• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.425-430
• /
• 2012

Rumex acetosa is a perennial herb that is widely distributed across eastern Asia. Although the hot water extract of R. acetosa has been used to treat gastritis or gastric ulcers as a folk medicine, no scientific report exists for the use of this plant to treat gastric ulcers. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the anti-ulcer activity of water and 70% ethanol extracts obtained from R. acetosa, using an HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. Anti-inflammatory and free radical-scavenging activities of these two extracts were also evaluated and compared. As a result, the administration of R. acetosa extracts significantly reduced the occurrence of gastric ulcers. However, significant differences in protective activity against gastric ulcers were observed between the two samples. In the case of the group pretreated with an ethanol extract dosage of 100 mg/kg, the protective effect (90.9%) was higher than that of water extract (41.2%). Under histological evaluation, pretreatment with R. acetosa extracts reversed negative effects, such as inflammation, edema, moderate hemorrhaging and loss of epithelial cells, presented by HCl/ethanol-treated stomachs. Meanwhile, R. acetosa extracts showed potent DPPH radical-scavenging activity and decreased NO production in a murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cellular viability. The greater anti-ulcer and NO production inhibitory activities exhibited by ethanol extracts compared to water extracts could be ascribed to the higher emodin levels, a major anthraquinone component of this plant.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.295-301
• /
• 2015

The functions of probiotics, particularly Lactic acid bacteria, have been studied in a range of human diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and allergies. Among the many benefits associated with the consumption of probiotics, modulation of immune activity has received the most attention. This study aimed at investigating the improved immune stimulatory and stability of L. plantarum when cultivated on modified basal media supplemented with the Undaria pinnatifida co-cultured with L. plantarum. An in vitro test showed that U. pinnatifida media cultured L. plantarum is strong enough to survive in the gastric juice (gastric and bile acid). Mouse macrophage-derived cell lines RAW 264.7 was used to measured immune stimulating activity of L. plantarum. When U. pinnatifida media cultured by L. plantarum was NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production is significantly increased compared to basal media cultured L. plantarum. These results show that U. pinnatifida could be applied for a component for cultivation of L. plantarum. This optimized U. pinnatifida medium can be used the improving of stability and immune function on production of probiotics.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.65-80
• /
• 2014

