Background : Osteoclasts are differentiated from the monocytes/macrophages of hematopoietic cells, that excessive activities of bone-resorbing giant cells leads to pathological bone diseases such as osteoporosis (contained rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune arthritis). Therefore, it is very important to suppress loss of bone mass by deactivation of osteoclast differentiation. In this context, we evaluated for the effects of black ginseng (BG) extract on TRAP activity, proliferation and differentiation in RANKL-induced osteoclastic RAW264.7 cells. Methods and Results : The aim of this study is to figure out the potential anti-osteoporosis effects and the underlying mechanism of BG extract in RANKL-induced osteoclastic RAW264.7 cells. The ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5, Rk1 and Rh4 content of BG was increased more than Red ginseng (RG). The extracts of BG markedly reduced the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive (TRAP+) multinucleated cells from osteoclastic RAW264.7 cells, without cytotoxicity. BG clearly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by decreased calcitonin and TRAP (p < 0.01). Furthermore, ginseonside Rg5 and Rk1 significantly inhibited TRAP activity in formation of osteoclastic differentiation (p < 0.01). It is also found that Ginseonside Rg5 and Rk1 mixture more inhibits osteoclast differentiation activity. Conclusion : Our results suggest that Black ginseng extract has an anti-osteoporosis effects in bone disease when administered as a food supplement and has potential as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

Background : Gastrodia elata (GE) is a perennial herb that belongs to the orchidaceae and is used as a medicinal or food material. Known pharmacological agents include gastrodin and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. It is used as medicinal herb that is traditionally used for headache, migraine, dizziness, epilepsy and infant seizures. It is used for medicinal herbs such as sedation, hypnosis, epilepsy treatment, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, neuroprotection, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, Antioxidant, memory improvement, anti-aging, antiviral, anti-tumor. The purpose of this study was to find the extraction method with the highest oxidative stress inhibition and to optimize the pharmacological effect of the extract. Methods and Results : GE was freeze-dried to obtain 5 g, and then extracted into 50 ㎖ of water. Extraction temperature was 0, 30, 60 and 90℃ for 20, 40, 60 and 120 min, respectively. After centrifugation, the mixture was filtered through a 0.45 ㎛ filter. ABTS scavenging ability, DPPH scavenging ability, total phenol content, neuronal cell line (PC12) cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress scavenging activity in neurons were measured by this extract. ABTS scavenging ability, DPPH scavenging ability and total phenol content increased with increasing temperature and extraction time. However, at 60℃ and 90℃ extraction temperature, there was no significant difference. The cytotoxicity of 2 ㎎/㎖ of GE extract was significantly increased in the extract group of 90℃ after 20 hours. Conclusion : From the above results, the water extraction conditions to optimize the pharmacological activity of GE were 120 minutes at 60℃ or less.

This study was designed to compare re-epithelization rate/feature of conjunctival epithelial cell on amniotic membrane and anatomical difference between normal amniotic membrane and de-epithelial amniotic membrane. Human conjunctival tissue obtained while cataract operation were used in this study. Primary cultured human conjunctival epithelial cell and fibroblast were incubated on intact amniotic membrane and de-epithelialized amniotic membrane. After incubation for 3, 5 and 7 days, re-epithelization rate was analyzed using cell tracker and microscopic feature was examined using methylene blue and hematoxylin- eosin stain. For cell marker analysis, cytokeratin 14 and vimentin antibody immunofluorescence stain were used. Clearance rate of epithelial cells on amniotic membrane using trypsin was better than using 25% alcohol. The results of reepithelization rate using cell tracker, HaCaT, conjunctival firbroblast, and epithelial cell were rapidly incubated on deepithelialized amniotic membrane. Wound healing and re-epithelization were more rapidly induced on de-epithelialized amniotic membrane on permanent amniotic membrane graft.

