Cardiospermum halicacabum ethanol extract inhibits LPS induced COX-2, TNF-alpha and iNOS expression, which is mediated by NF-kappaB regulation, in RAW264.7 cells

Combination of Cannabidiol with Taurine Synergistically Treated Periodontitis in Rats

The active component in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), was first isolated from the hemp plant in 1940. Chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, depression, and anxiety have long been treated with CBD. The fundamental mechanisms of CBD's effects on periodontal inflammation have yet to be fully understood. The amino sulfonic acid taurine is a substance that naturally exists in the body and is an inhibitory modulator of inflammation. This study examined the effects of CBD, taurine, and their combination on inflammatory cytokines and periodontitis in vivo. To assess the expression of inflammatory markers of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as TRAP count and resorbed pit areas, CBD and taurine were applied to RAW264.7 cells. The following groups of 45 Sprague-Dawley rats each were created: control (healthy), vehicle (induced periodontitis), low- and high-dose-CBD with taurine which were each treated for an additional 21 days. Rat teeth were obtained and subjected to histomorphometric studies. The combination of the two significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β and the amount of TRAP+ cells and resorbed pit areas. Among rats with P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis, the alveolar bone resorption levels, periodontal pocket depth, and distance between cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and alveolar bone crest (ABC) were significantly reduced after treatment with CBD and taurine, suggesting that combining CBD with taurine could be a novel therapeutic agent against periodontal disease.

Ethnopharmacological Perspective for Treatment of Epilepsy: An Updated Review

Plants have been used as healing agents since humanity began. This review presents the plant profiles inhabiting the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for the treatment of epilepsy. The bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing standard reference textbooks, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Search terms and keywords used for the search were epilepsy, medicinal plants for epilepsy, herbal remedies used in the treatment of epilepsy, and traditional antiepilepsy medication. This review article was prepared by including the biological names of plants/their parts/extracts/compounds/doses/models/results. Further, experimentally explored 15 potential medicinal plants have also been explored in detail. The present review was prepared by including 114 plants from 3 books, 83 research, and 59 review articles. This review indicates that the list of medicinal plants presented in this review might be useful to researchers for preliminary screening of potential antiepileptic agents.

Design, optimization, and evaluation of topical gel of Cardiospermum halicacabum and Ricinus communis L. leaves extract for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

This research aims to develop and assess the anti-arthritic properties of a topically herbal gel including leaf extracts from Cardiospermum halicacabum and Ricinus communis L. in rats. Utilizing gelling agents carbopol 940 (2.5, 5, 7.5 g), nine herbal gel compositions were created. Prepared formulations were then assessed for physical appearance, spreadability, viscosity, net content, pH, extrudability, in vitro diffusion profile, and main skin irritant tests. According to the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) recommendations, the stability research for the topical herbal gel composition was completed, and Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis technique was used to assess the anti-arthritic efficacy. Additional procedures included measuring the body weight, paw volume, biochemical and hematological variables, histological analysis, and in vitro serum biomarker detection. The prepared gels followed the instructions and were uniform and stable. F5 performed better than the other compositions in terms of release kinetics (97.20%). The gel proved safe and non-toxic since no erythema or edema was seen during the skin irritation test. Comparing the herbal gel F5 comprising carbopol 940 to rats with arthritis, the topical treatment showed considerable (p < .001) anti-arthritic effect. The anti-arthritic action of the gel formulations was confirmed by decreased paw volume, absence of agglutination in reacting protein and rheumatic factor, a decline in TNFα level, restoration to baseline biochemical and hematological characteristics, decrease in thymus and spleen weight, and histopathological study.

Study on the combined toxicity of DEHP and lead on the blood system of rats

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used phthalate ester compound, while lead is a persistent and bioaccumulative heavy metal. Both can be exposed to the body through a variety of ways, which may have an impact on the blood system. In this study, we examined the impact of co-exposure to DEHP (0, 10, 100 mg/kg) and Pb (0, 5, 50 mg/kg) on the blood system of male SD rats. The study revealed that continuous exposure to DEHP and Pb for 20 days resulted in a decrease in leukocytes and lymphocytes, while an increase in neutrophils and monocytes. Co-exposure led to a significant decrease in the spleen coefficients. Furthermore, the combined exposure could increase the ratio of bone marrow cells in G1 phase, and decrease the ratio of cells in S phase and G2 phase. Cytokine testing showed that combined exposure affects the secretion of hematopoietic factors and may cause bone marrow cell apoptosis. Single or combined exposure to DEHP and Pb can cause oxidative stress in serum and bone marrow. Overall, these results indicate that the co-exposure of DEHP and Pb adversely affected the blood system of rats, mainly due to the induction of oxidative stress and ultimately affects the secretion of cytokines. The combined effect of the two substances is primarily antagonistic. These results have important implications for the risk assessment of combined pollution and provide valuable theoretical guidance.

