본 연구에서는 당근 지상부 추출물 및 용매 분획물의 항염, 항균 활성을 확인하고 유효성분을 분리하여 화학구조를 동정하였다. 당근 지상부 에탄올 추출물 및 용매 분획물의 항염 활성을 측정하기 위해 LPS로 자극된 RAW 264.7 세포를 이용하여 NO 생성 억제 활성을 확인하였다. 그 중 에틸아세테이트 분획물이 NO의 생성을 농도 의존적으로 감소시키는 효과가 나타났고, 추가적인 항염 기전 연구를 위해 에틸아세테이트 분획물에 대해 PGE2, 전염증성 사이토카인의 생성량 및 iNOS, COX-2 단백질의 발현량을 측정하였다. 그 결과, 에틸아세테이트 분획물이 PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6의 생성을 감소시키고, iNOS, COX-2 단백질의 발현도 억제 시키는 효과가 있음을 확인하였다. 또한 표피포도상구균과 여드름균을 이용한 활성 실험 결과, 헥산 및 에틸아세테이트 분획물에서 항균 활성이 나타났다. 이와 같은 결과를 바탕으로 에틸아세테이트 분획물에 대해 컬럼 크로마토그래피를 수행하여 3개의 화합물을 분리하였으며, 1H 및 13C NMR 데이터 분석과 문헌을 통하여 화학구조를 동정하였다; diosmetin (1), disomin (2), cynaroside (3). 분리된 화합물 1-3에 대해 항염 및 항균 활성을 측정하였으며, 그 결과 화합물 1-3 모두 NO의 생성을 저해시키는 효과가 있음을 확인하였다. 또한 화합물 3은 여드름균에 대해 항균 활성이 우수하였다. 이상의 연구 결과를 바탕으로 당근 지상부 추출물을 이용한 항염 및 항균 효과를 갖는 천연 화장품 소재로의 개발이 가능할 것이라 사료된다.

Mushrooms have been widely cultivated and consumed as foods and herbal medicines owing to their various biological properties. However, few studies have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms. Here, we investigated the effects of mushroom extracts (MEs) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). First, we extracted MEs with either water or ethanol. Using LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, we measured cell proliferation and NO production. Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β was assessed by RT-PCR, and protein abundance of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and phosphorylation of p65 were determined by immunoblotting. MEs prepared using both water and ethanol inhibited LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. Nitric oxide (NO) levels induced by LPS were reduced by treatment with MEs. Isaria japonica Yasuda water extracts and Umbilicaria esculenta (Miyoshi) Minks ethanol extracts significantly decreased the mRNA expression of inflammation-related cytokine genes including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Similarly, the protein abundance of iNOS and COX-2 was also decreased. The phosphorylation of p65, a subunit of nuclear factor-κB was at least partly suppressed by MEs. This study suggests that mushrooms could be included in the diet to prevent and treat macrophage-related chronic immune diseases.

In this study, the anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts of different parts of Hovenia dulcis such as leaves, stems, and roots were investigated. Among them, the roots extract (RE) showed the most potent suppressive effect against pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage cells. RE induced dose-dependent reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and concomitantly reduced the production of NO and PGE2. Additionally, pre-treatment with RE significantly suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, as well as mRNA levels. Moreover, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) were also strongly attenuated by RE in RAW264.7 cell. Furthermore, RE induced HO-1 expression through nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increase HO-1 activity in RAW264.7 macrophages. Therefore, these results indicate that RE strongly inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses by blocking NF-kB activation, inhibiting MAPKs phosphorylation, and enhancing HO-1 expression in macrophages, suggesting that RE of H. dulicis and a major component, 27-O-protocatechuoylbetulinic acid could be applied as a valuable natural anti-inflammatory material.

Background: Atractylodes radix is a well-known medicinal crop having many physiological effects. This study was conducted to select useful Atractylodes japonica × Atractylodes macrocephala (AJM) cultivars by comparing anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory efficacies. Methods and Results: Seven extracts from AJM cultivars were used to treat lipopolysacchride (LPS)-treated BV2 cells, and the effects on cell viability and inhibition on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production were analyzed. In vitro scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and peroxynitrite (NOO−) radicals were also investigated. Contents of total phenol, atractylenolide I, and atractylenolide III in the AJM extracts were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or spectrophotometry. The experiments show that none of the seven extracts was cytotoxic above 89.2% at 20 - 250㎍/㎖. Extracts of Gowon, Dawon, Sangchul, and Huchul inhibited ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner, and Sangchul extract showed the highest inhibition on ROS production. All the AJM extracts showed effective inhibitory activity after on NO release in the LPS-treated BV2 cells, and Sangchul extract showed the highest activity. Sangchul extract had the most potent scavenging activities for NOO− and had some DPPH radical scavenging effect. Sangchul extract also had the highest content at total phenol and atractylenolide I content. Atractylenolide III was not detected in the AJM extracts. Conclusions: The results suggested that Sangchul was the most useful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory resource among the AJM cultivars.