Background : Ginseng seeds are harvested in immature stages and take 3 - 4 month to be germinated following cold stratification. Improvement of germination speed can be a valuable traits to be characterized for economically important medicinal plant. Modulation of cell wall compositions is also considered as another agricultural trait when the crops can be processed for foods and forages. Here we show the functional characterization of ginseng pPLAIIIβ focused on its possible values on germination and modulation of cell wall compositions. Methods and Results : Patatin-related phospholipase AIII family genes were identified from ginseng EST clones and further confirmed by PCR. Clone showing the highest homology with pPLAIIIβ was overexpressed in model plant Arabidopsis, and it displayed dwarf plants. qPCR analysis showed that pPLAIIIβ expressed in all organs of 2-years-old ginseng. Overexpression of ginseng pPLAIIIβ also displayed apparently enlarged seeds as well as altered germination speed in early stage compared to the control. Chemical stainings and direct quantification of lignin and cellulose were performed to understand the link of cell elongation patterns and cell wall compositions. Conclusion : Overexpression of ginseng pPLAIIIβ inhibited longitudinal cell elongation in all tested organs except seeds which is enlarged in both directions than the control. Shorter root length is related with auxin responsive genes and its dwarf morphological phenotype is resulted in altered cell wall compositions.

Background : Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) have traditionally been used as Asian medicinal and culinary herb. Curcumin, a major compound of turmeric, has been known to have antitumor activity. However, curcumin is bioavailable because it is rapidly metabolized and released from the body. Therefore, the addition of adjuvants such as piperine, a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism, is one of the ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Methods and Results : The yields of turmeric and black pepper ethanolic extracts (TM and BP) are 18.2 and 8.2% (w/w), respectively. The EC50 values of A549 and NCI-H292 cells exposed to TM were 77.8 ㎍/㎖ and 92.0 ㎍/㎖, respectively. No significant cytotoxicity was observed up to the 400 ㎍/㎖ in the A549 and NCI-H292 exposed to BP. Based on the central composite design, the co-treatment of TM and BP enhanced the cytotoxicity of A549 and NCI-H292 cells. The optimal combination concentration (optimal EC50 value) of TM and BP calculated by the response surface methodology assay were 48.5 and 241.7 ㎍/㎖. The conbination index assay confirmed that the cytotoxic effect at optimal combinatino concentration was due to the synergistic effect. Conclusion : We hypothesized that co-treatment of TM and BP enhanced cytotoxicity more than single treatment of TM against lung cancer cells, and cell death at this time may synergetic cytotoxicity effects associated with curcumin metabolism.

천연물 유래 단일 성분의 지방세포로의 분화 및 지방축적 억제효과에 대한 잠재성을 탐색하기 위해 본 연구에서는 화살나무의 껍질에서 분리 정제한 FG가 3T3-L1 지방전구세포에 있어서 지방세포로의 분화 및 지방구 축적에 미치는 영향에 대해 평가하고, 관련 메카니즘에 대해 검토하였다. FG는 분화용 배지에 포함된 분화 촉진인자들의 자극에 의한 지방생성에 있어 주요한 전사인자인 PPARγ와 그 표적 단백질인 FABP4의 발현을 억제함으로써 지방세포 분화 및 지방구 축적을 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 이상의 결과로부터 FG가 비만이나 비만과 관련된 당뇨병 등을 예방, 개선하는데 유용한 물질로 사용될 가능성이 있을 것으로 생각된다.

화장품에 방부제(살균/보존제)로 사용되는 1, 2-hexanediol (HD)로 인한 부작용을 극복하기 위하여, Escherichia coli (E. coli)의 β-galactosidase (β-gal)를 이용하여 transgalactosylation 반응으로 1, 2-hexanediol galactoside (HD-Gal)를 합성하였다. 본 연구에서는 합성된 HD-Gal의 인간 피부세포에 대한 독성이 어느 정도인지를 HD와 비교하여 관찰하였다. HD-Gal과 HD의 세포독성은 인간 피부각질형성세포 (HaCaT cell line)에 HD와 HD-Gal을 처리한 후, cell proliferation assay를 이용하여 비교 분석하였다. 또한 이때, 위상차 현미경으로 HD-Gal과 HD로 처리한 세포의 상태를 비교 관찰하였다. 그 결과, HD-Gal은 42.2 mM에서 211 mM의 농도 범위에서 세포독성이 관찰되지 않았으며, 현미경 관찰에서도 큰 변화를 관찰할 수 없었다. 그러나, HD의 경우에는 저농도에서(42.2 mM and 84.4 mM)는 세포독성이 관찰되지 않았으나, 고농도 (168.8 and 211 mM)에서 매우 높은 세포독성을 나타내었고, 현미경 관찰에서는 고농도에서는 물론이고, 세포 독성이 관찰되지 않은 HD의 저농도에서도 세포모양과 세포 수에서의 변화가 관찰되었다. 앞으로 세포독성이 감소된 HD-Gal이 HD의 대체제로서 안전, 건강 및 웰빙 개념의 새로운 용도로 개발될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

