Anti-inflammatory effects of Scutellaria baicalensis water extract on LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Inhibition of Inflammatory Response by Artepillin C in Activated RAW264.7 Macrophages

Artepillin C (3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) is the main bioactive component of Brazilian green propolis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of artepillin C on LPS + IFN- γ - or PMA-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT and LDH assays. The radical scavenging ability was determined using DPPH(•) and ABTS(•+). ROS and RNS generation was analyzed by chemiluminescence. NO concentration was detected by the Griess reaction. The release of various cytokines by activated RAW264.7 cells was measured in the culture supernatants using a multiplex bead array system based on xMAP technology. NF- κ B activity was confirmed by the ELISA-based TransAM NF- κ B kit. At the tested concentrations, the compound did not decrease the cell viability and did not cause the cytotoxicity. Artepillin C exerted strong antioxidant activity, significantly inhibited the production of ROS, RNS, NO, and cytokine IL-1 β , IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-12p40, IL-13, IL-17, TNF- α , G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1 α , MIP-1 β , RANTES, and KC, and markedly blocked NF- κ B expression in stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Our findings provide new insights for understanding the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of artepillin C and support the application of Brazilian green propolis in complementary and alternative medicine.

Inhibitory effect of skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) extract on ovalbumin permeation in vitro and in vivo

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (skullcap) has been widely used as a dietary ingredient. The purpose of this study was to reveal novel function of skullcap and its mechanism on allergen permeation in intestinal epithelial cells. Intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of skullcap on ovalbumin (OVA) permeation by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the quantity of permeated OVA. TEER increased and the OVA flux decreased in a dose-dependent manner through up-regulating tight junction-related proteins in cells incubated with increasing concentrations of skullcap extract. In the in vivo study, the amounts of OVA from orally ingested albumen reduced on administration of the skullcap extract. We also revealed for the first time that the active component of skullcap extract for inhibition of OVA permeation was baicalein. These findings demonstrated that skullcap extract might attenuate a food allergic response by inhibiting allergen permeation in vitro and in vivo.

Hairy root culture: bioreactor design and process intensification

The cultivation of hairy roots for the production of secondary metabolites offers numerous advantages; hairy roots have a fast growth rate, are genetically stable, and are relatively simple to maintain in phytohormone free media. Hairy roots provide a continuous source of secondary metabolites, and are useful for the production of chemicals for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives. In order for hairy roots to be utilized on a commercial scale, it is necessary to scale-up their production. Over the last several decades, significant research has been conducted on the cultivation of hairy roots in various types of bioreactor systems. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various bioreactor systems, the major factors related to large-scale bioreactor cultures, process intensification technologies and overview the mathematical models and computer-aided methods that have been utilized for bioreactor design and development.

Immunomodulatory effects of Liriope platyphylla water extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse macrophage

The tuber of Liriope platyphylla Wang et Tang (Liliaceae), also known as Liriopis tuber, is famous in Oriental medicine owing to its tonic, antitussive, expectorant and anti-asthmatic properties. In the present study, the effects of Liriopis tuber water extract (LP) on proinflammatory mediators secreted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cultured RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were investigated. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and intracellular calcium release were measured after 24 h incubation. Various cytokines and nuclear transcription factors (NF-κB and CREB) of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 were measured by a multiplex bead array assay based on xMAP technology. LP (up to 200 μg/mL) significantly decreased levels of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, interferon-inducible protein-10, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, platelet derived growth factor, PGE2, intracellular calcium, NF-κB and CREB in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.05). The results suggest that LP has immunomodulatory activity to reduce excessive immune reactions during the activation of macrophages by LPS. Further studies are needed to verify the precise mechanism regulating immunomodulatory activities of LP.