Megastigmane sesquiterpenoids from Saussurea medusa and their anti-inflammatory activities

Objectives: An ethanol extract of the whole plants of Saussurea medusa had been investigated to find novel anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenoids. Methods: Extensive spectroscopic data and chemical methods were applied to elucidate the structures of the compounds. Results: One new megastigmane sesquiterpenoid (1), along with 11 known analogues (2-12), were obtained from S. medusa. All isolates, except compounds 3 and 6, were mentioned from the studied plant for the first time. Compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 12 were firstly isolated from the genus Saussurea. Compounds 2, 9 and 10 were found to inhibit the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of NO by RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 21.1 ± 1.7 to 46.7 ± 1.9 μM. Furthermore, iNOS expression experiment was performed to examine the interactions between the active compounds and the iNOS enzyme.

Three Pairs of Novel Enantiomeric 8-O-4' Type Neolignans from Saussurea medusa and Their Anti-inflammatory Effects In Vitro

Three pairs of novel enantiomeric 8-O-4′ type neolignans (1a/1b−3a/3b), together with seven known analogues (4−10), were isolated from the whole plants of Saussurea medusa. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and electric circular dichroism (ECD) calculations after chiral separations. All compounds were obtained from S. medusa for the first time, and compounds 1−3 and 5−10 had never been obtained from the genus Saussurea previously. The anti-inflammatory activities of the compounds were evaluated by determining their inhibitory activities on the production of NO and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds (+)-1a, (−)-1b and 5−7 inhibited NO production and had IC50 values ranging from 14.3 ± 1.6 to 41.4 ± 3.1 μM. Compound 7 induced a dose-dependent reduction in the expression of iNOS in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Molecular docking experiments showed that all active compounds exhibited excellent docking scores (<−7.0 kcal/mol) with iNOS. Therefore, compounds (+)-1a, (−)-1b and 5−7 isolated from the whole plants of S. medusa may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases.

Ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological insights on an Indian medicinal plant: The balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn.)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. (C. halicacabum) is one of the well-known leafy green vegetables in India. It is an herbaceous climber from the Sapindaceae family which is found in almost every Continent and Oceania. In the traditional Indian medicine systems, this plant is used for the treatment of rheumatism, abdominal pain, orchitis, dropsy, lumbago, skin diseases, cough, nervous disorders, and hyperthermia.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review presents the current information about ethnomedical uses and progress on geographical distribution, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, micropropagation, and toxicity of C. halicacabum. Also, critically summarizes the relationship between the reported pharmacological activities and the traditional usages along with the future perspectives for research on this medicinal plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data on C. halicacabum were collected using multiple internet sources such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, PubMed, Web of Science, Springer Link, Wiley online, and plant databases.

RESULTS

Chemical characterization using LC-MS/MS, HPLC, and NMR exposed the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, luteolin-7-o-glucuronide, apigenin-7-o-glucuronide, and chrysoeriol in different parts of C. halicacabum. Based on the outcomes of this review, the main bioactive compounds found in C. halicacabum include phenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and flavonoid glucuronides. Besides the above-mentioned constituents, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid, and arachidic acid are the compounds that constitute the fatty acid profile of C. halicacabum seeds. Specifically, Cardiospermin, a bioactive compound isolated from the root extract of C. halicacabum has been recognized for its anxiolytic activity. Moreover, C. halicacabum showed a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-diabetic, anxiolytic activity, antiulcer, apoptotic activity, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. However, the bioactive compounds responsible for most of the above therapeutic properties have not been elucidated till now.

