Many kinds of medicinal herbs have been used to treat inflammation in Oriental medicine. However, there few studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal herbs. In this study, we used mouse bone marrow cells (BMs) treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a simulator of osteomyelitis, to screen medicinal herbs having anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, we investigated the activity of an extract of Rhus chinensis (RC) using metabolic activity and cytokine production of the BMs treated with LPS and RC. The metabolic activity of BMs was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8® solution. RC decreased the metabolic activity of LPS-treated BMs. A viability assay using trypan blue solution demonstrated that RC marginally decreased the viability of LPS-treated BMs. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that RC decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of BMs, regardless of LPS treatment. To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of RC, we measured the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-10 in BMs. LPS increased the production of both cytokines in BMs. Interestingly, RC induced a greater increase in IL-10 than TNF-alpha in LPS-treated BMs. Taken together, RC decreased metabolic activity and modulated the production of inflammation-related cytokines in LPS-treated BMs. These findings suggest that RC can be used as a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory activity.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) extract on the inflammation of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and blood lipid improvement in hypercholesterolemic mice fed a high cholesterol diet. The lettuce extract (100% ethanol extract) inhibited the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in HUVEC treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The lettuce extract suppressed the adhesion of THP-1 to TNF-α-treated HUVEC. The lettuce extract decreased the TNF-α-stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein 1. In hypercholesterolemic mice, the lettuce extract reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, while the lettuce extract elevated high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, resulting in the decrease of atherogenic index and cardiac risk factor level. These results suggested that lettuce extract can be an useful resource to show an anti-inflammatory effect and improve lipid metabolism

본 연구는 구절초 꽃 추출물이 기능성 화장품 소재로서의 개발 가능성을 관찰하기 위하여 항 산화 활성과 피부세포에 대한 세포독성, 항염증, 멜라닌 생합성 억제능에 미치는 영향을 관찰하였다. 본 연구 결과 구절초 꽃 추출물에서 폴리페놀과 플라보노이드의 높은 함량과 뛰어난 DPPH radical 소거작 용을 확인하였고, Raw 264.7세포와 B16F10세포에 대해 유의한 세포독성을 나타나지 않았으며, Raw 264.7세포에서 LPS에 의해 유도된 NO 생성을 유의하게 억제함으로써 항염증 효과를 확인하였다. 구절 초 꽃 추출물이 B16F10세포에 α-MSH로 멜라닌 생성을 유도한 후 멜라닌 생합성 억제능을 측정한 결 과 멜라닌의 생성 증가를 농도 의존적으로 억제되는 것을 확인하였다. 이와 같은 결과로 보아 구절초 꽃 추출물은 세포에 대한 독성이 낮고, 높은 항산화 활성과 항염증, 미백효과를 가진 기능성 화장품소재 로써의 활용 가능성이 있을 것으로 사료된다.

본 연구는 개망초꽃 에센셜 오일의 항산화, 항균 및 항염 효능에 관하여 조사한 것이다. 개망 초꽃 에센셜 오일은 용매추출법으로 추출하였다. 개망초꽃 에센셜 오일의 항산화 효능은 ABTS 라디칼 소거능과 DPPH 라디칼 소거 효능 측정으로 확인하였다. ABTS 라디칼 소거 효과는 500 μg/ml 농도에 서 98.6%, DPPH 라디칼 소거는 48.3%로 좋은 효능을 나타내었다. 항균 활성은 S. aureus와 P. acnes, E. coli 균에 대하여 paper disc법과 최소저해농도(MIC)와 최소사멸농도(MBC)값을 측정하여 확인하였 다. S. aureus 균주에 대해서는 MIC 값과 MBC 값이 모두 0.31 mg/mL 농도에서 우수한 억제 효과를 나타내었다. P. acnes 균에 대해서는 disc법에서 14 mm의 clear zone 형성과 MIC, MBC에서 각각 0.31 mg/mL, 0.63 mg/mL로 좋은 억제 효과를 보였다. 항염 활성에 관련하여 NO 억제 측정에서도 농도 의존적으로 NO의 생성을 억제시킴을 확인하였고, pro-inflammatory cytokine인 TNF-α, IL-6 역시 농도 의존적으로 억제하였다. 이러한 결과로부터 개망초꽃 에센셜오일은 항산화, 항균 및 항염 효 능을 갖는 화장품 원료로서 개발 가능성이 있음을 시사한다.

