Aqueous extract of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger exerts immunostimulatory activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Orostachys japonicus induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in HeLa human cervical cancer cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (O. japonicus) is a perennial herb belonging to the Crassulaceae family that has been traditionally used to treat inflammation, fever, and poisoning. Although studies on the anticancer activity of O. japonicus have been conducted, its effect on virus-induced cancers has yet to be elucidated.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In the present study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of the ethyl acetate fraction of O. japonicus extract (E-OJ) on the viability and apoptosis of HeLa cervical cancer cells.

RESULTS

The effect of E-OJ on HeLa cells was compared to that of kaempferol, quercetin, and gallic acid, which are components of O. japonicus. Treatment with E-OJ induced a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability, as confirmed by MTS assay. Pretreatment with a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor resulted in the recovery of cell viability. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine whether the induction of apoptosis was caspase-dependent. E-OJ induced apoptosis by increasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Furthermore, it modulated the levels of cleaved caspase-3, -8, and -9, indicative of an impact on both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Pretreatment with caspase inhibitors reduced caspase activity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the anticancer activity of O. japonicus is mediated by caspases, resulting in a decrease in the viability of HeLa cells.

Tumor microenvironment remodeling in oral cancer: Application of plant derived-natural products and nanomaterials

Oral cancers consist of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other malignancies in the mouth with varying degrees of invasion and differentiation. For many years, different modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and classical chemotherapy drugs have been used to control the growth of oral tumors. Nowadays, studies have confirmed the remarkable effects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on the development, invasion, and therapeutic resistance of tumors like oral cancers. Therefore, several studies have been conducted to modulate the TME in various types of tumors in favor of cancer suppression. Natural products are intriguing agents for targeting cancers and TME. Flavonoids, non-flavonoid herbal-derived molecules, and other natural products have shown promising effects on cancers and TME. These agents, such as curcumin, resveratrol, melatonin, quercetin and naringinin have demonstrated potency in suppressing oral cancers. In this paper, we will review and discuss about the potential efficacy of natural adjuvants on oral cancer cells. Furthermore, we will review the possible therapeutic effects of these agents on the TME and oral cancer cells. Moreover, the potential of nanoparticles-loaded natural products for targeting oral cancers and TME will be reviewed. The potentials, gaps, and future perspectives for targeting TME by nanoparticles-loaded natural products will also be discussed.

Rhamnetin, a Natural Flavonoid, Ameliorates Organ Damage in a Mouse Model of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-Induced Sepsis

In sepsis, the persistence of uncontrolled inflammatory response of infected host cells eventually leads to severe lung and organ failure and, ultimately, death. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), causative bacteria of sepsis and lung failure in acute cases, belongs to a group of critical pathogens that cannot be eradicated using the currently available antibiotics. This underlines the necessity of developing new modes of therapeutics that can control sepsis at the initial stages. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo and the antiseptic effects of rhamnetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid. We found that among its isoforms, the potency of rhamnetin was less explored but rhamnetin possessed superior anti-inflammatory activity with least cytotoxicity. Rhamnetin showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-, CRAB-, and Escherichia coli (E. coli)-stimulated mouse macrophages by inhibiting the release of interleukin-6 and nitric oxide. In a mouse model of sepsis infected with clinically isolated CRAB or E. coli, rhamnetin significantly reduced the bacterial burden in the organs. In addition, normalized pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in lung lysates and histological analysis of lung tissue indicated alleviation of lung damage. This study implies that a potent natural product such as rhamnetin could be a future therapeutic for treating carbapenem-resistant gram-negative sepsis.

Flavonoids regulate tumor-associated macrophages - From structure-activity relationship to clinical potential (Review)

In recent years, the strategy for tumor therapy has changed from focusing on the direct killing effect of different types of therapeutic agents on cancer cells to the new mainstream of multi-mode and -pathway combined interventions in the microenvironment of the developing tumor. Flavonoids, with unique tricyclic structures, have diverse and extensive immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immunosuppressive cells in the TME. The regulation of macrophages to fight cancer is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy. This study covers the most comprehensive cognition of flavonoids in regulating TAMs so far. Far more than a simple list of studies, we try to dig out evidence of crosstalk at the molecular level between flavonoids and TAMs from literature, in order to discuss the most relevant chemical structure and its possible relationship with the multimodal pharmacological activity, as well as systematically build a structure-activity relationship between flavonoids and TAMs. Additionally, we point out the advantages of the macro-control of flavonoids in the TME and discuss the potential clinical implications as well as areas for future research of flavonoids in regulating TAMs. These results will provide hopeful directions for the research of antitumor drugs, while providing new ideas for the pharmaceutical industry to develop more effective forms of flavonoids.

Anti-cancer effects of the aqueous extract of Orostachys japonica A. Berger on 5-fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer via MAPK signalling pathways in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Orostachys japonica A. Berger, also known as Wa-song in Korea, has traditionally been used as a folk medicine, but the potential anti-cancer effects of aqueous extract of Orostachys japonica (OJe) have not yet been thoroughly investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of OJe, its possible mechanisms of action were investigated in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistant SNU-C5/5-FUR colorectal cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The functional compounds of OJe were identified with high performance liquid chromatography. The anti-cancer effects of OJe in SNU-C5/5-FUR cells were investigated by a cell viability assays, flow cytometry analysis, and a subcutaneous xenograft model employing BALB/c-nude mice. Possible signalling pathways were assayed with Western blotting.