Objectives: The object of this study was to observe the in vitro antibacterial effects of Gagam-seopyoungjeon aqueous extracts (GGSYJ) against Gardnerella vaginalis and the possible synergic combination effects with clindamycin. Methods: Antibacterial activities against Gardnerella vaginalis of GGSYJ were detected using minimal inhibition concentration (MIC), and the effects on the bacterial growth curve were also monitored at MIC and MIC${\times}$2 levels. The combination effects of GGSYJ with clindamycin were observed by checkboard microtiter assay, and the effects of bacterial growth curve treated with GGSYJ MIC+clindamycin MIC, 1/2 MIC and 1/4 MIC, respectively. The effects on the bacterial invasion and intracellular killing of GGSYJ were also observed using human vaginal epithelial (VK2) and murine macrophage (Raw264.7) cells with combination effects with clindamycin after treatment of GGSYJ MIC+clindamycin 1/2 MIC, 1/4 MIC and 1/6 MIC, respectively. Results: The MIC of clindamycin and GGSYJ against Gardnerella vaginalis were detected as $0.012{\pm}0.006$ (0.004~0.016)${\mu}g/ml$ and $1.016{\pm}0.524$ (0.391~1.563) mg/ml, respectively. Clindamycin and GGSYJ were also showed marked dosage-dependent inhibition of bacterial growth, and significant decreases of viable cells were detected in clindamycin MIC+GGSYJ MIC and clindamycin 1/2 MIC+GGSYJ MIC treatment as compared with each of single clindamycin MIC and GGSYJ MIC treatments. And significant decreases of intraepithelial and intra-macrophage viable bacteria numbers were detected in clindamycin 1/2 MIC+GGSYJ 1/2 MIC and clindamycin 1/4 MIC+GGSYJ 1/2 MIC treatment as compared with each of single clindamycin GGSYJ 1/2 MIC treatments, respectively. Conclusions: GGSYJ showed slight antibacterial effects against Gardnerella vaginalis, but they showed dosage-dependent inhibitory effects on the bacterial growth and VK2 epithelial invasions of bacteria with favorable accelerating effects of intracellular killing activities of macrophages. In addition, combination of GGSYJ also increased the inhibitory effects of clindamycin on the epithelial invasions of Gardnerella vaginalis and intracellular killing activities of macrophages against Gardnerella vaginalis as 2-fold higher as compared with clindamycin single treatment, respectively. Therefore, we expected that the clinical dosages of clindamycin can be reduced as 1/2 levels as combination with GGSYJ.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.32-56
• /
• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and antimicrobial effects of the three herbal prescription (EST, SCT, WDT), which has been traditionally used for treating leukorrhea induced by various infections in the female genital tract. Methods: In this experiment, the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by Nitric oxide (NO), $Interlukine-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), Interlukine-2 (IL-2), Interlukine-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), Leukotriene $B_4$ ($LTB_4$) production amount and Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression levels in RAW264.7 cells. And the anti-pruritic effects were evaluated by Histamine, Acetylcholine (ACh), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Substance P production amount in Mast cell/9 (MC/9) and Pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells. The anti-microbial effect was measured by inhibition zone diameter on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Results: As a result of measuring anti-inflammatory efficacy, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $PGE_2$, and $LTB_4$ production amounts were significantly reduced in the EST, SCT, WDT extraction groups compared with the control group, and significantly decreased the amount of $NF-{\kappa}B$, iNOS, and COX-2 gene expression and the amount of Phospho-Inhibitor kappa B alpha ($p-I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$)/Inhibitor kappa B alpha ($I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$) and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 protein expression. In addition, As a result of measuring the anti-pruritic effect, the amounts of histamine, ACh and Substance P were significantly decreased, and AChE production was slightly decreased, but it's significance did not appear. Finally the anti-microbial effects of EST, SCT, WDT extraction groups against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger was inhibited, however the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was not inhibited. Conclusions: These data suggest that EST, SCT, WDT can be used to treat patients with leukorrhea.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.70-80
• /
• 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of red ginseng-derived non-saponin fraction (NSF) on inflammatory responses and monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation in RAW264.7 and THP-1. NSF effectively inhibited inflammatory responses by downregulating nitric oxide (NO) production and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). NSF ($2000{\mu}g/mL$) decreased the levels of NO, iNOS, and COX-2 by 33, 83, and 64%, respectively. NSF inhibited the differentiation of monocyte-to-macrophage by decreasing cell adherence along with downregulation of the cluster of differentiation molecule $11{\beta}$ ($CD11{\beta}$) and CD36. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), were significantly reduced with NSF treatment. The NSF-mediated inhibition of inflammatory responses was due to the regulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). NSF effectively suppressed the translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ into the nucleus, while nuclear Nrf2 and its target protein, heme oxygenase-1, levels were significantly increased.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.81-91
• /
• 2021

Objectives : This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a complex mixture of natural substances of ginseng and baeknyeoncho on the arthritic rats. Methods : In vitro experiments were conducted to ensure the stability of the complex. After setting toxicity and concentration by MTT assay, the antioxidant effect was measured through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of the complex, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were measured in LPS-treated macrophage cell lines (RAW264.7). We injected monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) 50 μl (60 mg/ml) into knee joints of rats to induce osteoarthritis. The rats were divided into three groups (normal (n=5), control (n=5), and OR (n=5) group). The control group consumed 2 mg/kg of physiological saline once a day for 4 weeks, and the OR group was mixed at a concentration of 416.5 mg/kg of Baengnyeoncho (O) and 208.25 mg/kg of red ginseng (R) and ingested 1 mL each 5 days a week. Results : This complex increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rate. The complex decreased NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of macrophages. In the OR group, the secretion of cytokine in serum was decreased. In histopathological examination, the joint tissue of the composite showed less damage to the synovial membrane, cartilage, and fibrous tissue than the control group. Conclusions : As a result of this study, natural complexes have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cartilage protection effects. Therefore, we expect the complex to be effective in treating osteoarthritis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.54 no.3
• /
• pp.209-216
• /
• 2022

