• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.1-19
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• 2022

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the wound healing effects of oral administered hot water extracts of Korean black ginseng (KBG). Methods 40 C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups; normal, control, vitamin E 200 mg/kg, KBG 100 mg/kg, KBG 200 mg/kg, each n=8. Skin wounds were made in the back of all mice except normal group using biopsy punches. Wounds were observed on days 7 and 14 after injury. The anti-oxidant and inflammatory protein levels were evaluated using western blotting. Skin tissue was analyzed by hematoxylin & eosin and Masson's trichrome staining method. Results KBG significantly accelerated reducing wound area. KBG significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity. KBG significantly decreased oxidative stress factors such as NADPH oxidase-4 and p22^phox and increased antioxidant enzymes including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2, kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1, heme oxygenase-1, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase-1/2. Moreover, KBG significantly decreased inflammation factors including nuclear factor-κB, phosphorylated inhibitor of κBα, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6 and increased anti-inflammation cytokine such as IL-4 and IL-10. In addition, KBG significantly increased tight junction proteins including claudin-1, claudin-3, claudin-4. In histopathologic, KBG made the epithelium thin and uniform, and accelerated the remodeling of collagen. Conclusions The results suggest that KBG has healing effects on skin wound in mice by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.53-62
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• 2021

Background and objective: Dermatitis is a chronic disease accompanied by such symptoms as itching and dry skin. The environment and diet can aggravate dermatitis, so attention to skin care is essential. Colocasia esculenta is used in various manners and for different purposes, including with regard to inflammation, aging, and the digestive system. The anti-inflammatory effect of Colocasia esculenta water extract was confirmed using RAW 264.7 macrophages with regard to male ICR mice. Methods: In the case of the ICR mice, 5% 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was used to cause inflammation for 7 days, and 100 μL of Colocasia esculenta water extract and panthenol were administered orally for 10 days. In addition, RT-PCR, NO, ELISA was conducted. Results: As a result of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), it was found that Colocasia esculenta water extract reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines. As a result of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining using mouse ear tissue, Colocasia esculenta water extract reduced ear thickness and showed an effect of suppressing ear edema. In addition, compared to the TPA-treated group, the Colocasia esculenta extract-treated group had reduced nitric oxide (NO) production by 18.23 μM and IL-13 production decreased by 136.55 pg/ml. Conclusion: Colocasia esculenta water extract has been shown to be effective in lowering inflammatory cytokine production. These results suggest that Colocasia esculenta water extracts can be used as natural products to treat dermatitis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.855-869
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity. MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 ㎍/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant. Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.271-280
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• 2010

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a major cause of photodamages to human skin and the immediate responses of the skin to UV include the erythema and edema. In an attempt to find effective UV-protecting agents to be used in cosmetics, a number of plant extracts were screened in the cell-based assays. Among the total of 38 plant extracts tested, 3 plant extracts derived from Sasa quelpaertensis, Althaea rosea, and Dryopteris crassirhizoma attenuated the UVB-induced cytotoxicity as well as melanin synthesis in cultured human epidermal melanocytes. The anti-inflammatory effects of these plant extracts were further examined in animal models. A control or test cream containing 1% of a plant extract was topically applied to ears of a C57BL/6 mouse or the dorsal skin of a SKH-1 hafirless mouse before and after the exposure to UVB. The change in ear thickness or dorsal skin redness due to UVB exposure was determined to monitor edema and erythema, respectively. All three test creams exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in both experiments. The creams containing Sasa quelpaertensis, Althaea rosea or Dryopteris crassirhizoma extract alleviated the UVB-induced edema response on day 4 by 53.8 %, 56.4 % and 31.1 %, respectively. They also inhibited the erythema formation on day 2 by 45.7 %, 34.1 % and 20.5 %, respectively. This study suggests that the selected plant extracts formulated in cosmetics may attenuate skin inflammation caused by overexposure to UV.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.119-131
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• 2023

