Taraxaci Herba has long been used in herbal medicine for their choleretic, anti-heumatic and diuretic properties. In the present study, we investigated the effects of origin plants of Taraxaci Herba, Taraxacum coreanum Nakai, as an anti-inflammatory agent in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced microglial activation in BV2 cells. NNMBS273, the EtOH extracts of roots T. coreanum was examined for anti-neuronal inflammatory activity as new drug development. The roots of T. coreanum, showed the potent anti-neuroinflammatory effects on LPS-induced inflammation in microglial BV2 cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS273, the EtOH extracts of roots T. coreanum was demonstrated by the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including pro-inflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β). These results suggest that the roots T. coreanum may be a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases related to neuroinflammation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stachys affinis tubers are known for its high content of stachyose and eaten as an edible vegetable. In this work, we assessed on the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation activity of a various type of extracts derived from S. affinis tubers. The n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions were showed the high cytotoxicity on the cell lines including RAW264.7 macrophages, HEK293 human kidney cell, A549 human lung cancer cell, KB human oral cancer cell, and a PC-3 human prostate cancer cell. N-butanol and water fractions were not exhibited cytotoxicity on the tested cancer cells, limited in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Nevertheless, the ethyl acetate fraction showed little harm to RAW264.7 cells but inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) significantly. In addition, it arrests the cell growth in A549, KB, and PC-3 cell while little cytotoxicity on HEK293 cells. Consequently, these results supported that the ethyl acetate fraction of S. affinis tubers could be a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer ingredient.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Tenebrio molitor. Macrophage cell response by outside stimulation leads expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and trigger expression of genes which are affected by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in formation of inflammatory factors like nitric oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. In order to investigate anti-inflammatory agents, the inhibitory effects on the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO in RAW 264.7 cells were examined. T. Molitor significantly decreased the production of NO in a dose-dependent manner, and also reduced the expression of iNOS, a COX-2 protein. As a result, the levels of protein such as PGE2, iNOS, COX-2 and MARKs were significantly reduced compared to non-treated group in T. Molitor water extract (TDW) treated group. Also, antioxidant effect of T. Molitor were investigated using DPPH, ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests in cell-free system. Antioxidant activity of T. molitor was found low in the DPPH radical scavenging test while high in the ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests. These results show that TDW could be an effective anti-pro-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.

Background : Tooth vitality is reflected by the health of dental pulp. Schisandrin C is a natural compound extracted from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The role of Schisandrin C on human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) has not been studied yet. This study examined the properties of Schisandrin C as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compound, and whether its characteristics promote mitochondrial biogenesis in HDPCs. Methods and Results : HDPCs were extracted from fresh third molars and cultured. Reactive oxidative stress (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) formation were analyzed by a Muse cell analyzer. Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to identify the presence of anti-oxidants, as well as inflammatory and mitochondrial biogenesis. Confocal microscopy was used for the detection of mitochondrial activity. Schisandrin C inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory molecules; intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2/9), NO production, ROS formation and the mitogen-activated protein (MAPK) pathway through minimizing the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) translocation. Schisandrin C increased the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1a) through the phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) pathways. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Schisandrin C promoted mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions : These results suggest that Schisandrin C may be used as an anti-inflammatory compound to reduce oral inflammation such as pulpitis.

Background: Sedum takesimense Nakai has been used as folk medicine in Korea. The present study aimed to determine the biological activity of S. takesimense by investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of S. takesimense water extract (SKLC) on the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells. Methods and Results: Cytotoxicity of SKLC on RAW 264.7 cells was determinded by performing MTS assay was found to have no cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells at a concentration range of 62 - 500 ㎍/㎖. Further, pretreatment of SKLC inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner. To determined the inhibitory mechanisms of SKLC on inflammatory mediators, we assessed the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygnease-2 (COX-2) pathways. The activities of these pathways were decreased in a dose-dependent manner by SKLC. The production of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β‚ and IL-6 were also reduced. Conclusions: These results suggest that the down regulation of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β‚ and IL-6 expression by SKLC are mediated by the down regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, a transcription factor necessary for pro-inflammatory mediators. This might be the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of SKLC.