Background : It is known that Platycodon grandiflorum has anti-inflammatory activity and inhibits the production of nitric oxide (NO) in inflammatory macrophages. But the change of bioactivity of platycodon grandiflorum according to steaming is not well known. In this study, We investigated the effects of steaming on anti-inflammatory activity of 70% ethanol extracts of platycodon grandiflorum. Methods and Result : The cytotoxicity of RAW264.7 cells treated with platycodon grandiflorum extracts was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the concentration of NO in culture supernatants were determined using nitric oxide (NO) assay. And western blotting was performed to quantify the expression of iNOS, a protein related to NO production. As a results, it was confirmed that no cytotoxicity was observed at 25, 50 and 100 ㎍/㎖ platycodon grandiflorum extracts in RAW264.7 cells. The production of NO and the expression of iNOS were induced by LPS and suppressed by all platycodon grandiflorum extracts in proportion to the number of steaming in RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion : These results suggest that a steaming process can increase anti-inflammatory activity of platycodon grandiflorum extracts.

Backgound : Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders that are characterized by intestinal epithelial inflammation and injury. Currently, the most employed therapies are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs; however, the side effects limit long-term effectiveness. Methods and Results : We evaluated the impact of glucose-lysine Maillard reaction products (Glc-Lys MRPs) on colitis, induced in rats by an administration of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. Glc-Lys MRPs ameliorate DSS-induced colitis, as determined by a decrease in disease. index activity, colon weight/length ratio, nitric oxide levels in serum, recovery of body weight loss, colon length and serum lysozyme levels. Furthermore, Glc-Lys MRPs increase the glutathione content and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and inhibit lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity in colon tissues. In particular, Glc-Lys MRPs suppress the mRNA level of the inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor-κB in colon tissues. Conclusion : This study suggests the potential of Glc-Lys MRPs in preventing or treating IBDs.

손바닥 선인장인 백년초와 천년초 열매의 75% 에탄올 추출물을 대상으로 무기물, 총 페놀 화합물 및 플라보노이드 함량을 조사하고, 항산화, 항염증 효과를 비교함으로써 손바닥 선인장에 대한 과학적 자료를 확보하고 기능성 원료소재로의 이용 가능성을 타진하고자 진행되었다. 총 무기물 함량은 백년초 열매 추출물이 천년초 열매 추출물에 비해 약 2배 정도 높았으며, 무기물 중에는 칼륨의 함량이 가장 높았다. 총 페놀 화합물과 플라보노이드 함량 모두 백년초 열매 추출물에서 더 높았고 항산화 활성 평가를 위한 DPPH와 ABTS 라디칼 소거능 역시 백년초 추출물이 천년초 추출물보다 더 우수하였다. 세포 독성을 확인하기 위해 대식세포에서 MTT assay를 수행한 결과, 800 μg/mL의 이하 농도까지는 세포의 생존율에 영향을 미치지 않는 것을 확인하였다. LPS로 염증반응을 유도시킨 세포에서 2종 추출물 모두 농도 의존적으로 NO 생성을 억제하였으나, ROS 생성 억제 효과는 백년초 열매 추출물에서만 유의성 있는 결과가 도출되었다. 또한 세포내에서 염증 유발과 직접적으로 관련이 있는 염증성 cytokine 3종(TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6)의 발현을 확인한 결과 백년초 열매 추출물은 LPS 처리에 의해 증가된 cytokine 중 TNF-α를 제외한 IL-1과 IL-6의 발현량을 유의성 있게 감소시켰다. 이상의 실험 결과들을 종합해 볼 때 천년초 열매 추출물에 비해 백년초 열매 추출물이 더 높은 항산화 및 항염증 활성을 가지는 것으로 확인되었으며, 추후 유효성분 추출을 통한 항염증 물질의 작용기전 연구와 염증 억제 성분의 분리 연구에 기초 자료가 될 것으로 사료된다.

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.

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.