CONCLUSION

Phytochemicals from C. halicacabum showed noticeable pharmacological effects against plethora of health disorders. Some of the traditional applications were supported by modern scientific studies, however, more pharmacological evaluations should be conducted to validate other traditional uses of C. halicacabum. Despite C. halicacabum's vast pharmacological activity, additional human clinical trials are needed to determine the potent and safe dosages for the treatment of various health abnormalities. Besides, bioassay-guided isolation of active constituents, pharmacokinetic evaluations and identification of their mode of action are recommended for future investigations on C. halicacabum to unveil its therapeutic drug leads. Overall, this review suggests that C. halicacabum could be a new source of functional foods.

Suppression of Inflammation, Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Loss by PZRAS Extract

Panax ginseng has a wide range of activities including a neuroprotective effect, skin protective effects, enhanced DNA repairing, anti-diabetic activity, and protective effects against vascular inflammation. In the present study, we sought to discover the inhibitory effects of a mixture of natural products containing Panax ginseng, Ziziphus jujube, Rubi fructus, Artemisiae asiaticae and Scutellaria baicalensis (PZRAS) on osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling, as neither the effects of a mixture containing Panax ginseng extract, nor its molecular mechanism on bone inflammation, have been clarified yet. PZRAS upregulated the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, treatment with PZRAS decreased the production of IL-1β and TNF-α. PZRAS also inhibited osteoclast differentiation through inhibiting osteoclastspecific genes like MMP-2, 9, cathepsin K, and TRAP in RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, PZRAS has inhibitory functions on the RANKL-stimulated activation of ERK and JNK, which lead to a decrease in the expression of NFATc1 and c-Fos. In an in vivo study, bone resorption induced by LPS was recovered by treatment with PZRAS in bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) compared to control. Furthermore, the ratio of eroded bone surface of femurs was significantly increased in LPStreated mice compared to vehicle group, but this ratio was significantly reversed in PZRAS-treated mice. These results suggest that PZRAS could prevent or treat disorders with abnormal bone loss.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of NCW Peptide from Clam Worm (Marphysa sanguinea)

Clam worms (Marphysa sanguinea) are a rich source of bioactive components such as the antibacterial peptide, perinerin. In the present study, we explored the physiological activities of a novel NCWPFQGVPLGFQAPP peptide (NCW peptide), which was purified from clam worm extract through high-performance liquid chromatography. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) revealed that NCW was a new peptide with a molecular weight of 1757.86 kDa. Moreover, NCW peptide exhibited significant antioxidant effects, causing a 50% inhibition of DPPH radical at a concentration of 20 μM without showing any cytotoxicity. These were associated with a reduction in the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in LPS-stimulated RAW264. 7 cells. Furthermore, NCW peptide exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via inhibition of the abnormal production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These anti-inflammatory effects of NCW peptide were associated with the inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Our results therefore suggest that this novel NCW peptide with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects could be a good therapeutic agent against inflammation-related diseases.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Sodium Propionate

The major end-products of dietary fiber fermentation by gut microbiota are the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which have been shown to modulate host metabolism via effects on metabolic pathways at different tissue sites. Several studies showed the inhibitory effects of sodium propionate (SP) on nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway. We carried out an in vitro model of inflammation on the J774-A1 cell line, by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and H₂O₂, followed by the pre-treatment with SP at 0.1, 1 mM and 10 mM. To evaluate the effect on acute inflammation and superoxide anion-induced pain, we performed a model of carrageenan (CAR)-induced rat paw inflammation and intraplantar injection of KO₂ where rats received SP orally (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg). SP decreased in concentration-dependent-manner the expression of cicloxigenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) following LPS stimulation. SP was able to enhance anti-oxidant enzyme production such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) following H₂O₂ stimulation. In in vivo models, SP (30 and 100 mg/kg) reduced paw inflammation and tissue damage after CAR and KO₂ injection. Our results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of SP; therefore, we propose that SP may be an effective strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Gingerol on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Gingerol was the main functional substance of Zingiberaceous plant which has been known as traditional medicine for thousands of years. The purpose of this experiment was to explore anti-inflammatory effects of gingerol and study the possible mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW246.7 cells. The cells were treated with 10 μg/mL LPS and 300, 200, 100, and 50 μg/mL gingerol for 24 h. The cytotoxicity of gingerol was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetra-zoliumbromide (MTT) method. Nitric oxide (NO) production was observed using Griess assays. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 have been analyzed by ELISA. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-induced RAW246.7 cells. Nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins have been assessed by western blot assays. The determination of MTT showed that cell viability was not significantly affected by up to 300 μg/mL gingerol. Compared with LPS group, 50, 100, 200, and 300 μg/mL gingerol can inhibit the production of NO and the inhibitory rate was 10.4, 29.1, 58.9, and 62.4%, respectively. The results indicated gingerol existed anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, gingerol also observably inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE₂ (p < 0.01) expression and secretion in a dose-dependent manner. At the genetic level, after the intervention of gingerol, mRNA transcriptions of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-1β were all decreased. The protein expressions of iNOS, NF-κB, p-p65, and p-IκB were significantly increased in LPS-induced cells, while these changes were reversed by the treatment with gingerol. This study suggested that gingerol exerts its anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-induced macrophages which can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Gastroprotective effect of apricot kernel oil in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