Objectives: Betula Platyphylla(BP) has been used as a analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant drug in Eastern Asia. However, it is still unknown whether BP ethanol extract could exhibit the inhibitory activities against ultraviolet B(UVB)-induced skin injury on human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. This study was aimed to investigate the protective activity of BP ethanol extract on UVB-irradiated skin injury in HaCaT cells. Methods: The skin injury model of HaCaT cells was established under UVB stimulation. HaCaT keratinocyte cells were pre-treated with BP ethanol extract for 1 h, and then stimulated with UVB. Then, the cells were harvested to measure the cell viability, production of reactive oxygen species(ROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin(IL) 1-beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-𝛼, hyaluronidase, type 1 collagen, matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)s. In addition, we examined the mitogen activated protein kinases(MAPKs) and inhibitory kappa B alpha(I𝜅;-B𝛼) as inhibitory mechanisms of BP ethanol extract. Results: The treatment of BP ethanol extract inhibited the UVBinduced cell death and ROS production in HaCaT cells. BP ethanol extract treatment inhibited the UVB-induced increase of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼. BP ethanol extract treatment inhibited the increase of hyaluronidase, MMP and decrease of collagen. BP ethanol extract treatment inhibited the activation of MAPKs and the degradation of I𝜅-B𝛼. Conclusions: Our result suggest that treatment of BP ethanol extract could inhibit the UVB-induced skin injury via deactivation of MAPKs and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-𝜅B) in HaCaT cells. This study could suggest that BP ethanol extract could be a beneficial agent to prevent skin damage or inflammation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.418-424
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• 2021

Skin inflammation (dermatitis) is caused by varying skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation and microbial infection. Currently prescribed drugs for dermatitis include anti-histamine and steroid drug classes that soothe inflammation. However, incorrect or prolonged use of steroids can cause weakening of skin barriers as well as osteoporosis. Therefore, treating dermatitis with a drug that has minimal side effects is important. Statins, also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been widely treated for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of statins in both experimental and clinical models for of osteoarthritis. This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which are crucial components of skin barriers. Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-1β increased the expression of the COX2 protein, a major player of inflammatory responses. However, this induction of the COX2 protein was downregulated by pretreatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin. Treatment with IL-1ß-induced the upregulation of other inflammatory genes (such as iNOS and MMP-1) and these expressions were similarly lowered by these two statin drug treatments. Taken together, these results indicated that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, the findings suggest that atorvastatin and fluvastatin can be potential modulators for ameliorating skin inflammation.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.57-66
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of the present study is to evaluate the wound healing-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects of Pinus densiflora, Cornus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Ganoderma japonicum and Scutellaria baikalensison human keratinocyte, HaCaT cells. Methods : We adopted in vitro wound healing assay to measure the proliferation-and migration-enhancing effects in HaCaT cells. The expressions of cytokine genes were measured in HaCaT cells using real-time PCR analysis. Results : The extracts of Pinus densiflora, Cornus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Ganoderma japonicum and Scutellaria baikalensis enhanced the proliferation and migration of HaCaTcells. The expression of keratinocyte growth factor receptor(FGFR2-IIIb) gene was also induced. The extracts inhibited iNOS, IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-$\alpha$ gene expression. Conclusions : The extract of Pinus densiflora, Cornus officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Ganoderma japonicum and Scutellaria baikalensis has wound healing-enhancing effects and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.2303-2306
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• 2015

