly decreased by topical application of MQ. Therefore, this study could give a clinical basis that MQ could be a agent to prevent AD.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.503-511
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• 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and clinical efficacy of a sample (A.C.C. extracts) obtained by distillation extraction of 14 herbal medicines including Phellodendron bark. To confirm this, the amount of nitric oxide (NO) produced by the cells in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the changes in the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin(IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were determined. The results showed that A.C.C. extracts strongly inhibited the production of NO and inflammatory cytokines increased by LPS without cytotoxicity. In addition, A.C.C. extracts showed strong bacterial reduction rates of 99.9% in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. These findings indicate that A.C.C. extracts are effective ingredients with a strong antimicrobial effect together with an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, when A.C.C. extracts were applied to infants and toddlers who were suffering from diaper rash, itching, and perspiration symptoms, symptoms of rash, atopy, rash, itching, and heat rash were improved. After the lapse of time, it was visually confirmed that it was considerably relaxed. These findings confirm that A.C.C. extracts comprise a clinically effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent that alleviates symptoms such as diaper rash and fever and may therefore be an effective alternative to inflammatory diseases.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.67-73
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• 2013

Objective : Lithospermum Erythrorhizon (LE) has been used as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. However, it is unclear that LE aqueous extract could show the anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract from LE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - induced inflammatory response. Methods : To measure out the cytotoxicity of LE, we performed the MTT assay. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of LE, we examined the inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, interleukin, (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and (IL)-6) on RAW 264.7 cells. We also examined molecular mechanisms such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-B (NF-${\kappa}B$) activation by western blot. Results : Aqueous Extract from LE itself did not have any cytotoxic effect in RAW 264.7 cells. Aqueous extract from LE inhibited LPS-induced productions of inflammatory mediators such as NO, $PGE_2$, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in RAW 264.7cells. In addition, LE inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 kinases (p38), c-Jun $NH_2$-terminal kinase (JNK), and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion : LE down-regulated LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators through the inhibition of p38, JNK and NF-${\kappa}B$ activation. Taken together, these results could provide the evidence for the anti-inflammatory effects of LE. Therefore, LE may be a novel target in the management of inflammation and help to support a potential strategy for prevention and therapy of inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.813-821
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• 2015

Asthma is an increasing global health problem, and novel strategies to prevent or ameliorate the condition are needed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthma effects of Adenophora triphylla var. japonica extracts. We investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of 80% ethanol extracts (AE) of A. triphylla on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. AE treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 as well as nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In particular, NO and pro-inflammatory cytokine production was suppressed more effectively by aerial parts (AE-A) than roots (AE-R) of A. triphylla. Quantitative RT-PCR assay showed that AE reduced mRNA levels of iNOS and COX-2. We also evaluated the anti-asthmatic effects of AE-A in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced BALB/c mouse model. AE-A supplementation significantly reduced the amounts of airway eosinophils, IL-4 and IL-13 levels in BALF, and IgE levels in serum as compared with untreated, OVA-induced mice. These results suggest that AE-A can be considered as a therapeutic agent to potentially relieve asthma.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.191-199
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• 2020

Noni has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2,000 years in South Pacific Polynesia, China and India, and has been heavily ingested as an extract for its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, a recent study found that the noni extract causes digestive disorders, kidney problems, and liver diseases, which made it necessary to use it for other purposes than as an extract. In this study, we want to evaluate the potential of noni as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkling agent. Methods: Noni was freeze-dried, extracted in water, and concentrated. Skin cells were treated with the noni extract for 24 hrs and then were exposed to UVB (55 mJ/cm²). After 48 hrs of incubation, pro-inflammatory cytokine, elastase, MMP-1 and type-1 procollagen levels were measured by ELISA. Results: To find out the antioxidant effect of the noni extract, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity experiments were conducted and the noni extract showed 97.0 % and 92.0 % antioxidant efficacy at 200 ㎍/mL respectively. The noni extract (50 and 100 ㎍/mL) decreased IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS in a concentration-dependent manner. In the RT-PCR experiment involving NO production, the noni extract (50 and 100 ㎍/mL) inhibited NO production by strongly inhibiting iNOS mRNA expression, and also inhibited the elevation of MMP-1 and elastases caused by UVB irradiation by 25.0 % and 7.0 % respectively. In addition, type-1 procollagen was elevated by 20.0 % by the noni extract treatment in HaCaT cells. Conclusion: The noni extract has photoprotective ability by reducing proinflammatory mediators, elastase and MMP-1 production, and elevation of collagen synthesis. Our findings suggest that the noni extract might be a good natural substance to protect against UVB-induced premature skin aging.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.10-19
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• 2013

Objectives: In the present study, we evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Lonicerae Flos on cigarette-induced lung inflammatory responses in animal model of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Methods: To inspect the effects of Lonicerae Flos, we evaluated Lonicerae Flos functions in vivo including immune cell profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, cytokine production and tissue morphological changes. Results: Lonicerae Flos significantly inhibited immune cell infiltrations into the BAL fluid (neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes). TNF-${\alpha}$, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were substantially decreased in the BAL fluid of Lonicerae Flos-treated mice compared with cigarette-exposed control mice. In addition, the hypertrophy of goblet cells in the epithelial cells was reduced in both Lonicerae Flos- and roflumilast-treated mice. Conclusions: The results of this study provide evidence that treatment with Lonicerae Flos exerts strong therapeutic effects against cigarette-induced lung inflammation in vivo. Therefore, this herbal medicine may represent a novel therapeutic agent for lung inflammation in general, as well as a specific agent for the treatment of COPD.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.1014-1019
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• 2011