A diarylheptanoid, (5S)-1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5- hydroxyheptane-3-one-5-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, named oregonin (1), was isolated from the of Alnus japonica (A. japonica), which is a species of the genus Betulaceae, growing throughout Korea, Japan and China. The structure was elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including negative and positive LC/MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR techniques or by comparison with authentic samples. In order to evaluate the anti-oxidative activities of oregonin (1) isolated from A. japonica, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and 2,2'-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] (ABTS) radical scavenging activity were measured in vitro. Oregonin from A. japonica exhibited potent DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. A. japonica shows not only 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity, but also apoptosis modulative effects. The present results indicate that A. japonica could be a hair-growth-promoting agent for cosmetic products.

In this study, a preliminary evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the Ficus erecta var. sieboldii (Miq.) King (FES) leaf extract has been performed to assess its potential as a natural resource for food and medicinal materials. FES was extracted using 70% EtOH and then fractionated sequentially using n-hexane, CH2Cl2, EtOAc, and n-BuOH. To screen for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents effectively, the inhibitory effect of the FES extracts on the production of oxidant stresses (DPPH, xanthine oxidase, and superoxide) and pro-inflammatory factors (NO, iNOS, COX-2, PGE2, IL-6, and IL-β) in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was examined. Among the sequential solvent fractions of FES, the CH2Cl2 and EtOAc fractions showed decreased production of oxidant stresses (DPPH, xanthine oxidase and superoxide), and the hexane and CH2Cl2 fractions of FES inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory factors (NO, iNOS, COX-2, and PGE2). The CH2Cl2 fraction also inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). These results suggest that FES has a significant effects on the production of oxidant stresses and pro-inflammatory factors and may be used a natural resource for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

대기 오염은 피부의 산화적 손상, 염증 및 노화를 일으킬 수 있다. 레스베라트롤은 폴리페놀 화합물의 일종으로 항산화, 항염증, 멜라닌 생성 억제 작용 등 다양한 생물학적 활성이 있는 한편 열과 빛에 약한 단점이 있다. 레스베라트릴 트라이아세테이트(RTA)는 레스베라트롤에 비해 안정하고, 피부 안전성과 미백 효능이 보고된 화장품 신소재이다. 본 연구의 목적은 직경 10 μ m 미만 대기 미립자 물질(PM10)에 노출된 인간 표피 각질형성세포(HEK)의 염증 반응에 대한 레스베라트롤과 RTA의 영향을 조사하기 위한 것이다. 배양된 HEK세 포를 레스베라트롤과 RTA의 유무 조건에서 PM10에 노출시키고, 세포 생존율, 반응성 산소종(ROS)의 생성 및 염증성 사이토카인의 발현을 분석하였다. PM10을 처리하였을 때 세포 생존율이 감소하였고 종양괴사인자- α(TNF-α), 인터루킨-1β(IL-1β), 인터루킨-6(IL-6) 및 인터루킨-8(IL-8)의 발현이 증가하였다. 레 스베라트롤과 RTA는 PM10으로 유도된 세포의 사멸과 ROS 생성을 경감시켰다. PM10에 의해 증가되는 여러 염증성 사이토카인의 발현은 레스베라트롤과 RTA에 의해 경감되거나(IL-6), 증진되거나(IL-1β), 변화하지 않았다(TNF-α 및 IL-8). PM10에 의해 유도된 IL-6단백질의 발현이 레스베라트롤과 RTA에 의해 감소되 었다. 본 연구의 결과는 레스베라트롤과 RTA가 대기 미립자 물질에 노출된 피부의 세포 손상과 염증 반응을 조절하는 작용이 있음을 시사한다.

