• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.45-57
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• 2022

Objectives : Yukil-san (YIS, 六一散; Liu yi san) is composed of Talcum and Glycyrrhizae Radix, the name is said to be derived from the proportion of the two herbal components of the formula. The YIS originated from 'Formulas from the discussion illuminating the Yellow Emperor's Basic Question'(黃帝素問宣明論方; Huang di su wen xuan ming lun fang) written by Liu Wan-Su (劉完素). YIS could clear summerheat, resolve dampness, and augment the qi. This formula may be used to treat the common cold, influenza, acute gastroenteritis, cystitis, urethritis and bacillary dysentery. But, there is insufficient of study about the effects of YIS on the anti-inflammatory activities. The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of YIS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and IL-6 were quantified by ELISA kit. The expression of proteins related with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) were assessed by western blot analysis. Results : YIS significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS increased by LPS, and thus significantly inhibited the production of NO. In addition, YIS significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the regulation of inflammation, NF-κB pathway plays a crucial role. YIS inhibited the expression of p-IκBα and thus inhibited the translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. Conclusions : These results suggest that YIS ameliorates inflammatory response in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells through the inhibition of inflammatory mediators, via suppression of the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, this study provides objective evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of YIS including the underlying mechanisms.