Ginsenosides from Korean Red Ginseng ameliorate lung inflammatory responses: inhibition of the MAPKs/NF-κB/c-Fos pathways

Ginsenoside Rg3 suppresses mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation via mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Background

Ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) is the major bioactive ingredient of Panax ginseng and has many pharmacological effects, including antiadipogenic, antiviral, and anticancer effects. However, the effect of G-Rg3 on mast cell–mediated allergic inflammation has not been investigated.

Method

The antiallergic effects of G-Rg3 on allergic inflammation were evaluated using the human and rat mast cell lines HMC-1 and RBL-2H3. Antiallergic effects of G-Rg3 were detected by measuring cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), detecting calcium influx, and using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and in vivo experiments.

Results

G-Rg3 decreased histamine release from activated mast cells by enhancing cAMP levels and calcium influx. Proinflammatory cytokine production was suppressed by G-Rg3 treatment via regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases/nuclear factor-kappa B and receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIP2)/caspase-1 signaling pathway in mast cells. Moreover, G-Rg3 protected mice against the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock.

Conclusion

G-Rg3 may serve as an alternative therapeutic agent for improving allergic inflammatory disorders.

Methanol extract of Guettarda speciosa Linn. inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators through the inactivation of Syk and JNK in macrophages

Guettarda speciosa Linn. (G. speciosa, Rubiaceae) has been used as a traditional medicinal plant in Asia for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, including cough, fever and maternal postpartum infection. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti‑inflammatory action of G. speciosa extracts have remained elusive. In the present study, the anti‑inflammatory effects of the methanol extract of G. speciosa (MGS) were investigated in murine macrophages by measuring the production of inflammatory mediators and the underlying mechanisms of action by performing immunoblotting analysis of proteins that are potentially involved. MGS reduced nitric oxide (NO) production through regulation of the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in lipopolysaccharide‑activated RAW 264.7 cells; however, cyclooxygenase‑2, the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin E2 production, was not affected at the mRNA or protein level. MGS reduced interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) production, but had no effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α production. In addition, MGS suppressed the transcription of IL‑6, but not that of IL‑1β and TNF‑α. The effect of MGS on proinflammatory mediators resulted from the inhibition of the activation of spleen tyrosine kinase and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase. In conclusion, the present study suggested that MGS may be a potential candidate for development as a therapeutic for alleviating inflammation.