This study was conducted to compare anti-inflammatory effect of Robinia pseudoacacia L. using different extraction methods (water extraction, ethanol extraction and high temperature extraction). We investigated anti-inflammatory effect of Robinia pseudoacacia L. extract (RP1, water extract; RP2, ethanol extract; RP3, high temperature extract) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation using Raw 264.7 cell. Cells were treated with various concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, 100 or 200 ㎍/㎖) of water extract, ethanol extract and high temperature extract. Cytotoxicity was not observed on Raw 264.7 cells, LPS-stimulated production of NO (nitric oxide), PGE2 (prostaglandin E2) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) was reduced by RP3 treatment more than RP1 and RP2. In conclusion, these results indicated that inflammation on Raw 264.7 cells was improved by RP3. Treatment of RP3 could be used to natural medicine for improving inflammatory response. However, further experiment is required to observe how the high temperature extraction at 500℃ for 48 h influences on alteration of active ingredient in Robinia pseudoacacia L., and conducts the inflammation signal pathway on Raw 264.7 cells.

본 논문은 가축의 면역 증진을 위한 천연 첨가제로서 좀민들레의 활용 가능성을 검토하고자 항산화 및 항염증 활성 평가를 실시하였다. 총 폴리페놀 및 플라보노이드 함량은 94.95, 86.33 mg/g으로 나타났고 DPPH, ABTS radical 소거능은 각각 100, 200 μg/mL의 농도에서 50%의 억제율을 보였으며, 1000 μg/mL에서 50%의 환원력을 나타냈다. LPS와 함께 처리한 Raw 264.7 cell에서는 좀민들레에 의한 세포 독성이 나타나지 않았으며 염증 매개 인자 NO와 염증성 사이도카인 IL-1β의 생성량을 유의하게 감소시켰다. 또한 염증성 단백질 발현량을 측정하기 위해 western blotting을 통해 확인한 결과, 400 μg/mL으로 처리하였을 때 LPS 처리구에 비해 염증성 단백질 발현 수준을 유의하게 감소시킨 것으로 확인되었다. 본 연구 결과, 좀민들레 추출물은 세포에 대한 독성이 없이 유의한 항산화 활성과 항염증 활성을 나타냄으로써 가축의 질병예방을 위한 면역 증진 및 생산성 향상에 기여할 수 있는 안전한 대체 천연 첨가제로 이용될 수 있다고 생각된다.

Hibiscus syriacus (H. syriacus) as the national flower of Korea has been used as the herbal medicine in Asia. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of 70% ethanol extracts from the root of Hibiscus syriacus (RHS-E70) and elucidated the potential signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. RHS-E70 dose-dependently suppressed NO production by inhibiting iNOS and IL-β expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. RHS-E70 inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, which contributed to the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, RHS-E70 suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, which results in the inhibition of ATF2 phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear accumulation. These results indicate that RHS-E70 may exert antiinflammatory activity by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK/ATF2 signaling. From these findings, RHS-E70 has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

Abeliophyllum distichum is a medicinal plant used in regional traditional medicine to relieve pain in inflammatory processes. In this study, anti-inflammatory effects of Abeliophyllum distichum flower (ADF) extract were examined. Furthermore, possible molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects were dissected. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in murine macrophage-like cell line Raw264.7 cells. The measurement of the induced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were carried out by ELISA. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and MAPK, and the nuclear expression of nuclear factor NF-κ B p65 were investigated by Western blot analysis. The extract of ADF significantly decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the extract suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK, and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in activated cells. Our findings provide evidence for the popular use of Abeliophylli distichum in inflammation around Goesan region and also suggest that the flower extract has potential therapeutic benefits against various inflammatory diseases.

Background: Inflammation plays an important role in various diseases, including ulcerative colitis, Behcet's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Morus alba L. extracts obtained using different extraction methods (water extraction or high temperature extraction) on RAW264.7 cells. Methods and Results: Extracts from the central part (including the heartwood, sapwood, cambiun, and phloem) and bark (including the periderm and cortex) of Morus alba L. were obtained using either water or high temperature extraction. The following extract were obtained: MA1, water extract from the central part of Morus alba L., MA2, high temperature extract from the central part of Morus alba L., MA3, water extract from the bark of Morus alba L., and MA4, high temperature extract from the bark of Morus alba L. None of these extracts was observed to be cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cells. The MA2 extract reduced the production of LPS-induced NO (nitric oxide), PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions: These results indicated that the inflammatory response was moderated by MA2. Treatment with MA2 could be used as a natural medicine for treating diseases involving inflammation. However, further experiments are required to determine how the high temperature extraction method alters the active ingredients in the extract and influences the anti-inflammatory effects of Morus alba L..