Chronic inflammation, which results from continuous exposure to antigens, is one of major reasons for tissue damage and diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of extracts (hexane, CHCl3, MeOH, MeOH/H2O, and H2O) from GW10-45, which is our new cultivar of an edible mushroom Pleurotus ferulae (ASI 2803 and ASI 2778), in RAW264.7 murine macrophages. None of the extracts showed cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells and the hexane, CHCl and H extracts reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, an important inflammatory marker, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Particularly, the extract (CG45) inhibited NO production more than the other extracts did. To elucidate the effects of CG45 on molecular targets involved in proinflammatory responses, we performed western blot analysis. Expression of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) significantly decreased in LPS and CG45 co-incubated cells compared to that in LPS only-treated cells. Additionally, another protein thatplays a critical role in inflammation, was down-regulated in cells treated with both LPS and CG45. In the nuclear factor (NF)- B pathway, phosphorylation of I Bα decreased in RAW264.7 cells treated with both LPS and CG45. Furthermore, CG45 inhibited the phosphorylation of NF- B in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusively, CG45 could suppress proinflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells by down-regulating not only the phosphorylation of NF- B and I Bα but also the expression of iNOS and COX-2 without any cytotoxicity.

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. water and 70% ethanol extracts. The content of total polyphenol was significantly higher in water extract than in 70% ethanol extract. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of water extract was similar to that of Vit. C at a concentration of 1,000 μg/mL. The ABTS radical scavenging activities of water and 70% ethanol extract were similar to that of Vit. C at a concentration of 1,000 μg/mL. SOD-like activity of water extract was higher than that of 70% ethanol extract at a concentration of 1,000 μg/mL but lower than that of Vit. C. The DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and SOD-like activity increased as concentrations of water and 70% ethanol extracts increased. Cell cytotoxicity was not observed at all concentrations except at 100 μg/mL concentration of water extract. Inhibitory activity on NO production effect of water extract was significantly higher than that of 70% ethanol extract. These results show that E. caryophyllata Thunb. has potent biological activities, and their activities were different depending on extraction solvent.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, which destroys the connective tissue and the alveolar bone. Recently, it has been suggested that the effect of natural substances could be induced into an anti-inflammatory environment. However, the effect of Safflower seed extract (SAF-M) associated with periodontitis has not been investigated yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of SAF-M. Cytotoxicity was assessed through MTS analysis using hGF and hPDL cells. Periodontitis was induced by injecting LPS into gingival tissue on the maxillary molars of rats (45 μg LPS/one time, 3 times a week for 3 weeks). SAF-M was administered daily at 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Alveolar bone resorption was evaluated through the micro-CT. hGF and hPDL cells showed differential cytotoxicity in response to SAF-M at 5 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml concentrations. Micro-CT showed reduction of the alveolar bone resorption in the SAF-M treatment group. These results suggested that SAF-M is a potential therapeutic agent for periodontitis.

울금의 주요 성분인 커큐민과 대두 추출물인 이소플라본의 피부 미용 측면에서 생리활성을 연구하여 화장품 소재로서 가능성 여부를 규명하고자 하였다. 본 연구는 세포실험을 통해 커큐민과 대두 추출물을 피부 세포에 대한 독성 및 항염증을 확인하고, HPLC을 이용하여 대두 추출물의 성분분석과 피부에 적용하였을 때 수분과 유분, 홍반변화를 측정하였다. 본 연구 결과 커큐민이 RAW 264.7 세포에 대한 독성이 적은 것으로 확인되었으며, 항염증에 대한 효과를 확인하였다. 8주 동안 커큐민과 대두 추 출물이 함유된 화장품과 식이를 병행하여 사용하였을 때 수분함량 변화, 유분함량 변화, 홍반 지수의 감 소가 통계적으로 유의미한 변화를 나타내었으며, 여드름 피부에 유의한 효과를 가질 수 있음을 확인하였 다. 따라서 본 연구는 커큐민과 대두 추출물이 화장품 소재로 사용 시 여드름 피부 개선에 효과적인 화 장품 소재로서 활용 가능성이 있을 것으로 사료된다.

말뼈추출물은 다양한 골질환의 예방과 치료에 탁월한 효능이 있다고 이전에 보고되었다. 하지만 말뼈 추출물의 다른 약리학적 효능에 대해서는 아직 자세히 밝혀지지 않고있다. 본 연구에서는 말뼈추출물이 중요한 항산화 인자인 hemeoxygenase-1(HO-1)의 발현을 상승시킬 수 있는지, 만약 발현이 증가한다 면 HO-1의 상향 조절이 대식세포에서 항염증 효과를 매개할 수 있는지에 관하여 조사하였다. 이를 위 해서 nitric oxide(NO) 농도측정, 세포 생존능 측정, DPPH 라디칼 소거능 검사를 시행하였다. 또한 염 증성 사이토카인 유전자 발현과 단백질 발현을 측정하기 위해 real time PCR과 Western blotting을 시행하였다. 말뼈추출물은 lipopolysaccharide(LPS, 0.1μg/ml)로 자극한 대식세포주인 RAW264.7 세포 에서 어떠한 세포독성 없이 NO의 생성을 유의성 있게 억제하였으며 inducible nitric oxide(iNOS)와 cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2)의 발현을 억제하였다. 뿐만 아니라 말뼈 추출물은 염증성 사이토카인인 tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α와 interleukin(IL)-1β의 발현을 억제하였으며 ERK, JNK 및 p-38 MAPK의 단백질 인산화를 억제하였다. 그리고 말뼈추출물은 HO-1과 NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) 의 발현을 증가시켰고 이것은 말뼈추출물이 가지고 있는 항 염증효과를 매개할 수 있는 것으 로 보인다. 즉, 말뼈추출물이 HO-1의 발현을 상향 조절한 반면 ERK1/2의 신호전달 경로에 손상을 주 는 것으로 확인되었으며 이러한 말뼈추출물의 효과가 최종적으로 세포손상과 세포의 과산화 자극으로부 터 세포를 보호 할 수 있는 것으로 사료된다.