We investigated the gastroprotective effect of apricot kernel oil on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into control, ethanol and apricot kernel oil + ethanol groups. The fatty acid composition of apricot kernel oil was determined using GC-MS. A gastric ulcer index was defined as the area percentage of the gastric mucosa consisting of ulcerated tissue. Gastric tissue was investigated by TUNEL staining for apoptosis, immunohistochemical iNOS staining, measurement of gastric IL-10 and IL-6 expression by ELISA and assays of catalase, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. The ethanol group exhibited a higher gastric ulcer score, increased IL-6 level, increased number of inducible nitric oxide synthase-positive and TUNEL positive cells, and a higher MDA level compared to the control group. The apricot kernel oil + ethanol group exhibited significantly fewer gastric lesions compared to the ethanol group. Apricot kernel oil protects rat gastric mucosa against ethanol induced injury by its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects, and might be useful for reducing the severity of gastric ulcers.

Astragaloside IV suppresses inflammatory mediator production in synoviocytes and collagen‑induced arthritic rats

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of Astragaloside‑IV (AS‑IV) on inflammatory mediators in synoviocytes and collagen‑induced arthritic rats. Synoviocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Sprague‑Dawley rats were injected with type II collagen. AS‑IV was administered to the LPS‑stimulated synoviocytes and collagen‑induced arthritis (CIA) rats. The inflammation of LPS‑stimulated synoviocytes and CIA rats was assessed using enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays and western blotting. Using Cell Counting Kit‑8 analysis, it was demonstrated that AS‑IV (5, 20 and 50 mg/ml) inhibited the LPS‑stimulated synoviocytes proliferation in a dose‑dependent manner. AS‑IV significantly inhibited the LPS‑stimulated inflammatory response, as indicated by the expression levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1β, IL‑6 and IL‑8. In addition, treatment with AS‑IV significantly reduced the LPS‑stimulated cyclooxygenase (COX)‑1, COX‑2, high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 overexpression, and intranuclear nuclear factor (NF)‑κBp65 subunit accumulation and activation of c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK)1/2 and p38. Similar to the protective effects of AS‑IV on LPS‑stimulated synoviocytes, AS‑IV treatment significantly reduced the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)‑1β, IL‑6 and IL‑8 expression levels, and attenuated intranuclear NF‑κBp65 subunit accumulation and overexpression of COX‑2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in CIA rats. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that AS‑IV protects synoviocytes against LPS‑ and collagen‑induced inflammatory responses through inhibition of the HMGB1‑dependent JNK1/2‑ and p38‑activated NF‑κB/COX‑2 pathway.

In vitro anti-inflammatory properties of fermented pepino (Solanum muricatum) milk by γ-aminobutyric acid-producing Lactobacillus brevis and an in vivo animal model for evaluating its effects on hypertension

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to determine the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vivo antihypertensive effects of fermented pepino (Solanum muricatum) milk by Lactobacillus brevis with the goal of developing functional healthy products. The inflammatory factors of fermented pepino milk with L. brevis were assessed in RAW 264.7 macrophages, including nitric oxide (NO) production. Inflammatory factor genes of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were also assayed by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Results showed that fermented PE inhibited NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with 150 mg mL(-1) fermented PE completely blocking LPS-induced NO production. The mRNA expressions of COX-1, COX-2, and iNOS were attenuated by treatment with higher concentrations of fermented PE (150 mg/ml). Cells treated with fermented pepino extract (PE) (100 ng mL(-1)) exhibited strikingly decreased LPS-induced expression of TNF-α mRNA. During the feeding trial, rats treated with 10% fermented pepino milk (100 µg 2.5 mL(-1)) and 100% fermented pepino milk (1000 µg 2.5 mL(-1)) exhibited significant decreases in the systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that fermented pepino milk has wide potential applications for development as a health food.