Objective: Skin tumors are the most commonly seen cancer type worldwide. Regarding pathogenesis, it is thought that disruption of kinetics through T lymphocyte-mediated development of chronic inflammation may be involved. The present study was intended to identify role of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in the determination of risk for skin cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of 569 cases diagnosed as having primary skin tumors. Data regarding age, gender and histopathological subtype were recorded. Blood parameters studied on the day before surgery including WBCs, neutrophils, and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil:lymphocyte and neutrophil:monocyte ratios were also recorded. Two-hundred and two healthy individuals presented for check-up in an outpatient clinic were selected as the control group. Parameters studied in cases with skin cancer were compared to those healthy individuals. Findings: Of the cases with skin cancer, 401 were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) while 144 were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 13 were malignant melanoma (MM). WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were found to be lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group (p<0.001) while no significant difference was found in other parameters reviewed (p>0.05). No significant difference was found in WBC, neutrophil, neutrophil: monocyte ratio according to gender (p>0.05). Monocyte count was found to be $0.68{\pm}0.61$ in men and $0.55{\pm}0.25$ in women, indicating strong statistical significance (p<0.001). WBC, neutrophil and monocyte values were highest in control group while lowest in BCC. When BCC and SCC groups were compared to controls, significant differences found (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in lymphocyte counts among groups (p=0.976). Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios were 3.24 in BCC, 3.59 in SCC, 3.44 in MM and 5.06 in control group (p<0.001). Conclusions: In our study, it was found that there were significant differences in complete blood count, neutrophil, monocyte and neutrophil:lymphocyte levels among groups. Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio was found to be lowest in BCC among skin cancers.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.111-121
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• 1999

Acne vulgaris, the most common skin disease. can be formed as only a few comedons or severe inflammatory lesions. The pathogenesis of acne involves various factors; excessive androgen, excessive sebum production, abnormal alteration of follicular epithelium, proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, and inflammation. We investigated acne therapy using oriental herbs described in the Korean traditional medical book(Dong-ui-bo-gam). Oriental herbs(Angelica daurica, Arctium lappa, Coptidis rhizoma, and Glycyrrhiza glabra) were chosen based on their respective property of sebum control, anti-inflammatory activity, and anti-bacterial activity. We examined the effect of acne treatment, in terms of chemotactic inhibition, lipogenesis inhibition, and anti-bacterial activity for P. acnes. 1. Neutrophil chemotaxis assay; P. acnes secrete chemotactic factors and other pro-inflammatory extracellular products. Neutrophil chemotactic activity of P. acnes was measured by 48-well chemotaxis method. Angelica daurica clearly suppressed chemotactic activity of P. acnes. 2. Using sebaceous gland of hamster ear lipogenesis assay; Sebaceous lipogenesis was measured using ear biopsies by incubation or $C^{14}$-acetate in culture media. The $C^{14}$-labeled lipids were extracted and determined by liquid scintilation counting. Coptidis rhizoma markedly inhibited sebum production. 3. Anti-bacterial assay for P. acnes(MIC test); Glycyrrhiza glabra showed anti-bacterial activity. P. acnes did not develop resistance against Glycyrrhiza glabra. Retinoids are effectively to inhibit sebum production and regulate follicular keratinization process, with little anti-inflammatory activity. Angelica daurica suppressed neutrophil chemotaxis, Coptidis rhizoma inhibited sebum production, and Glycyrrhiza glabra showed anti-bacterial activity against P. acnes. A combined formulation of Angelica daurica, Coptidis rhizoma. and Glycyrrhiza glabra is expected to provide effective acne treatment.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• 제31권6호
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• pp.334-340
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• 2017

Wound healing is the restoration in injured skin tissue and one of the most important therapeutic targets. The process consists of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. There have been reported multiple factors that accelerate and delay wound healing. In this study we tested the hypothesis that Sophorae Radix extract would improve the recovery of wound healing after full-thickness skin wound in rats. Twenty young male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the studies. A full-thickness skin wound was made on the dorsal skin of the rats. Either Sophorae Radix water extract (SR) or saline (Control) was orally administrated every day. The wound area was measured and the percentages of wound contraction, wound healed and wound epithelization were evaluated. After 15 days, the skin tissues were excised and examined by histopathological and immunohistochemistrical method. In results, wound area in SR group was significantly decreased to compared with Control. SR group showed the significant enhancements in the percentages of wound contraction, wound healed and wound epithelization. Histopathological examination revealed that SR induces neo-vascularization potential in wound healing process. SR treatment in rats significantly accelerated cutaneous wound healing in the angiogenesis process by increasing VEGF and TGF-${\beta}1$ synthesis. These results suggest that Sophorae Radix enhance skin wound repair by increasing the angiogenic agents such as VEGF and TGF-${\beta}1$.