Recently, as a natural substance has been emphasized interest in research to enhance the immune function. Green lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular vegetable used fresh and it contains various phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds, and has been reported to have various physiological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor and anti-mutagenic. However, only a few studies have investigated on the mechanism of action of immune-enhancing activity of lettuce. Therefore, in this study, the immunomodulatory activities and potential mechanism of action of Green lettuce extracts (GLE) were evaluated in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. GLE significantly increased NO levels by RAW264.7 cells, as well as expressions of immunomodulators such as iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and MCP-1. Although GLE activated ERK1/2, p38, JNK and NF-κB, GLE-mediated expressions of immunomodulators was dependent on p38, JNK and NF-κB. In addition, TLR4 inhibition blocked GLE-mediated expressions of immunomodulators and activation of p38, JNK and NF-κB. Taken together, these results demonstrated that TLR4-MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathways participated in GLE-induced macrophage activation and GLE could be developed as a potential immunomodulating functional food.

Quercus mongolica (QM), which belongs to fagaceae, is one of the oak native to Korea. We evaluated the antiinflammatory effect of branches extracted with 70% ethanol of QM (QM-B) and elucidated the potential signaling pathway in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The QM-B showed anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of NO production. The QM-B dose-dependently suppressed NO production by inhibiting iNOS, COX-2 and IL-6 expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The QM-B inhibited the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB-α and NF-κB activation. The QM-B suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2. Also, the QM-B increased HO-1 expression. These results suggested that QM-B may utilize anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway and inducing HO-1 expression indicated that the QM-B can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory drugs.

Zanthoxylum piperitum D.C. (ZP) peels has been used as a natural spice and herb medicine for hypertension reduction, for strokes, and for its anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activity. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms employed by ZP have yet to be completely understood. In this study, we elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ZP in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. We evaluated the effects of ZP in LPS-induced levels of inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and caspase-1 using ELISA. The expression levels of inflammatoryrelated genes, including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were assayed by Western blot analysis. We elucidated the effect of ZP on nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by means of a luciferase activity assay. The findings of this study demonstrated that ZP inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokine and PGE2 and inhibited the increased levels of COX-2 and iNOS caused by LPS. Additionally, we showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of ZP arises by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and caspase-1 in LPS- induced RAW264.7 cells. These results provide novel insights into the pharmacological actions of ZP as a potential candidate for development of new drugs to treat inflammatory diseases.

Aralia cordata (A. cordata), which belongs to Araliaceae, is a perennial herb widely distributed in East Asia. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of stems (AC-S), roots (AC-R) and leaves (AC-L) extracted with 100% methanol of A. cordata and elucidated the potential signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The AC-L showed a strong anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of NO production. AC-L dose-dependently inhibited NO production by suppressing iNOS, COX-2 and IL-β expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AC-L inhibited the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB-α, which donated to the inhibition of p65 nuclear accumulation and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, AC-L suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38. These results suggested that AC-L may utilize anti-inflammatory activity by blocking NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway and indicated that the AC-L can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory drugs.

Honey used as conventional medicine has various pharmacological properties. In the honey and anti-inflammatory effect, Gelam honey and Manuka honey has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory activity. However, the anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanisms of acacia honey (AH) are not well understood. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action of AH in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AH attenuated NO production through inhibition of iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. AH also decreased the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α as pro-inflammatory cytokines, and MCP-1 expression as a pro-inflammatory chemokine. In the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms, AH decreased LPS-mediated IκB-α degradation and subsequent nuclear accumulation of p65, which resulted in the inhibition of NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 cells. AH dose-dependently suppressed LPS-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, AH significantly inhibited ATF2 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of ATF2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that AH has an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1 via interruption of the NF-κB and MAPK/ATF2 signaling pathways.