Rice protein hydrolysates (RPHs) inhibit the LPS-stimulated inflammatory response and phagocytosis in RAW264.7 macrophages by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway

Different RPH components inhibit LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production. RPHs-C-7-3 inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory expression. RPHs-C-7-3 suppresses the LPS-stimulated phagocytic ability. RPHs-C-7-3 regulates the nuclear translocation of p65.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of Urera aurantiaca

Urera aurantiaca Wedd. (Urticaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to relieve pain in inflammatory processes. In the present study, the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of U. aurantiaca methanolic extract and its possible mechanisms of action were investigated. The extract showed anti-inflammatory activity in the ear edema in mice test (34.3% inhibition), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was markedly reduced in animals administered with the extract: within 49.6% and 68.5%. In the histological analysis, intense dermal edema and intense cellular infiltration of inflammatory cells were markedly reduced in the ear tissue of the animals treated with the extract. In the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats assay the extract provoked a significant inhibition of the inflammation (45.5%, 5 h after the treatment) and the MPO activity was markedly reduced (maximum inhibition 71.7%), The extract also exhibited significant and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the increased vascular permeability induced by acetic acid. The extract presented antioxidant activity in both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonic acid tests and its total phenol content was 35.4 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g of extract. Also, the extract produced significant inhibition on nociception induced by acetic acid (ED50 : 8.7 mg/kg, i.p.) administered intraperitoneally and orally. Naloxone significantly prevented this activity.

Ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus petiolatus inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in macrophage cells

Elaeocarpus petiolatus is known to exert active oxygen scavenging, anti-aging, and whitening actions. However, the biological effects of E. petiolatus on inflammation and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be established. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract from E. petiolatus (EPE) bark in murine Raw264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EPE inhibited the production of PGE(2), TNF-α, and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner in Raw264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. The decrease in PGE(2) production was correlated with reduced COX-2 expression. Furthermore, EPE suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 as well as translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit from the cytosol to nucleus. Our results suggest that EPE exerts anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of inflammatory mediators, such as PGE(2), TNF-α, and IL-1β, and downregulation of COX-2 via suppression of NF-κB translocation and phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells.

l-Tetrahydropalmatine, an active component of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, protects against myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats

l-Tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) is an active ingredients of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, which protects against acute global cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, we show that l-THP is cardioprotective in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury and examined the mechanism. Rats were treated with l-THP (0, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg b.w.) for 20 min before occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery and subjected to myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (30 min/6 h). Compared with vehicle-treated animals, the infarct area/risk area (IA/RA) of l-THP (20, 40 mg/kg b.w.) treated rats was reduced, whilst l-THP (10 mg/kg b.w.) had no significant effect. Cardiac function was improved in l-THP-treated rats whilst plasma creatine kinase activity declined. Following treatment with l-THP (20 mg/kg b.w.), subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p85, serine⁴⁷³ phosphorylation of Akt and serine¹¹⁷⁷ phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) increased in myocardium, whilst expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) decreased. However, the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF were increased in I_{30 min}R_{6 h}, but decreased to normal level in I_{30 min}R_{24 h}, while treatment with l-THP (20 mg/kg b.w.) enhanced the levels of these two genes in I_{30 min}R_{24 h}. Production of NO in myocardium and plasma, activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in plasma and the expression of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in myocardium were decreased by l-THP. TUNEL assay revealed that l-THP (20 mg/kg b.w.) reduced apoptosis in myocardium. Thus, we show that l-THP activates the PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO pathway and increases expression of HIF-1α and VEGF, whilst depressing iNOS-derived NO production in myocardium. This effect may decrease the accumulation of inflammatory factors, including TNF-α and MPO, and lessen the extent of apoptosis, therefore contributing to the cardioprotective effects of l-THP in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

The apoptosis inducing effect of Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) Correa and its influence on gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep3 B

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) Correa is used in Indian traditional medicine against jaundice and other liver disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aims to determine the in vitro anticancer and apoptosis inducing activity of Glycosmis pentaphylla in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep3 B.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxic and apoptosis inducing activity of the crude extract and active fractions were estimated on Hep3 B and RAW264.7 cell lines by MTT assay, Hoechst staining, DNA fragmentation, morphological studies, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and anti-poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase assays. The phytochemical profiling of active extract was done by TLC and HPTLC methods.