만성적인 염증은 낭포성 섬유증, 암, 치매, 아토피성 질환, 비만 등과 같은 염증성 질환의 원인이 된다. 또한 염증의 발생단계에 관여하는 일부 신호물질은 피부조직의 손상과 노화에도 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있기 때문에 염증발생 매커니즘을 조절하기 위한 연구가 활발하게 이루어지고 있다. 최근에는 염증반응을 억제하거나 예방하기 위해, 몇몇 식물로부터 항염증 소재를 개발하려는 연구들이 이루어지고 있다. 특히 Stevia rebaudiana는 특유의 풍미를 가지는 천연감미료 스테비올배당체(steviol glycoside, SG)를 생성하는데, 일부 SG 에 대한 연구를 통해 염증억제 활성이 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 기존연구를 통해 항염증 효능이 있는 것으로 확인된 스테비오사이드, 리버디오사이드 A, 스테비올 이외에도 항염증 소재로 활용될 가능성이 있는 SG가 더 존재할 것으로 예상하였다. 이를 확인하기 위하여 우리는 S. rebaudiana에서 얻은 SG의 nitric oxide (NO) 생성억제활성을 RAW 264.7 세포주를 대상으로 스크리닝 하였다. 그 결과 steviol β-glucopyranosyl ester (SGE)가 동일한 농도 조건의 SG 중에서 가장 높은 억제활성을 보여주었다. 또한, interleukin-1α (IL-1 α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)와 같은 염증관련 인자의 mRNA 발현량 또한 농도의존적으로 감소시키는 것으로 확인되었다. 이러한 연구결과를 통해 SGE는 마우스 대식세포인 RAW 264.7 세포에서 항염증 활성 및 NO 생성 억제 효과가 있음을 확인하였다. 이를 통하여 SGE가 항염증 소재로 활용될 잠재성이 있음을 확인하였다.

본 연구의 목적은 토종다래의 용매별 추출물에 따른 약리활성에 대한 검증 및 효능 평가로서 토종다래의 항산화, 항염증에 대한 효과를 확인하였다. 염증 반응은 자극이 가해지면 histamine, serotonin, prostaglandin과 같은 혈관 활성물질에 의해 혈관 투과성이 증대되어 염증을 유발하고 cytokine, free radical, lysosomal enzyme 등 다양한 매개 인자가 관여한다. 자극에 의한 macrophage cell의 염증반응은 tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1β(IL-1β)와 같은 pro-inflammatory cytokine의 발현이 유도되고, inducible nitric oxide synthase(i-NOS)와cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)에 영향을 받는 유전자의 발현을 자극하게 되어 nitric oxide(NO) 등의 염증 인자가 생성된다. 이에 따라 토종다래 추출물의 항염증에 대한 연구를 위해 이에 영향을 주는 인자인 i-NOS, COX-2의 단백질 발현억제 작용을 확인하였다. 그 결과, HKE > HKA > HKW 순서로 높은 효능을 확인 할 수 있었다. 가장 효과가 좋은 HKE 처리군에서 다양한 염증성 인자의 mRNA 발현량을 확인하였다. 측정 결과, HKE(2,000 μg/mL)는 i–NOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α mRNA 발현이 각각 93.2%, 27.9%, 96.4%, 89.4%, 73.9% 억제되는 효과를 확인할 수 있었다. 또한, HKE의 nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) 단백질 발현에 농도의존적으로 유의미한 결과를 확인하였으며, 이에 토종다래의 항염증효과는 LPS에 의한 TLR4의 자극에서 NF-κB 경로의 완화로 나타는 것임을 검증하였다. 결론적으로 토종다래는 70% ethanol 추출물(HKE)의 항염증 효과가 가장 높았으며, HKE는 대식세포에서 NF-κB 염증관련 경로의 억제로 세포 내 mRNA 및 단백질 수준에서의 염증인자들의 생성을 저해하여 항염증 효과가 명백히 확인되었다. 향후 본 연구팀은 토종다래의 항염증과 관련된 유효성분의 분리정제 및 구조분석을 진행할 예정이다.

