Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by the progressive degradation of joint cartilage and is accompanied by secondary inflammation of synovial membranes. The purpose of this study describes a preliminary evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity on test material of Litsea japonica. fruit (LJTM) Also, this study was to evaluate the effects of LJTM on the joint cartilage of rat with OA induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). To study for anti-inflammatory agents effectively, we first examined the inhibitory effect of the LJTM on the production of pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. We identified anti-nociceptive effects of the LJTM by using in vivo peripheral and central nervous pain models. In addition, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on mRNA expression of MMP-2, -3, -7, -9, -13, TIMP-1 and –2 in cartilage of OA. In the LJTM inhibited production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). In cartilage, Expression of MMPs and TIMPs mRNA was suppressed in LJTM treatment group than in the control group. This study suggests that LJTM are potential candidates as anti-inflammation and anti-osteoarthritis agents (painkillers) for the treatment of OA.

This study describes a preliminary evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Acrosorium yendoi Yamada extracts. A. yendoi Yamada was extracted using 80% ethanol and then fractionated sequentially with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol. To screen for anti-inflammatory agents effectively, we first examined the inhibitory effect of 80% EtOH extract and solvent fractions of A. yendoi Yamada on the production of pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. In addition, we examined the inhibitory effect of 80% EtOH extract and solvent fractions of A. yendoi Yamada on pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, iNOS, PGE2, and COX-2) in RAW 264.7 cells. In the sequential fractions of n-hexane and EtOAc inhibited the NO and PGE2 production and the protein level of iNOS and COX-2, and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, and IL-6). These results suggest that A. yendoi Yamada may have significant effects on inflammatory factors and may be provided as possible anti-inflammatory therapeutic seaweed.