RESULTS

Ethanol extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla was more effective than other extracts in reducing the proliferation of Hep3 B cells. As revealed by the results from DNA fragmentation, Hoechst staining, morphological studies, RT-PCR, PARP cleavage and gene expression studies, active extract induced apoptosis on Hep3 B cell line in concentration and time dependent manner with increase in the Bax/Bcl2 gene expression ratio. Chemo profiling data revealed the presence of flavonoid in the active fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that major active component in the ethanol extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla is a flavonoid which induces apoptosis on cancer cell line, Hep3 B, by increasing the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl2 genes in a time and dose dependent manner.

Antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extracts of Taxillus liquidambaricola

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

[corrected] The Taxillus liquidambaricola has been used to treat rheumatic arthralgia, threatened abortion and hypertension in the Chinese traditional medicine. However, there is no scientific evidence which supports the use in the literature. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant, and analgesic activities and the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extracts of Taxillus liquidambaricola (ETL) in cell and animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The following activities were investigated: free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)], analgesic (writhing and formalin test), and anti-inflammatory [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages and paw-edema induced by λ-carrageenan (Carr)]. We also investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ETL via studies of the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the edema paw. Serum NO and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were also measured in vivo.

RESULTS

ETL showed the highest TEAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities, respectively. ETL also had highest contents of polyphenol and flavonoid contents. We evaluated that ETL and the reference compound of quercetin decreased the LPS-induced NO production and expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. Treatment of male ICR mice with ETL significantly inhibited the numbers of acetic acid-induced writhing response and the formalin-induced pain in the late phase. Administration of ETL showed a concentration dependent inhibition on paw edema development after Carr treatment in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of ETL could be via NO and TNF-α suppression and associated with the increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Western blotting revealed that ETL decreased Carr-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ETL might be correlated to the decrease in the level of MDA, iNOS, and COX-2 via increasing the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx in the edema paw. Overall, the results showed that ETL demonstrated antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activity, which supports previous claims of the traditional use for inflammation and pain.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Clematis chinensis Osbeck extract(AR-6) may be associated with NF-κB, TNF-α, and COX-2 in collagen-induced arthritis in rat

The root of Clematis chinensis Osbeck has been used widely in rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese traditional medicine, and AR-6 is a triterpene saponin isolated from it. In this present study, we investigated the in vivo effects of oral AR-6 in chronic rat with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and possible molecular mechanism. CIA was induced by immunizing 56 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with chicken typeIIcollagen (CII). Following eighteen days, the immunization rats with CIA were treated with AR-6 (32, 16, 8 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide (7 mg/kg), and TGP (Total Glucosides of Paeonia) (180 mg/kg) for 7 days, and rats without CIA were given the same volume of purified water. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in peripheral blood will be measured by ELISA, and Western blot analysis will be used to detect the expression of NF-κB p65 subunits, TNF-α and COX-2, in synovial membrane. We found that therapeutic treatment with AR-6 markedly improves the paw swelling and histopathological changes. Moreover, the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were markedly lowered, and the expression of NF-κB p65 subunits, TNF-α and COX-2, in the synovial membrane of CIA rats was significantly inhibited in the AR-6-treated groups. These results enable to prove that AR-6 has a potential anti-inflammatory effect in CIA rats, and its mechanism may relate to the inhibition of the expression of NF-κB p65 subunits, TNF-α and COX-2.

Documentation and quantitative analysis of the local knowledge on medicinal plants among traditional Siddha healers in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

India has a population with high degree of medical pluralism. Siddha system of Indian traditional medicine is practiced dominantly by the people in Tamil Nadu. The traditionally trained Siddha healers still play an important role in the rural health care. Their knowledge is comparatively more vulnerable than the documented traditional knowledge. Thus, the present study was aimed to document and quantitatively analyze the local knowledge of the traditional Siddha healers in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The results presented in this paper are the outcome of series of interviews conducted between January and August, 2010 consisting of 196 field days. After getting prior informed consent, interviews were conducted and successive free-listing was used in the interviews in order to make informants cite the medicinal plants that they have used. By this way 96 healers were interviewed and their data were quantitatively analyzed using various indices such as Informant Consensus Factor (F(ic)), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Agreement on Remedies (IAR) and Cultural Importance Index (CII).