Background : Mahonia nepalensis DC. has been used as folk medicine in Vietnam. However, its biological activities have not yet fully understood. In the present study, crude extract from Mahonia nepalensis DC. was fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol (saturated of water). The extract and fractions of M. nepalensis DC., produced after a process of evaporating, were tested for anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Methods and Results : Total phenolic, total flavonoid contents of M. nepalensis DC. were analyzed while gallic acid and quercetin were used as standard, respectively. The antioxidant free radical scavenging activities of its stem crude extract and fractions were also evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reducing power assay. Results revealed that ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest total phenolic content, as well as DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power. Briefly, the highest level of total phenolic content (122.94 ± 4.93 ㎎·GAE/g) and reducing power (absorbance of 0.815 at 1 ㎎/㎖) was indicated in EtOAc fraction. It also possessed activity in DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 48.93 ± 0.59 ㎍/㎖), which was better than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50 = 125.25 ± 0.8 ㎍/㎖) and other fractions. In an anti-inflammatory response, the potential inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - stimulated RAW264.7 cells were found in EtOAc and BuOH fractions. The NO production was below 20% at a dose manner of 100 ㎍/ ㎖. Results showed higher potential anti-inflammatory effect of M. nepalensis DC. than some plants. Hence, it could be developed as a useful agent for treating of inflammatory diseases. Conclusion : These results demonstrated the highly potential effect on anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of M. nepalensis DC. Therefore, further studies are necessary in order to explore the variety of M. nepalensis stem to be applied as a valuable natural material.

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 : Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has been reported to exert an anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of inflammatory. However, inflammation-regulatory activity of wood-cultivated ginseng has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of wood-cultivated ginseng and elucidated the potential mechanisms in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Methods and Results : Inhibitory effects of the old wood-cultivated ginseng (WCG-O), young wood-cultivated ginseng (WCG-Y) and ginseng (G) on NO and PGE2 production were examined using the Griess assay and ELISA kit. Suppressive effects of WCG-O on inflammatory gene expression, transcriptional activation, and inflammation signaling events were investigated using Western blot analysis, RT-PCR analysis and luciferase activity reporter gene assay. WCG-O dose-dependently suppressed nitric oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, WCG-O attenuated LPS-mediated overexpression of iNOS and COX-2. In addition, WCG-O blocked the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In elucidation of the potential mechanisms for anti-inflammatory effect, WCG-O inhibited the activation of IκK-α/β, the phosphorylation of IκB-α, and degradation of IκB-α, which results in the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. In addition, WCG-O suppressed the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK, which results in the inhibition of ATF2 nuclear accumulation. Conclusion : These results indicate that WCG-O may exert anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling. From these findings, WCG-O has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for the inflammatory diseases.

The roots of Rosa multiflora Thunberg have been used in traditional oriental medicine as remedies for rheumatic arthralgia and scabies. In this study, the anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of a supercritical extract of Rosa multiflora root were investigated in vitro. To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the supercritical extract, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and the inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were examined, respectively. In addition, the anti-fungal activities of the extract were assessed. The results showed a concentration-dependent, increase in ABTS radical scavenging activity. The supercritical fluid extracts of Rosa multiflora root exhibited low toxicity to RAW 264.7 cells at 100 μg/mL the highest concentration tested. Cells stimulated with LPS produced more nitric oxide than normal control cells; however, cells treated with the supercritical fluid extract decreased this production in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, the supercritical fluid extracts showed significant anti-fungal activity. These results suggest that extracts of the roots of Rosa multiflora might be used to develop potent anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents, and may be useful as ingredients for related new functional cosmetic materials.

In this study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory effect of biji in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Biji inhibited the generation of NO and PGE2 through the suppression of iNOS and COX-2 expression. In addition, biji attenuated the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β induced by LPS. Biji blocked LPS-mediated IκB-α degradation and subsequently inhibited p65 nucleus accumulation in RAW264.7 cells, which indicates that biji inhibits NF-κB signaling. In addition, biji suppressed p38 phosphorylation induced by LPS. Our results suggests that biji may exert anti-inflammatory activity through blocking the generation of the inflammatory mediators such as NO, PGE2, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β via the inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and p38. From these findings, biji has potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.