본 연구는 LPS로 유도된 RAW 264.7 세포에서 다양한 약용식품으로 사용되고 있는 올리브 잎과 가지 추출물의 항염증 효과를 확인하였다. 올리브 잎과 가지 추출물은 각각 RAW 264.7 세포에 대하여 세포독성을 나타내지 않았고, LPS 자극에 의한 NO 및 PGE2 생성을 농도 의존적으로 억제했다. 또한, 올리브 추출물은 LPS 자극으로 분비된 TNF-α, IL-1β 및 IL-6의 전염증성 cytokine의 분비량을 억제하였으며, 특히 200 μg/mL 농도에서 올리브 가지 추출물이 잎 추출물 보다 IL-6를 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. 대표적인 염증 관련 신호 전달 경로 인자인 iNOS 및 COX-2의 발현을 검토한 결과 올리브 추출물은 iNOS의 발현을 농도의존적으로 현저히 감소시키는 것으로 관찰되었으나, 각각의 올리브 추출물이 COX-2 발현에는 영향을 미치지 않은 것으로 관찰되었다. 이와 같은 결과는 올리브 각 부위별 추출물은 모두 iNOS 및 NO 조절 경로를 조절하는 것으로 사료되나 iNOS 및 COX-2 단백질 발현은 병립적이지 않을 수 있음을 제시하고 있다. 본 연구 결과로 올리브 추출물이 독성과 부작용이 적은 항염증 효능을 가진 기능성 화장품 소재로써 개발 가능성이 있다고 사료된다.

Lung cancer, the most common malignant disease worldwide, is the predominant cause of cancer deaths, particularly amongst men. Therefore, various researchers have focused on the growth inhibitory effects of medicinal plants used in traditional Korean medicine. This study aimed to investigate the growth inhibitory effects of ethanol extracts of Rubiae radix, Inulae flos, Nelumbinis receptaculum, Astilbe radix, and Lagerstroemia flos on NCI-H1229 cells. Method and Results: The viability of NCI-H1229 cells was evaluated in vitro using an MTS assay. Treatment with the ethanol extracts of the selected medicinal plants at 500 ㎍/㎖ reduced NCI-H1229 cell viability and increased apoptotic cell death and caspase-3 activation. In addition, treatment with ethanol extracts of Inulae flos and Astilbe radix increases DNA fragmentation, as measured by the TUNEL assay. Conclusions: These results indicated that ethanol extracts of Rubiae radix, Inulae flos, Nelumbinis receptaculum, Astilbe radix, and Lagerstroemia flos exhibited growth inhibitory effects, inducing apoptotic cell death, DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation in NCI-H1229 cells. Therefore, these medicinal plant extracts may be used in the development of natural medicines to inhibit the growth of lung cancers. However, further study is needed to determine the active ingredients of the ethanol extracts from medicinal plants that are reposible for the inhibitory effect on lung cancer cell grwoth.

Background : The soil-borne ascomycete fungus Ilyonectria rdicicola species complex is commonly associated with root rot disease symptoms in ginsneg. Its virulence has been attributed, among other factors, to the activity of hydrolytic cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDE). Methods and Results : To establish a rapid and accurate detection of Ilyonectria rdicicola, a species-specific primer was developed based on the putative genes of cell wall–degrading enzyme (pectinase, polygalactose, xylanase, xylosidase). Species-specific primer based on the DNA sequences of gene amplified about 200 - 300 bp polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product for Ilyonectria mors-panacis. Conclusion : The primer pair yielded the predicted PCR product size exactly in testing with target pathogen DNAs, but not from the other species of Ilyonectria and species of other phytopathogenic fungi. The primer pair also showed only the species-specific amplification curve on realtime PCR on target pathogen DNA. The detection sensitivity of real time PCR using species-specific primer pair was 10 to 100 times higher than conventional PCR, with 1 to 10 pg/㎕. The approach outlined here could be further utilized as a rapid and reliable tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of the root rot of ginseng.

Background : This study aimed to determine the anti-osteoclastogenic effects of extracts from CK berry’s and identify the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Methods and Results : Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signal mediators in osteoclast differentiation. AM extracts inhibited ROS production in RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited strong radical scavenging activity. The extracts also attenuated the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated osteoclasts. To attain molecular insights, the effect of the extracts on the signaling pathways induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) were also investigated. RANKL triggers many transcription factors through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ROS, leading to the induction of osteoclast-specific genes. The extracts significantly suppressed RANKL-induced activation of MAPKs, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, and consequently led to the downregulation of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) protein expression which ultimately suppress the activation of the osteoclast-specific genes, cathepsin K, TRAP, calcitonin receptor, and integrin β3. Conclusion : In conclusion, our findings suggest that AM extracts inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by downregulating ROS generation and inactivating JNK/ERK/p38, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated c-Fos and NFATc1 signaling pathway.