The role of Nrf2 and apoptotic signaling pathways in oroxylin A-mediated responses in HCT-116 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and xenograft tumors

Oroxylin A is a flavonoid found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a herbal medicine commonly used as an antipyretic, analgesic, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory agent. It has recently been investigated for its anticancer activities in hepatoma, gastric, and breast tumors. Here, we investigated the antitumor effects of oroxylin A in human colon carcinoma HCT-116 cells in vitro and in vivo. We characterized the proapoptotic effect of oroxylin A using diamidino-phenyl-indole (DAPI) and annexin V/PI staining. We then found that both caspase-3 and caspase-9 were activated, the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased, and the expression of Bax protein increased after treatment with oroxylin A. In addition, oroxylin A increased nuclear transcription factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and induced Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus. Furthermore, we found that oroxylin A treatment elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and increased the protein expression level of two of the Nrf2 target genes heme oxygenase-1 and NADP(H):quinone oxidoreductase-1 in HCT-116 cells. Finally, our study demonstrated that oral administration of oroxylin A significantly decreased tumor volume and weight in immunodeficient mice that were inoculated with HCT-116 cells. The in-vivo chemopreventive efficacy of oroxylin A against HCT-116 human colon cancer was accompanied by its proapoptotic and Nrf2-inducing activities, which correlates with the in-vitro study. This is the first demonstration of oroxylin A-dependent chemoprevention in colon cancer and may offer a potential mechanism for its anticancer action in vivo.

Scutellaria baicalensis Extracts and Flavonoids Protect Rat L6 Cells from Antimycin A-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Antimycin A (AMA) damages mitochondria by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS formation, aging, and reduction of mitochondrial biogenesis contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study sought to investigate extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis and its flavonoids (baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin), whether they could protect mitochondria against oxidative damage. The viability of L6 cells treated with AMA increased in the presence of flavonoids and extracts of S. baicalensis. ATP production decreased in the AMA treated group, but increased by 50% in cells treated with flavonoids (except wogonin) and extracts of S. baicalensis compared to AMA-treated group. AMA treatment caused a significant reduction (depolarized) in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), whereas flavonoid treatment induced a significant increase in MMP. Mitochondrial superoxide levels increased in AMA treated cells, whereas its levels decreased when cells were treated with flavonoids or extracts of S. baicalensis. L6 cells treated with flavonoids and extracts of S. baicalensis increased their levels of protein expression compared with AMA-treated cells, especially water extracts performed the highest levels of protein expression. These results suggest that the S. baicalensis extracts and flavonoids protect against AMA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing ATP production, upregulating MMP, and enhancing mitochondrial function.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens Extract in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens extract on the production of inflammation-related mediators (NO, ROS, NF-κB, iNOS and COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Perilla frutescents (L.) Britton var. frutescens was air-dried and extracted with ethanol. The extract dose-dependently decreased the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and dose-dependently increased antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Also, Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens extract suppressed NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), NF-κB, iNOS and COX-2 were inhibited by the treatment with the extract. Thus, this study shows the Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens extract could be useful for inhibition of the inflammatory process.

Immunostimulatory effect of laminarin on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages

This study investigated the immunostimulatory effects of laminarin with respect to inflammatory mediators such as hydrogen peroxide, calcium, nitric oxide, various cytokines, transcription factors, and immune response gene in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Laminarin did not reduce the cell proliferation of RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL. Laminarin significantly increased the release of hydrogen peroxide, calcium, nitric oxide, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor with enhancing expression of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT3, c-Jun, c-Fos, and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in RAW 264.7 cells. The results suggest that laminarin has immunostimulatory properties, strengthening immune reactions via the transcription factor pathway in macrophages.

Antiallergic effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on inflammation in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs for the treatment of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic effect of SB in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received intradermal injections of anti-DNP IgE at each of three dorsal skin sites. Forty-eight hours later, each rat received an injection of DNP-HSA in saline containing 4% Evans blue through the dorsal vein of the penis. One hour before injection, SB extract was administered orally. The dorsal skin of the rats was removed and the pigment area measured. In addition, rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) were cultured and purified to investigate histamine release. In vitro, human mast cells (HMC-1) were pretreated with SB extract for 30min before stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187. The effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase expression were investigated using TNF-α and IL-8 assays, and Western blotting analysis of HMC-1 cells.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

SB treatment inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction compared to the control group, and histamine release decreased significantly following treatment of RPMCs with SB. In HMC-1 cells, SB restored IL-8 and TNF-α expression and inhibited MAP kinase expression in compound 48/80-induced HMC-1 cells. These data suggest that SB may prove to be a useful anti-inflammatory agent through its downregulation of the expression of various inflammatory mediators.

