• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.9-19
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• 2022

Objectives : Angelicae Gigantis Radix (AG) is a plant of the Ranunculus family. AG have been reported to have various pharmacological effects on human health which include uterine growth promotion, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune enhancement. However, research on dermatitis disease is insufficient. Therefore, we investigated the effects of AG on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulated HaCaT cell. Methods : To investigate the effect of AG on HaCaT cell, HaCaT cells were pre-treated with AG for 1 hour and then stimulated with TNF-α/IFN-γ. After 24 hours, media and cells were harvested to analyze the inflammatory mediators. Concentration of human interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and TNF-α in the media were assessed by ELISA. mRNA expression of human thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), IL-6, and IL-8 were analyzed by RT-PCR. Additionally, the mechanisms of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway were investigated by Western blot. Results : The treatment of AG inhibited gene expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TARC and protein expression levels of IL-1β, MCP-1, and GM-CSF. Also, AG significantly reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation in TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulated HaCaT cell. Conclusions : Taken together, these results demonstrate that AG can alleviate inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Also, it suggest that AG may a promising candidate drug for the treatment of inflammatory disease such as atopic dermatitis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2023

Objectives : Neuroinflammation is a common pathological mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, and the development of therapeutic agents is urgently needed. Red ginseng has been known to be good for the immune stimulation in Eastern Asia. Although the immuno-stimulatory activity of red ginseng are already known, the neuro-protective effects of cultivated red ginseng with fermented complex mushroom-cereal mycelium (RGFM) have not been conducted. Thus, in this study, we tried to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of RGFM water extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated BV2 cells. Methods : BV2 cells were pretreated with RGFM 1 h prior to LPS exposure. To determine the neuro-protective effects of RGFM water extract, we measured the expression of inflammatory mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1𝛽, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-𝛼 in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, to find out the regulatory mechanism of RGFM water extract, we assessed the protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitory 𝜅B𝛼 (I𝜅B𝛼) by western blotting. Results : In our study, treatment of RGFM reduced the mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 and suppressed NO production in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Additionally, the secretion of IL-1𝛽 and TNF-𝛼 but not IL-6 was significantly inhibited by RGFM. Furthermore, RGFM water extract inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Conclusions : Taken together, these findings suggest that RGFM water extract has a protective effect on neuroinflammation through inhibition of JNK.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.83-89
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of Houttuyniae Herba water extract (HC) on calcium release and production of various inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), interferon-inducible protein (IP)-10, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Methods : NO production was measured by Griess reagent assay. Intracellular calcium level was measured with Fluo-4 assay. Levels of cytokines were measured by High-throughput multiplex bead array cytokine assay based on xMAP (multi-analyte profiling beads) technology. Results : HC significantly decreased NO production for 24 hrs incubation at the concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100, and $200{\mu}/mL$ in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05). HC significantly decreased production of IP-10, KC, VEGF, and PDGF-BB for 24 hrs incubation at the concentrations of 50, 100, and $200{\mu}/mL$ in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05). HC also significantly decreased intracellular calcium release for 24 hrs incubation at the concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and $200{\mu}/mL$ in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05). But HC did not show any significant effect on production of IL-4 and IL-5 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7. Conclusions : The results suggested that HC has anti-inflammatory property related with its inhibition on the production of NO, IP-10, KC, VEGF, and PDGF-BB in LPS-induced macrophages via calcium pathway.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.53-60
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• 2013

Objectives : DojukSan is known to be effective for treating a urinary diseases and stomatitis. However, there has been a lack of studies regarding the effects of Dojuksan on the inflammatory activities and effector inflammatory disease mechanism about macrophage before is not known. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Dojuksan water extract (DJS) on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we examined the effect of DJS on pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Methods : In the present study, pro-inflammatory cytokine production was determined by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis to measure the activation of MAPKs. Cells were treated with 200 ng/mL of LPS 1 h prior to the addition of DJS. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. The investigation focused on whether DJS inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$) productions, as well as the expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results : We found that DJS inhibited LPS-induced NO, $PGE_2$ and IL-6 productions as well as the expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Furthermore, DJS suppressed the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and c-Jun NH2-protein kinase (JNK). Conclusions : These results suggest that DJS has inhibitory effects on LPS-induced $PGE_2$, NO, and IL-6 production, as well as the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in the murine macrophage. These inhibitory effects occur through blockades on the MAPKs phosphorylation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2013

Objectives : Hwanggeumjakyak-tang (huangqin shaoyao tang, HJT) has been used to treat acute enteritis in traditional oriental medicine. However, there has been a lack of studies regarding the effects of HJT on the inflammatory activities and effector inflammatory disease mechanism about macrophage before is not known. So we examined the effect of HJT water extract on pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - stimulated mouse macrophage, RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Cells were treated with 2 ug/mL of LPS 1 h prior to the addition of HJT. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by reacting cultured medium with Griess reagent. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was investigated by Western blot, RT-PCR. The content of level of cytokines (prostaglandin (PG) $E_2$, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)) in media from LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells was analyed by ELISA kit. Results : HJT inhibited the production of NO, $PGE_2$, IL-6 as well as the expressions of iNOS, COX-2 but did not inhibit the production of IL-12, TNF-${\alpha}$, MCP-1 in the murine macrophage, RAW 264.7 cells. HJT also had suppression effects of LPS-induced MAPKs activation Conclusion : These results suggest that HJT has an anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential, which may result from inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation, thereby decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.7-11
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• 2013