The effect of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera fermentation on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Kerria japonica (K. japonica) extracts was studied. First, the antioxidant activity of the fermented extract was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline 6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods. Also, the quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are representative components with antioxidant activity, was performed. The results of the DPPH and ABTS assays showed an increase in the antioxidant activity by 14.39% and 21.74%, respectively, due to fermentation. The polyphenol concentration increased by 10.5%, and the flavonoid concentration increased by 100.0%. In the cell experiment, a cytotoxicity test and a nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory test were performed using RAW 264.7 cells. Both the control group and the fermentation group showed no cytotoxicity. In the NO production inhibition experiment, the fermentation group showed a 6.85% higher inhibition of NO production compared to the control group. When the inhibitory effects of the extracts on inflammatory cytokine production were assessed, the fermentation group showed 12.4% and 23.5% higher inhibition of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 production, respectively, compared to the control group. In conclusion, due to its potential for inhibiting NO and inflammatory cytokine production, fermented K. japonica extracts could be considered a source of anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.33 no.12
• /
• pp.978-986
• /
• 2023

Inflammation by the innate immune system is a protective mechanism of the organism against infection-mediated environmental factors. It is also responsible for the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including the progression of cancer. Lichens are receiving increasing attention as a source of bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases. Additionally, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential of lichen and its secondary metabolites have been widely reported. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, to investigate molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activity in the Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, methanol extract of Usnea aurantiaco-atra (MEUS) was used in vitro assays in RAW 264.7 macrophages cell and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Based on our data, MEUS had the anti-inflammatory activity through the modulation of main inflammatory indicators such as COX-2, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α and NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, we observed that MEUS had cytotoxic activity against HCT116 colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to a significantly reduced proliferation of the cancer cells through apoptotic induction by activating caspase-3. Taken together, this work firstly reported the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of an Antarctic lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, and MEUS may provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying a link between inflammation and cancer.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.57-67
• /
• 2024

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential biological activity of Veronica incana extracts (VIE) through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. Methods : In vitro, we conducted analyses on the total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) levels, alongside DPPHand ABTS radical scavenging activities. Ex vivo evaluations on adipose tissue measured glycerol release as a marker of lipolysis. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, we quantified nitric oxide (NO) production. Following H₂O₂ induction in U2OS cells, we performed mitochondrial assays such as MitoSox and MitoTracker. Moreover, Bodipy assays were conducted in 3T3-L1 cells. In vivo, we performed anti-osteoarthritis effect of VIE against monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Results : The results presented encompass a myriad of models, from cell culture to animal experiments as well as ex vivo studies. VIE demonstrated high TP and TF contents, potent DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, and regulated glycerol release. Moreover, the inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced inflammation was notably confirmed and the reduction of lipid droplets was distinctly shown. Furthermore, in H₂O₂-induced U2OS cells, MitoSox was effectively reduced while MitoTracker noticeably increased. In vivo assays confirmed a significant increase in hindpaw weight distribution (HWD) decreased by MIA after VIE treatment. Additionally, VIE inhibited serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-𝛼, IL-6, and IL-1𝛽) and MDA levels in joint tissue. Conclusion : In conclusion, Veronica incana exhibited various pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.397-402
• /
• 2013

The pharmacological efficacy of Protaetia (P.) brevitarsis larvae has been described in the Dongui Bogam. It is believed that the larvae are particularly useful for hepatic disorders. However, natural aversion has made it difficult to consume these larvae as food. Thus, we sought to make an eatable form of the larvae by establishing optimal conditions for larvae preparation. Larvae were selectively bred, sterilized, and a powder of larvae generated by freeze-drying. Afterward, the CellTiter $96^{(R)}$ AQueous Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS) with the RAW 264.7 cell line was used to validate the safety of the powder as a food ingredient. We determined that oak sawdust sterilized by water vapor for 5 minutes could be used for larvae feed, and a feeding for 3~5 days followed by a fasting for 3 days were optimal conditions for larvae preparation. In addition, sterilization of larvae at $115^{\circ}C$ and $0.9kgf/cm^3$ (to avoid contamination of pathogenic bacteria and fungi) was successfully applied in the production of edible powder from P. brevitarsis. The optimized processes established in our experiments can be used in the industrial production of P. brevitarsis as a food ingredient.