Curcumin is a natural phytochemical present in turmeric, the ground powder of the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Curcumin has been described as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. However, it is still largely unknown whether curcumin inhibits the UVB-induced inflammatory reaction in HaCaT keratinocyte cell lines. In this study, to confirm the photoprotection properties of curcumin, HaCaT keratinocyte cells were irradiated by UVB, and then treated with curcumin. UVB irradiation induced the increased expressions of IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8, and COX-2 in HaCaT cells. These increased expressions of cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-8, and COX-2) were down-regulated by curcumin treatment in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In addition skin of hairless mice were damaged by UVB irradiation, which were evidenced by atrophy of epidermis and decrease of collagen in dermis. However, these damages were protected partially by co-treatment of curcumin. Taken together, this data indicate that curcumin may be a promising photoprotection agent, when used in massage pack or sunscreen product, to reduce cell death in UV-damaged skin.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.195-202
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• 2015

Cnidium monnieri (L). Cussion is used as a tonic agent in traditional oriental medicine. However, the molecular mechanism of mast cell-mediated anti-inflammatory modulation has not been fully understood. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effects of Cnidium monnieri (L). Cussion eathyl acetate fraction on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as to elucidate its mechanism of action in the human mast cell line (HMC-1). Cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 in the presence or absence of Cnidium monnieri (L). Cussion eathyl acetate fraction. Cnidium monnieri (L). Cussion eathyl acetate fraction significantly inhibited the PMA plus A23187-induction of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. Moreover, EtOAc fraction attenuated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression. In activated HMC-1 cells, phosphorylation of extra-signal response kinase (ERK) 1/2 decreased after treatment with EtOAc fraction. Moreover EtOAc fraction inhibited PMA plus A23187-induced nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ activation, $I{\kappa}B$ degradation. EtOAc fraction suppressed the expression of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-8 through a decrease in the ERK 1/2, as well as activation of NF-${\kappa}B$. These results indicated that Cnidium monnieri (L). Cussion EtOAc fraction exerted a regulatory effect on inflammatory reactions mediated by mast cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2008

Objective: There is increasing evidence that chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is recognized to be a local inflammatory disease, and there is substantiating evidence to support the role of the inflammatory responses in its pathogenesis, and clinical value in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. Prunella vulgaris has been traditionally used in treatment of inflammatory diseases, including of scrofula, goiter, and allergy diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Prunella vulgaris on inflammatory cytokines and cytopathological alternation in the rat model of non-bacterial prostatitis induced by castration and $17{\beta}-estradiol$ treatment. Methods: Two-month-old rats were treated with $17{\beta}-estradiol$ after castration for induction of experimental non-bacterial prostatitis, which is similar to human chronic prostatitis in histopathological profiles. Prunella vulgaris as an experimental specimen, and testosterone as a positive control, were administered orally. The prostates were evaluated by histopathological parameters including the epithelial score and epithelial-stromal ratio for glandular damage, and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes including the interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, IL-5, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. Results: While prostates of control rats revealed severe acinar gland atrophy and stromal proliferation, the rats treated with Prunella vulgaris showed a diminished range of tissue damage. Epithelial score was improved in Prunella vulgaris over that of the control (P<0.05). The epithelial-stromal ratio was lower with Prunella vulgaris when compared to that of the control (P<0.05). In the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of inflammatory cytokine genes, Prunella vulgaris inhibited the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes, while it modulated the expression of IL-5, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Prunella vulgaris may protect the glandular epithelial cells and also inhibit stromal proliferation in association with the immune modulation including the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokine. From theses results, we suggest that Prunella vulgaris could be a useful remedy agent for treating chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.7-16
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• 2005

Objectives : Scrophulariae Radix (SRE) is commonly used in combination with other herbs as a nutrient and health strengthening agent, and to remove 'heat' and replenish vital essence. The water-based extract of this herb can lower blood pressure in both anesthetized and concious animals, and exhibits an anti-inflammatory activity. But, there is lack of studies regarding the effects of SRE on the immunological activities in molecular levels. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of SRE on the regulatory mechanism of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in Raw 264.7 cells. Method : After the treatment of Scrophulariae Radix methanol extract, cell viability was measured by MTT assay, NO production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. COX-2 and iNOS were determined by Immunoblot analysis, and levels of cytokine were analyzed by sandwich immunoassays. Results : Results provided evidence that SRE inhibited the production of nitrite and nitrate (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), $interleukin-1{\beta}\;(IL-1{\beta})$ and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the activation of phospholylation of inhibitor ${\kappa}B{\alpha}\;(p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha})$ in Raw 264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Conclusion : These findings suggest that Scrophulariae Radix can produce anti-inflammatory effect, which may playa role in adjunctive therapy in Gram-negative bacterial infections.