다양한 제품들에 사용되고 있는 천연물 소재들의 효능에 대한 체계적이고 과학적인 증거자료와 임상자료는 매우 부족한 실정이다. 이러한 천연물 소재의 과학적 연구는 국 민보건과 건강증진을 위한 다양한 제품개발의 기초자료로 활용할 수 있는 중요한 자료이다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 보리순 추출물을 이용하여 기능성 천연물 소재로서의 가능 성을 검토하였다. 항염증 활성을 조사하기 위해서 대식세 포 RAW264.7에 LPS로 자극시켜 유도된 염증반응에서 보 리순 에탄올 추출물의 매개체 억제 효과를 수행하였고 oxazolone을 이용하여 hairless 마우스에 접촉성 피부염을 유도하여 보리순 추출물의 항염 효과를 확인하였다. 연구 의 결과에서, LPS로 자극한 RAW264.7 세포에서 COX-II, iNOS와 같은 염증성 매개체뿐만 아니라 염증성 사이토카 인의 생성 및 발현이 보리순 에탄올 추출물에 의하여 현저 히 억제됨을 확인하였다. 이러한 보리순 에탄올 추출물의 억제효과는 IκB의 분해반응을 억제함으로써 NF-κB의 핵 으로 이동을 억제하여 신호전달체계를 불활성화시키는 것 과 관련이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 보리순 에탄올 추출 물은 NF-κB의 상위 신호전달경로인 MAPKs에도 영향을 미치는 것으로 증명되었다. 대식세포에서의 실험결과를 토 대로 hairless 마우스에 oxazolone으로 접촉성 피부염을 유 발시킨 모델에서 보리순 에탄올 추출물을 처리하여 2주간 피부 병변을 관찰한 결과 염증반응이 현저히 감소됨을 확인 하였다. 이상의 결과에서 보리순 추출물이 항염증 효능을 가진 천연물 소재로서의 가능성을 제시하고 있다. 기존 연 구에 의하면, 보리 추출물에는 항산화 효과가 뛰어난 폴리 페놀류인 루테오린(luteolin), 사포나린(saponarin) 등이 풍 부하며, 항염증 효과가 우수한 페루릭산(ferulic acid), 루토 나린(lutonarin), 그리고 각종 비타민, 미네랄 등이 풍부하다 고 알려져 있다. 또한 superoxide와 hydroxyl 라디칼 생성을 억제할 수 있는 2"-O-glycosylisovitexin이 함유되어 있는 것으로 밝혀졌다. 이러한 성분들에 의하여 보리순 추출물 의 항염 효과가 나타날 것으로 생각된다. 다양한 염증성 질환에서 여러 매개체들의 과도한 발현이 그 질환의 원인임 을 생각해 볼 때 보리순 추출물은 항염증에 관련된 여러 제품들에서 다양하게 활용할 수 있는 천연물 소재가 될 것으로 판단되며 앞으로 보리순 추출물에서 항염 효과를 나타내는 유효화합물의 분리동정 및 생리활성평가에 대한 연구가 진행되어야 할 것으로 사료된다.

본 연구에서는 왕호장 열매 추출물(FSR)의 항염증 효과를 측정하였다. 왕호장 열매 추출물은 RAW 264.7 macrophage 세포에서 염증 사이토카인(1L-1β, IL-6, TNF-α)의 발현을 억제하였으며, 농도 의존적으로 NO 생성을 억제하고, 그 효과는 100 µg/mL 농도에서 51%로 나타났다. 뿐만 아니라, iNOS와 COX-2의 mRNA와 단백질 발현을 모두 억제함을 확인하였다. 따라서 왕호장 열매 추출물은 항염증 효능을 갖는 화장품 소재로서의 개발 가능성이 클 것으로 기대된다.

새로운 항염증 및 미백 소재를 찾기 위해서, 본 연구에서는 6가지 한약재 추출물(유자, 상백피, 오미자, 율무, 당귀, 고삼)을 Streptococcus thermophilus에 의해 발효한 발효분말의 미백 및 항염증 효과를 피부섬유아세포에 대한 피부독성, 산화질소 생성, tyrosinase 활성, 멜라닌 형성의 저해 효과를 측정함으로써 평가하였다. 발효물은 37 ℃에서 2일 동안 Streptococcus thermophilus에 의해 발효한 후, 동결건조에 의해 발효분말을 제조하였다. 발효분말은 피부섬유아세포에 대해 500 μg/mL의 농도에서 cytopathic effect reduction 방법을 사용하면서 측정하였을 때 세포독성을 나타내지 않았다. 또한 발효분말은 Griess reagent system을 사용하면서 산화질소 생성에 대한 저해 효과를 나타내었다. 더욱이 발효분말은 tyrosinase 활성에 대한 저해 효과가 농도의존적으로 나타났다. 발효분말은 배양액으로부터 멜라닌 생성에 대해 유의적인 저해를 나타내었다(p < 0.05). 그러므로 이러한 자료로부터 발효분말은 항염증 및 미백 효과를 갖는 것으로 나타났으며, 화장품을 위한 효과적인 성분으로써 사용가능할 것으로 사료된다.