Background : Vaccinium oldhamii is a Korean native tree, which is deciduous and shrub tree with broad leaf. It was used primarily for edible or medicinal purposes for bladder infection in Korea and China. In addition, it has been reported to be used for treating inflammation, gonorrhea, vomiting, diarrhea and eruption. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of the branch of Vaccinium oldhamii and elucidated the potential mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Methods and Results : In the comparative experiment for the inhibitory effect of the plant parts from Vaccinium oldhamii such as fruits, leaves and branches on NO production, we observed that the branch extracts showed the highest inhibitory effect. Thus, the further study was performed using the branch of Vaccinium oldhamii (VOB). VOB did not affect iNOS expression but significantly IL-1β expression, which indicates that VOB may block NO production through the inhibition of IL-1β expression. In elucidation of the potential mechanisms for anti-inflammatory effect, VOB inhibited the degradation of IκB-α which results in the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. In addition, VOB suppressed the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. Conclusion : These results indicate that VOB may exert anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling. From these findings, VOB has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

Background : Hibiscus syriacus is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub, found throughout eastern and southern Asia. The root of H. syriacus has been used in Asian folk medicine as a fungicide, antipyretic, and anthelmintic in the treatment of dysentery, eczema, tinea, and scabies. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of 70% ethanol extracts of root from Hibiscus syriacus (RHS-E70) and elucidated the potential mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Methods and Results : RHS-E70 dose-dependently suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, RHS-E70 attenuated LPS-mediated overexpression of iNOS and IL-1β. In elucidation of the potential mechanisms for anti-inflammatory effect, RHS-E70 inhibited the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IκB-α, which results in the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. In addition, RHS-E70 suppressed the activation of ERK1/2 and p38, which results in the inhibition of ATF2 phosphorylation and subsequent ATF2 nuclear accumulation. Conclusion : These results indicate that RHS-E70 may exert anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling. From these findings, RHS-E70 has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

Background : Mistletoe has been used as the herbal medicine to treat hypertension, diabetes mellitus, inflammation, arthritis and viral infection. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of extracts of branch from Taxillus yadoriki being parasitic in Neolitsea sericea (TY-NS-B) using in vitro model. Methods and Results : TY-NS-B significantly inhibited LPS-induced secretion of NO and PGE2 in RAW264.7 cells. TY-NS-B was also observed to inhibit LPS-mediated iNOS COX-2 expression. In addition, TY-NS-B attenuated production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β induced by LPS. TY-NS-B blocked LPS-mediated inhibitor of IκB-α, and inhibited p65 translocation to the nucleus and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, TY-NS-B reduced the phosphorylation of MAPKs such as p38 and JNK, but not ERK1/2. In addition, TY-NS-B increased ATF3 expression and ATF3 knockdown by ATF3 siRNA attenuated TY-NS-B-mediated inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediator expression. Conclusion : Collectively, our results suggest that TY-NS-B exerts potential anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling activation, and increasing ATF3 expression. These findings indicate that TY-NS-B could be further developed as an anti-inflammatory drug.

Background : Obesity, a global health problem and a chronic diseases, is associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart diseases. A wide variety of natural remedies have been explored for their obesity treatment potential. To elucidate the anti-obesity effect of ginsenoside Rg5 : Rk1 (Rg5 : Rk1), a mixture of protopanaxadiol type ginsenosides isolated from Panax ginseng Meyer in a 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods and Results : In order to determinate the anti-obesity effect of Rg5 : Rk1, Oil Red O staining and triglyceride (TG) content was assessed. Furthermore, to elucidate the possible mechanism whether Rg5:Rk1 affects lipid accumulation, mRNA and protein expression analyses of adipocyte markers such as STAT3, PPARγ, CBEPα and ap2 were carried out. Rg5:Rk1 treatment showed an inhibition of lipid droplet accumulation and decrease on TG content. In addition, expression of STAT3, PPARγ, CEBPα and ap2 were decreased in dose dependent manner. Similar to these results, Rg5:Rk1 treatment reduced PPARγ and CEBPα protein expression. Conclusion : Rg5 : Rk1 treatment exhibits anti-adipogenic activity by down-regulation of the STAT3PPARγ/CEBPα pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell line.