RESULTS

This study recorded the ethno-medicinal usage of 227 species which were used to prepare 611 formulations for the treatment of 36 illness categories. The knowledge holders had the experience of minimum 20 years. There was unevenness in male-female ratio. Regarding the medicinal plants, easily available plants were holding significantly high number of citations, IAR and CII values. Nine illness categories had a high F(ic) value, compared to others. Species with high citations in these groups were Moringa oleifera (aphrodisiacs), Acalypha indica (dermatological ailments), Dodonaea viscosa (musculo-skeletal disorders), Solanum trilobatum (pulmonary ailments), Phyllanthus amarus (jaundice), Piper nigrum (adjuvant) Allium cepa (hemorrhoids), Azadirachta indica (antiseptic) and Tribulus terrestris (urinary ailments).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative analysis of the data had revealed that the easily available species hold a high consensus and cultural importance. Future biomedical studies using the medicinal plants enumerated in this study, particularly those with high number of citations and high F(ic) values might yield some novel prototypes. Such studies will also be useful to assess the efficacy and safety of these herbal treatments to take decisions on the health care of rural India.

Anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extract of Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia both in vitro and in vivo

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Antrodia cinnamomea is a folk medicinal mushroom commonly used in Taiwan for the treatment of several types of cancers and inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to explore the folk use of Antrodia cinnamomea on pharmacological grounds to characterize the scientific basis of anti-inflammatory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of liquid cultured mycelia of Antrodia cinnamomea (MEMAC) was judged by the measurement of the produced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of MEMAC was evaluated using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice, the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite oxide (NO) in the edema paw. The levels of serum NO and TNF-α were measured. The MEMAC was administered at the concentrations of 100, 200, and 400mg/kg body weight of mouse.

RESULTS

MEMAC inhibited the production of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and mediators (NO and PGE2) in RAW264.7 cells and human PBMCs. Data from Western blotting showed that MEMAC decreased the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In vivo, MEMAC showed significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the edema volume in carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. MEMAC (400mg/kg) also reduced the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration (50.92±5.71%). Further, MEMAC increased the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx in the liver tissue and decreased the levels of serum NO and TNF-α after carrageenan administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that MEMAC has the anti-inflammatory property both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that it may be a potential preventive or therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Vicenin-2, a potential anti-inflammatory constituent of Urtica circularis

Vicenin-2 (1), a flavonoid glycoside, was isolated and identified from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Urtica circularis. This crude extract was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema model (41.5% inhibition at a dose of 300 mg/kg; ip). The effects of 1 on several inflammatory mediators were investigated. In cultured murine macrophages, this compound modified LPS-induced total nitrite and TNF-α production, in addition to the LPS-induced translocation of the nuclear factor NF-κB.

In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of Cuscuta reflexa in cell lines (in vitro).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-inflammatory activity of the water extract was analysed in vitro using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory reactions in murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7. The expression of COX-2 and TNF-α genes involved in inflammation was analysed by SQ RT-PCR. EMSA was conducted to analyse the influence of the extract on NF-κB signalling. Anti-cancer activity was analysed on Hep3B cells by MTT assay, DAPI staining, annexin V staining and SQ-RT PCR analysis of BAX, Bcl-2, p53 and survivin.

RESULTS

The extract down regulated LPS induced over expression of TNF-α and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells; blocked NF-κB binding to its motifs and induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells as evidenced from MTT, DAPI staining and annexin V staining assays. The extract up regulated pro-apoptotic factors BAX and p53, and down regulated anti-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 and survivin.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that Cuscuta reflexa inhibits LPS induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells through interplay of TNF-α, COX-2 and NF-κB signalling. It induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells through the up regulation of p53, BAX and down regulation of Bcl-2 and survivin.