Proteomic Analysis of Effects on Natural Herb Additive Containing Immunoglobulin Yolksac (IgY) in Pigs

Thirty male pigs were infected orally with E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium, and divided into a control group and two additive groups to determine the effect of an additive mixture on the changes in protein expression. The pigs were given a food supplemented with a natural herbal additive containing immunoglobulin yolksac (IgY) at concentrations of 0.5% or 1%. On the 1st day and after eight weeks of feeding, the body weight gain, food intake and serum GOT/GPT levels were examined. The GOT/GPT levels on the 1st day were similar in the three groups. However, after eight weeks of feeding, the GOT level was significantly lower in the additive treatment groups (0.5% and 1.0%). In addition, the changes in the spleen proteome as a response to the herbal additive were examined using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of 31 differentially expressed protein spots were identified by comparing the protein profiles of the control and additive treated porcine spleens. Finally, 19 proteins were detected by MALDI-TOF/MS. Overall, the proteins detected are involved in a range of biological process, such as metabolic processes, biological processes, transport, carbohydrate metabolic processes, generation of precursors and energy. In conclusion, these results support of the hypothesis that a natural herbal additive containing IgY can affect the immune regulation system and reduce the stress of microbial infections.

Simultaneous determination of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A and chrysin of Radix scutellariae extract in rat plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A and chrysin in rat plasma, using naringin as an internal standard. After acidifying with HCl, plasma samples were pretreated by liquid-liquid extraction with acetone. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a Hypersil Gold-C(18) analytical column (2.1×150 mm, 5 μm) utilizing a gradient elution profile and a mobile phase consisting of (A) 0.1% formic acid in water and (B) acetonitrile. Detection was performed by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. All analytes showed good linearity over the investigated concentration range (r>0.9900). The lower limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/ml for baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and oroxylin A, and 1.0 ng/ml for baicalein and chrysin. Intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD%) were less than 15% and accuracy (RE%) ranged from -6.7% to 5.8%. The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the major flavonoids of Radix scutellariae extract after oral administration to rats.

Anti-inflammatory effect of myristicin on RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid

Myristicin (1-allyl-5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene) is an active aromatic compound found in nutmeg (the seed of Myristica fragrans), carrot, basil,cinnamon, and parsley. Myristicin has been known to have anti-cholinergic, antibacterial,and hepatoprotective effects, however, the effects of myristicin on virus-stimulated macrophages are not fully reported. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of myristicin on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-stimulated macrophages was examined. Myristicin did not reduce the cell viability of RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages at concentrations of up to 50 μM. Myristicin significantly inhibited the production of calcium, nitric oxide (NO),interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, interferon inducible protein-10, monocyte chemotactic protein(MCP)-1, MCP-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, and leukemia inhibitory factor in dsRNA[polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid]-induced RAW 264.7 cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion,myristicin has anti-inflammatory properties related with its inhibition of NO, cytokines,chemokines, and growth factors in dsRNA-stimulated macrophages via the calcium pathway.

Immunostimulatory effects of gold nanorod and silica-coated gold nanorod on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages

In this study, we have investigated immunostimulatory effects of gold nanorod (Au) and silica-coated gold nanorod (SiAu) concerned with inflammatory mediators such as calcium (Ca), hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide (NO), various cytokines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), transcription factors, and immune response gene in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Both Au and SiAu significantly increased the release of Ca, hydrogen peroxide, NO, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-3, TNF-α, RANTES, G-CSF, GM-CSF, LIF, MIP-2, VEGF, and PGE2 with enhancing expression of STAT1, STAT3, c-Fos, and COX-2 mRNA in RAW 264.7 cells. The results suggest that Au and SiAu have immunostimulatory properties to strengthen immune reactions via calcium-transcription factors pathway in macrophage.

Pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics properties of Radix Scutellariae and its bioactive flavones

Radix Scutellariae is the dried root of the medicinal plant Scutellariae baicalensis Georgi. It exhibits a variety of therapeutic effects and has a long history of application in traditional formulations as well as in modern herbal medications. It has been confirmed that flavonoids are the most abundant constituents and induce these therapeutic effects. Six flavones are proven to be the major bioactive flavones in Radix Scutellariae existing in the forms of aglycones (baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A) and glycosides (baicalin, wogonoside, oroxylin A-7-glucuronide). All six flavones are pharmacologically active and show great potential in the treatment of inflammation, cancers and virus-related diseases. The current review covers the preparation of the herb Radix Scutellariae, quantification of its major bioactive ingredients, and pharmacological effects of the proposed six bioactive flavones. In addition, this review summarizes the pharmacokinetic profiles of the bioactive flavones reported so far that could be used for further improvement of their pharmacokinetic study. Moreover, due to abundant co-occurring bioactive components in Radix Scutellariae, our review further documents the pharmacokinetic interactions among them.

Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced memory impairments and chronic lipopolysaccharide infusion-induced memory impairments

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Extracts of the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae) have been widely used to relieve fever related to bacterial infection and inflammatory diseases in traditional Korean medicine and have been reported to be effective in brain diseases. These experiments were conducted to examine the effects of oral administration of Scutellaria baicalensis extracts on the rescue of memory impairments induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion or chronic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of these effects were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the first experiment, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was induced in male Wister rats by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo). Daily administration of Scutellaria baicalensis extracts was started on 20 day after BCCAo and given for 40 days. A Morris water maze was then used to evaluate the status of the hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and hippocampal mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was examined in control rats, rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, and rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion that was administered Scutellaria baicalensis. In the second experiment, hippocampal microglial activation was induced by chronic infusions of LPS into the fourth ventricle of Fisher-344 rat brains. Daily administration of Scutellaria baicalensis extracts was started on 7 day after the surgery of LPS infusion and given for 32 days. Spatial memory and hippocampal microglial activation was then examined in control rats with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid infusion, rats with chronic LPS infusion, and rats with chronic LPS infusion that were administered Scutellaria baicalensis.

RESULTS

Rats that received chronic cerebral hypoperfusion or chronic LPS infusion showed spatial memory impairments relative to their control rats; however, these symptoms were reduced by daily administration of Scutellaria baicalensis. Administration of Scutellaria baicalensis mitigated alterations of hippocampal MAPK signaling by chronic cerebral infusion and microglial activation by chronic LPS infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that Scutellaria baicalensis may possess therapeutic potential for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Inhibition of inflammatory mediators by neobavaisoflavone in activated RAW264.7 macrophages

Flavonoids and coumarins are the major bioactive constituents identified in Psoralea corylifolia. The active fraction isolated from fruits, seeds and roots possesses antibacterial, antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties. Neobavaisoflavone is one of the flavonoids found in Psoralea corylifolia. In the present study we investigated in vitro the anti-inflammatory activity of neobavaisoflavone. Macrophages play an important role in inflammation through the release of inflammatory mediators involved in the immune response. Inappropriate and prolonged macrophage activation is largely responsible for the pathology of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Neobavaisoflavone significantly inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and cytokines: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, TNF-α in LPS+IFN-γ– or PMA– stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Protective effects of the aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis against acrolein-induced oxidative stress in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

CONTEXT

 Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae) (SbG), one of the fifty fundamental herbs of Chinese herbology, has been reported to have anti-asthmatic, antifungal, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities.

OBJECTIVE

 This study was designed to determine the protective effects of the extract of SbG against the acrolein-induced oxidative stress in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The MTT reduction assay was employed to determine cell viability. The total cellular glutathione (GSH) level was detected using a colorimetric GSH assay kit. Cellular GSH production was conducted by detecting the mRNA expression levels of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit and modifier subunit.

RESULTS

 Concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects of acrolein were observed while SbG could effectively protect the acrolein-induced oxidative damage. The protective mechanism was investigated, showing that the increased GSH content in the SbG-incubated HUVE cells was associated with the protective effects of SbG-treated cells. Further RT-PCR data confirmed the elevated mRNA expressions of GSH synthesis enzymes.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

 The current study strongly indicated that SbG could be a potential antioxidant against oxidative stress in treating cardiovascular diseases.

Antiinflammatory effects of Epimedium brevicornum water extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophages

Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (Berberidaceae) possesses estrogenic properties. It is one of the most widespread herbal remedies used in Oriental medicine. The present study investigated the effects of Epimedium brevicornum water extract (EB) on proinflammatory mediators secreted from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. EB significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-3, IL-10, IL-12p40, interferon-inducible protein-10, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL (p < 0.05). These results suggest that EB has antiinflammatory activity related to its inhibition of NO, cytokine, chemokine and growth factor production in macrophages.

Ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi prevents oxidative damage and neuroinflammation and memorial impairments in artificial senescense mice

Aging is a progressive process related to the accumulation of oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. We tried to find the anti-amnesic effect of the Scutellaria baicalens Georgia (SBG) ethanol extract and its major ingredients. The antioxidative effect of SBG on the mice model with memory impairment induced by chronic injection of D-galactose and sodium nitrate was studied. The Y-maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory function of mice. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and the content of malondialdehyde in brain tissue were used for the antioxidation activities. Neuropathological alteration and expression of bcl-2 protein were investigated in the hippocampus by immunohistochemical staining. ROS, neuroinflammation and apoptosis related molecules expression such as Cox-2, iNOS, procaspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, 8 and 9, bcl-2 and bax protein and the products of iNOS and Cox-2, NO, PGE2, were studied using LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells and microglia BV2 cells. The cognition of mice was significantly improved by the treatment of baicalein and 50 and 100 mg/kg of SBG in Y-maze test. Both SBG groups showed strong antioxidation, antiinflammation effects with significantly decreased iNOS and Cox-2 expression, NO and PGE2 production, increased bcl-2 and decreased bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in LPS induced Raw 264.7 and BV2 cells. We also found that apoptotic pathway was caused by the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway with the decreased cleaved caspase-9 and unchanged cleaved caspase-8 expression. These findings suggest that SBG, especially high dose, 100 mg/kg, improved the memory impairments significantly and showed antioxidation, antiinflammation and intrinsic caspase-mediated apoptosis effects.

Suppression of COX-2, IL-1β and TNF-α expression and leukocyte infiltration in inflamed skin by bioactive compounds from Rosmarinus officinalis L

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of extracts and purified compounds from fresh leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Pretreatment with the major anti-inflammatory compounds, carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS), inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced ear inflammation in mice with an EC(50) of 10.20 μg/cm(2) and 10.70 μg/cm(2), respectively. To further understand the anti-inflammatory mechanism of these compounds, we analyzed the in vivo expression of several inflammation-associated genes in mouse skin by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our data showed that CA and CS reduced the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α but had less effect on fibronectin and ICAM-1 expression. Interestingly, both compounds selectively inhibited COX-2 but not COX-1. Histopathological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained tissue revealed a marked reduction in leukocyte infiltration and epidermal ulceration of PMA-treated ears when ears were pretreated with ethanolic extracts or pure CA. In vitro, we showed that ethanolic extract, carnosic acid and carnosol significantly inhibited the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. For the first time in vivo, we showed that CA and CS differentially regulate the expression of inflammation-associated genes, thus demonstrating the pharmacological basis for the anti-inflammatory properties reported for CA and CS.

Screening test for anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of traditional Chinese herbal medicines

AIM

To evaluate the anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity of 50 traditional Chinese herbal medicines in order to provide the primary evidence for their use in clinical practice.

METHODS

A susceptibility test of water extract from 50 selected traditional Chinese herbal medicines for in vitro H. pylori Sydney strain 1 was performed with broth dilution method. Anti-H. pylori activity of the selected Chinese herbal medicines was evaluated according to their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

RESULTS

The water extract from Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae and Radix isatidis could significantly inhibit the H. pylori activity with their MIC less than 7.8 mg/mL, suggesting that traditional Chinese herbal medicines have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and can thus be used in treatment of H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSION

Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae and Radix isatidis are the potential sources for the synthesis of new drugs against H. pylori.

Comparison of Aqueous Plant Extracts before and after Fermentation with Lactobacillus Paracasei LS-2 on Cytokine Induction and Antioxidant Activity

This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects on the inflammation-related cytokines of plant extracts fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei LS-2 in comparison with the unfermented aqueous plant extract. Attempted have also been made to identify fermented plant extracts that display no cytotoxicity against murine macrophage cells, while still maintaining their biological characteristics. Most of the fermented plant extracts showed reduced cytotoxicity. Among the fourteen plant extracts tested, the fermented plant extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi increased the induction of antiinflammatory mediators; however, they were still cytotoxic. Interestingly, the plant extract of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. induced a dramatic increase in the induction of antiinflammatory mediators with no cytotoxicity through fermentation. Our findings suggest that fermented A. capillaris holds promise for use as a valuable natural non-cytotoxic antioxidant and immuno-modulating agent.