A lot of research about applications of natural extracts to both food and medicine is in progress. In this paper, we tested the applicability of Rubus crataegifolius leaf extract in functional materials including its anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of Rubus crataegifolius leaf extract on the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. The protein expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL- 4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK, JNK, p38) and the activation of NF-κB with Rubus crataegifolius leaf extract were assayed in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Pre-treatment with Rubus crataegifolius leaf extract significantly inhibited the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent item and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Rubus crataegifolius leaf extract significantly reduced the phosphorylation of MAPKs. The NF-κB was strongly suppressed by extracts. Moreover, the pathological phenotypes of contact dermatitis such as erythema, edema, and scabs were significantly decreased in Rubus crataegifolius leaf extract-treated mice. These results indicated that Rubus crataegifolius leaf extract have an antiinflammatory effect, and that this might be used as a supplement for the functional materials.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is usually caused by foods such as wheat, egg, milk, and peanuts, leading to common health problems in early childhood with complications like urtication. The aim of this study was to evaluate ethanol extracts of rice and rice snacks concentrated until the ethanol was completely eliminated and hot-air dried. In vitro analyses were carried out using murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. We measured cytotoxicity, nitric oxide (NO) production, and inflammatory cytokine level. The NO level of the cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was significantly reduced by rice and rice snack extracts. TNF-α level decreased in contrast to the LPS group, although a significant difference was not observed. On the other hand, IL-6 significantly decreased in both rice and rice snack extracts in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the present study suggest that rice and rice snack decreased NO and inflammatory cytokine levels. Therefore, rice could be useful as a raw material for relieving child atopic dermatitis caused by snacks made from wheat.

토마토 부산물의 활용 가능성을 확인하고자 토마토 50 자원의 잎 추출물로 항산화 및 항염증 활성을 검정하였다. DPPH라디칼 소거 활성이 높았던 자원은 IT191046 (130.9 ug/ml),IT189949 (136.8 ug/ml), IT033117 (138.8 ug/ml), IT191047(148.9 ug/ml), IT033130 (152.5 ug/ml)이었으며, ABTS 라디칼 소거 활성이 높았던 자원은 IT189949 (1348.6 ug/ml),IT033117 (1404.9 ug/ml), IT191046 (1516.8 ug/ml)이었고 총폴리페놀 함량은 IT207214 (59.9 mg GAE/g DW)가 가장 높은 함량을 보였다. Nitric oxide (NO) 생성 저해 활성이 높았던 자원은 IT189945 (24.8 ug/ml), IT173906 (26.5 ug/ml),IT033117 (27.1 ug/ml), IT191046 (27.4 ug/ml)이었다. DPPH와 ABTS 라디칼 소거 활성이 높은 정의 상관관계(r = 0.677**)를 보였고 다음으로 총 폴리페놀 함량과 NO 생성 저해 활성이 높은 상관관계(r = −0.406**)를 나타냈다. 토마토 잎 추출물의 생리 활성 및 기능성 성분 분석 결과를 자원별로 군집 분석한 결과, Cluster I (n = 17), II (n = 4), III (n = 11), IV(n = 16)와 따로 분리된 두 자원(IT229651, IT211836)으로 분류되었다. 토마토 50 자원 중 IT033117과 IT191046은 DPPH,ABTS 라디칼 저해 활성 및 nitric oxide (NO) 생성 저해 활성이 높았으며 Cluster IV내에서 매우 가깝게 존재하였고,IT173906은 총 폴리페놀 함량과 nitric oxide (NO) 생성 저해활성이 높았으며 Cluster II에 존재하였다. 이 연구 결과를 토대로 토마토 잎의 기능성 소재로의 이용 가능성을 확인하였고토마토 부산물의 다양한 활용 방안 수립에 도움이 될 것으로사료 된다.