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 : In ancient, roots of Rumex crispus, called wooi-daehwang, were used for various symptoms and diseases like cough, phlegm, bronchitis and hepatitis, caused inflammatory. As a part of ongoing research to elucidate and characterize anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, solvent-partitioned fractions from R. crispus root were tested for their ability to suppress inflammation. In this study, NO synthesis inhibitory activity of solvent-partitioned fractions from R. crispus root on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated. Methods and Results : The EtOH extracts were suspended in water. The aqueous layer was further partitioned in diethylether, ethylacetate and n-butanol, sequentially. RAW264.7 cells were seeded onto 96-well plates, and cells were allowed to adhere for 6 h and then were pretreated with the R. crispus root extracts for 24 h. Cellular nitric oxide (NO) production was stimulated by adding lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Absorbance was measured at 520 ㎚ by microplate reader. NO synthesis inhibitory activity potential of these fractions was evaluated by assessing NO production by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in the presence and absence of the solvent-partitioned R. crispus root fractions. NO synthesis inhibitory activity of diethylether fraction diluted in 50 ㎍/㎖, 25 ㎍/㎖, 12.5 ㎍/㎖, 6.25 ㎍/㎖, 3.125 ㎍/㎖ was 79.2%, 70.9%, 59.5%, 16.1%, and 11.8%, respectively. And NO synthesis inhibitory activity range of another fractions, EtOAc, n-BuOH and aqueous layer, were 0 - 30.2%, 0 - 20.1% and 3.8 - 22.4%, respectively. Conclusion : From the above results, it showed that diethylether fraction have strong NO synthesis inhibitory activity, it was suggested that R. crispus root have NO synthesis inhibitory effects. R. crispus root possesses anthraquinones, such as chrysophanol, parietin, and anthrones etc. According to previous studies, R. crispus semen extract has analgesic and hepatoprotective effect as anti-inflammatory, and extract of R. napalensis has cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, COX-1 inhibitory and free radical scavenging effect. Our present study has shown that R. crispus root extracts anti-inflammatory effects probably by suppressing iNOS expressions, and resulting in the inhibition of NO synthesis.

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.

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.

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 : 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.

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.

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.

Spiraea prunifolia Sieb. et Zucc. var. simpliciflora Nakai (SSN) has been used for the anti-inflammation in traditional folk medicine. To compare water and methanol extracts of SSN, we analyzed major components using LC IT TOF MS. The major components of hot water extract were identified as caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid, but methanol extract was not well established. However, methanol extract was detected with less polarity compounds compared to hot water extract. Next, we investigated the inhibitory effects of SSN water extract on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response or H2O2-induced oxidative stress in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells. SSN strongly suppressed the production of nitric oxide in LPS-induced inflammatory response without cytotoxcity. The SSN possessed free radical scavenging activities such as DPPH (IC50=320.2 ㎍/㎖), ABTS (IC50=124.0 ㎍/㎖), and superoxide anion radical (IC50=122.6 ㎍/㎖). The total phenol and flavonoid content of SSN was 56.7 ㎎/g, and 15.1 ㎎/g, respectively. Furthermore, SSN decreased the H2O2-induced cytotoxicity by enhancing the cell viability, and SSN significantly reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Therefore, SSN may be recommended as an effective strategy to prevent and/or treat various inflammation and ROS-induced diseases.

스테비아(Stevia rebaudiana)는 남아메리카 지역이 원산지인 국화과 스테비아 속의 다년생 식물로 스테 비올(steviol)을 기본 구조로 하는 다양한 배당체가 존재하며 스테비오사이드(stevioside)와 리바우디오사이드 (rebaudioside) A 등이 주성분이다. 스테비올 배당체들은 설탕보다 단맛이 월등히 뛰어나 감미료로 널리 사용 되어지고 있다. 최근 여러 논문들에서 스테비올 배당체들이 미백 및 항염 효과 뿐 아니라 피부장벽 타이트정션 단백질 조절에 연관되어 있다는 보고가 있었다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 스테비올 배당체인 리바우디오사이드 A 의 항염 효과 연구를 통해 향후 아토피 피부염 개선 화장품 원료 개발 가능성을 확인하고자 하였다. 항염 연구를 위해 마우스 대식세포인 RAW264.7 세포를 이용하여 cell viability 및 염증 유발 사이토카인 mRNA 발현량을 분석하였다. 우선 cell viability 측정을 위해 cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay를 수행하였고 세포독성이 없는 최대 농도를 250 μ M로 설정하여 이후 모든 실험을 진행하였다. 리바우디오사이드 A의 염증 조절 기능 연구는 주로 정량적 real-time RT-PCR 방법을 이용하였다. LPS에 의해 활성화된 RAW264.7 대식세포에서 리바우디오사이드 A 처리 결과 LPS 처리군 대비 iNOS 발현량은 약 47% 감소하였고, COX-2 또한 41% 감소 하였다. 생성된 NO의 양 또한 농도 의존적으로 감소하였다. 대식세포를 LPS로 활성화시킨 조건에서 염증 관련 사이토카인 유전자인 interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6의 발현량 조절을 확인한 결과 사이토카인(IL-1α, 1β, 6) 발현이 LPS 처리군 대비 40%, 45%, 59%로 농도 의존적 유의성 있게 감소하였다. 결론적으로 스테비 올 배당체인 리바우디오사이드 A는 NO 생성 및 사이토카인 분비 억제를 통해 염증 반응을 저해하였다. 이러한 리바우디오사이드 A의 신규 항염증 조절 기능을 통해 아토피성피부염 개선 소재로의 개발이 기대된다.