Objectives : Seungmagalgeun-tang (SMGGT) is traditional medicine widely used for inflammatory disease and flu. But SMGGT exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity with an unknown mechanism. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SMGGT water extract on pharmacological and biochemical actions in inflammation, we examined the effect of SMGGT on pro-inflammatory mediators in Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)+A23187-stimulated mast cells. Methods : In the present study, pro-inflammatory cytokine production was determined by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot analysis to measure the activation of MAPKs. Cells were treated with SMGGT 1 h prior to the addition of 50 nM of PMA and $1{\mu}M$ of A23187. Cell viability was measured by MTS assay. The investigation focused on whether SMGGT inhibited the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in PMA+A23187-stimulated mast cells. Results : SMGGT has no cytotoxicity at examined concentration (100, 250, and $500{\mu}g/ml$). Also, gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA+A23187 was down regulated by SMGGT. Furthermore, SMGGT suppressed the PMA+A23187-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal Kinase(JNK). But, SMGGT could not regulate phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Conclusions : These results suggest that SMGGT has inhibitory effects on PMA+A23187-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. These inhibitory effects occur through blockades on the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.25-32
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• 2017

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate candidate materials as anti-inflammatory agent from extracts of Korean medicinal plants in Hwaak mountain. Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) is a Korea medicinal plants that commonly used for robustness and hemostasis. It has been reported that LO has exhibited anti-ischemic, anti-oxidative, anti-hypolipidemic, anti-tumor and hypoglycemic effects. However, LO has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of LO and its underlying molecular mechanisms in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric Oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 15 extracts of Korean medicinal plants tested, Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. LO reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these data, LO inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, LO attenuated the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages involving suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of LO is associated with regulation of inflammatory mediators via inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2018

Objectives : The current study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of youngyanggak-san (YGS) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury in rats. Methods : YGS is composed of Glycyrrhizae Radix, Asiasari Radix, Cimicifugae Rhizoma, Saigae Tataricae Cornu. While N-YGS (non-youngyanggak-san) doesn't include Saigae Tataricae Cornu. Two samples were administrated TAA together for 3 days. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups. Rats except for the normal group were received TAA (200 mg/kg of body weight, I.P) were divided into three groups (n=9/group) : Group 1 (TAA only), Group 2 (TAA + 200 mg/kg YGS) and Group 3 (TAA + 200 mg/kg N-YGS). Acute liver damage confirmed using histological examination, The factors associated with oxidative stress and liver function activity measured in serum. Also, expressions of inflammation related proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. Results : Oxidative stress factors such as ROS and $ONOO^-$ in the Group 2 was manifested by a significant rise compared with Group 1. YGS markedly decreased the elevated ROS and $ONOO^-$. Furthermore, YGS significantly reduced the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) The nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) activation induced by TAA led to increase both inflammatory mediators and cytokines. While YGS administration remarkably suppressed such the overexpression. In addition, the histopathological analysis showed that the liver tissue lesions were improved obviously in YGS treatment. Conclusion : YGS provided a hepatoprotective effect on acute liver damage through the suppression of oxidative stress. Especially, this effect enhanced markedly when Saigae Tataricae Cornu is included.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.71-78
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• 2018

Objectives : This study was fulfilled to investigate nominee materials as anti-inflammatory agent from ethanol extract of Chinese medicinal plants in Yanjin. Among the 20 candidates, we selected most effective one, the ethanol extract of Cicuta virosa L. (CVL). The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of CVL is not clearly identified as yet. Accordingly, we clarified the anti-inflammatory effects of CVL and its underlying molecular mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated with CVL (12.5, 25, or $50{\mu}M$) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ($1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). Cytotoxicity was determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and the level of nitric oxide (NO) production was measured with Griess reagent. The prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production was measured with enzyme immunoassay kits and the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was determined using Western blot analysis. Results : Among the 20 ethanol extract of Chinese medicinal plants of Yanjin tested, CVL significantly reduced the production of NO in a dose-dependent manner via inhibition the protein expressions of iNOS without cytotoxicity on the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, CVL also effectively declined the production of $PGE_2$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusions : Taken together, these data presented in this study demonstrate that CVL possesses anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators NO and $PGE_2$, and pro-inflammatory protein iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.373-392
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• 2022

The present study aimed to emprically verify the materialistic pursuits process of undergraduates by applying the escape theory of materialism(Donnelly et al., 2016). Among the six steps of Donnelly's model, the first step is percieving that the fall short of high standards of life, as measured by external contingencies of self-worth. The second step is blaming the self for falling short of standards, as measured by self-discrepancy. The third step of high aversive self-awareness is measured by low stability of self-esteem. A total of 465(203 male and 262 female) college students participated in the online survey and the model was tested using structural equation model. We found that the relationship of external contingencies of self-worth and materialism was mediated by self-discrepancy and there was a sequential mediation effect of self-discrepancy and the stability of self-esteem. The direct effect of external contingencies of self-worth on materialism was also significant. This study is meaningful in that it used the escape theory to emprically verify the materialistic pursuit process of Korean undergraduates living in a meritocratic society.