Consensus of local knowledge on medicinal plants among traditional healers in Mayiladumparai block of Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India

AIM OF THE STUDY

The role of ethnobotany in drug discovery is huge but there are criticisms over such studies due to their qualitative nature. The present study is aimed at quantitatively abstracting the medicinal plant knowledge of the healers trained in traditional ways, in Mayiladumparai block of Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The interviews and field observations were carried out in all the 18 village panchayaths from January to June 2010, consisting of 148 field days. The interviews were conducted with 80 traditional healers, after obtaining prior informed consent. Successive free listing was used to interview the informants. The informant consensus factor (F(ic)) was calculated to estimate the use variability of medicinal plants. Fidelity index and Cultural importance index were also calculated to analyze the data.

RESULTS

This study recorded the ethno-medicinal usage of 142 ethno-species belonging to 62 families that were used to prepare 504 formulations. Jaundice had the highest F(ic) value than all the illness categories studied. Phyllanthus spp. was the highly cited medicinal plant to treat jaundice and had high fidelity index value. This was followed by Senna angustifolia and Terminalia chebula as laxatives. The highly cited medicinal plants in each group with high F(ic) value were Pongamia pinnata (antiseptic), Aerva lanata (antidote and snakebite), Blepharis maderaspatensis (cuts and wounds), Abutilon indicum (hemorrhoids), Ruta graveolens (spiritual medicine), Ocimum tenuiflorum (cough), and Solanum trilobatum (pulmonary ailments). Phyllanthus spp., was the most culturally significant species according to this index, followed by Borassus flebellifer.

CONCLUSION

The process of drug discovery has become highly expensive and post-approval and post-marketing withdrawal of drugs is continuing. In such scenario, reverse pharmacology is considered an attractive option. The medicinal plants enumerated in this study with high number of citations and high F(ic) values for illness categories might give some useful leads for further biomedical research.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cardiospermum halicacabum and its reference compounds ex vivo and in vivo

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Cardiospermum halicacabum (CH) has been used in Chinese medicine for a long time. However, its fingerprint chromatogram, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism are still needed to be explored. Therefore, the aims of this study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CH extracts and its reference compounds ex vivo and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of ethanolic extract of CH (ECH) was established. The effects of ACH (aqueous extract of CH) and ECH extracts were assessed for the antioxidant and LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. In vivo anti-inflammatory activities of ECH were evaluated in mouse paw edema induced by λ-carrageenan (Carr). We investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ECH via studies of the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite oxide (NO) in the edema paw. Serum NO and TNF-α were also measured.

RESULTS

ECH had better antioxidant activity than that of ACH. In the anti-inflammatory test, ECH inhibited the development of paw edema induced by Carr and increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GPx in the liver tissue. ECH also decreased the level of NO in edematous paw tissue and in serum level, and diminished the level of serum TNF-α at the fifth hour after Carr injection.

CONCLUSIONS

ECH exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing TNF-α and NO. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of ECH might be related to the decrement of the level of MDA in the edema paw via increasing the activities of CAT, SOD and GPx in the liver. The results showed that ECH might serve as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Ethanol upregulates iNOS expression in colon through activation of nuclear factor-kappa B in rats

BACKGROUND

Alcohol inhibits colonic motility but the mechanism is unknown. The goal of this study was to test the possibility that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is involved in the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression induced by ethanol in colon.

METHODS

The isometric contraction of longitudinal muscle strips of proximal colon (LP) was monitored by polygraph. Western blot analysis was used to measure the amount of iNOS and I-kappaB in the cytoplasm and P65 in the nucleus. Immunohistochemistry was applied to locate iNOS in colon.

RESULTS

Ethanol (87mM) inhibited the contraction of LP. Pretreatment of S-methylisothioure (SMT) (1 mM), a specific iNOS inhibitor, Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) (10 mM) and BAY11-7082(10 mM), specific inhibitors of NF-kappaB significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of ethanol on LP contraction. Ethanol increased the amount of iNOS and content of NO in colon, and these effects were attenuated by pretreatment of PDTC. Following ethanol administration, the amount of I-kappaB in the cytoplasm decreased, but that of P65, the subunit of NF-kappaB in the nucleus, increased. The iNOS was located in the cell body of myenteric plexus in colon.

CONCLUSION

Ethanol inhibited the contraction of LP in colon mainly through activation of NF-kappaB, the subsequent upregulation of iNOS expression and increase of NO release in myenteric plexus.