RESULTS

OJe (250 μg/ml) showed anti-cancer effects in SNU-C5/5-FUR cells, that were mediated via apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Gallic acid and (-)-epicatechin, the major functional components of OJe, induced cell cycle arrest. OJe treatment (250 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant anti-proliferative effect in the xenograft model via decreased β-catenin/GSK3β and increased p27 expression. OJe treatment significantly activated ERK and p38 both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that OJe has anti-proliferative effects on 5-FU-resistant colorectal cancer cells via regulation of MAPK signalling pathways.

Efficacy of a Novel Herbal Formulation (F2) on the Management of Obesity: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Background

Currently, obesity and its comorbidities have become a serious threat to human health necessitating urgent development of safe and effective therapy for their management.

Materials and Methods

In this research, a novel polyherbal formulation (F2) was prepared by mixing specific proportions of royal jelly and lemon juice with ethanol extracts of Orostachys japonicus, Rhus verniciflua, and Geranium thunbergii. The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assay methods. The antiobesity potential of the F2 was assessed in vitro using 3T3-L1 fibroblast and in vivo using a high-fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL/6J mice model. F2 was administered in mice at the dose of 23 mg/kg and 46 mg/kg, twice daily by oral gavage. A well-accepted antiobesity agent, Garcinia cambogia (GC), at 200 mg/kg was used as a positive control.

Results

F2 was observed to exhibit synergistic antiadipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells. This inhibition was reinforced by the downregulation of specific adipogenic transcription factors. Furthermore, F2 was also found to reduce mice body weight gain, food efficiency ratio, fasting blood glucose level, fat deposition into the liver, and mass of white adipose tissue. F2 also played a role in the excretion of fat consumed by the mice. For most of the assays performed, the F2 (46 mg/kg) was comparable to the positive control GC (200 mg/kg). In addition, potential and synergistic antioxidant activity was observed on F2.

Conclusion

The results revealed that the formulation F2 exhibited potential antiobesity activity through the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, dietary fat absorption, and reduction of free fatty acids deposition in tissues.

Subcritical water extraction of bioactive compounds from Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (Crassulaceae)

Subcritical-water extraction is an ecofriendly method for extracting antioxidant compounds only using water. The Subcritical-water extraction was employed for the extraction of bioactive compounds from Orostachys japonicus known as rock pine by investigating the use of various temperatures (110–260 °C) and extraction times (5–20 min). The Subcritical-water extraction condition at 220 °C for 15 min; the total phenolics content (39.9 ± 4.1 mg/g), flavonoids content (11.4 ± 0.6 mg/g), and antioxidant activities (90.3 ± 2.2%, 96.0 ± 2.9%, and 662.4 ± 17.2 mg/g) of Subcritical-water extract were higher under this condition than for extraction with either methanol or ethanol. Triterpene saponins were observed only in subcritical-water extraction condition at 220 °C for 15 min. Further, some of its phenolic constituents; gallic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Subcritical-water extraction is an effective method for extracting valuable bioactive compounds from Orostachys japonicus.

Myxopyrum serratulum ameliorates airway inflammation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and OVA-induced murine model of allergic asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Myxopyrum serratulum A. W. Hill. (Oleaceae) is a traditionally used Indian medicinal plant for the treatment of cough, asthma and many other inflammatory diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the protective effects of M. serratulum on airway inflammation was investigated in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of allergic asthma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, and the possible mechanisms were elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phytochemicals present in the methanolic leaf extract of M. serratulum (MEMS) were identified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of MEMS were evaluated by estimating the levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF and GM-CSF) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo anti-asthmatic activity of MEMS was studied using OVA-induced murine model. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), was measured; total and differential cell counts, eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), NO, ROS, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13), were estimated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Serum total IgE level was measured; and the histopathological changes of lung tissues were observed. The expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lung tissue homogenates were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The chromatographic analysis of MEMS identified the presence of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, rutin, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, naringenin and apigenin. MEMS (125 and 250 μg/mL) dose-dependently reduced the levels of NO, ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MEMS (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated AHR; number of inflammatory cells, EPO, PGE2, NO, ROS, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in BALF; serum total IgE and the histopathological changes associated with lung inflammation. Western blot studies showed that MEMS substantially suppressed COX-2 and iNOS protein expressions in the lung tissues of OVA-sensitized/challenged mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study corroborates for the first time the ameliorative effects of MEMS on airway inflammation by reducing the levels of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting COX-2, iNOS protein expressions, thereby validating the ethnopharmacological uses of M. serratulum.

Orostachys japonicus ethanol extract inhibits 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice and TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression in HaCaT cells

The risk of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions has increased due to the elevated levels of allergens worldwide. Natural-origin agents, which are effective and safe, show promise for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions. Orostachys japonicus (OJ) A. Berger is an ingredient of traditional herbal medicines for fever, gingivitis, and cancer in Korea, China, and Japan. However, the effect of OJ on AD-like skin lesions is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of OJ ethanol extract (OJEE) on AD-like skin symptoms in mice and cells. OJEE reduced the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD severity, serum levels of IgE and TARC, and mRNA levels of TARC, TNF-α, and IL-4 in NC/Nga mice. Histopathological analysis showed that OJEE reduced the thickness of the epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells in ear tissue. Furthermore, OJEE suppressed the TNF-α/IFN-γ-increased TARC mRNA level by inhibiting NF-κB and STAT1 activation in HaCaT cells. Taken together, our findings show that OJEE reduced the risk of AD-like skin symptoms by decreasing TARC expression via inhibiting NF-κB and STAT1 activation in skin keratinocytes and thus shows promise as an alternative therapy for AD-like skin lesions.

Orostachys japonicus A. Berger Extracts Induce Immunity-Enhancing Effects on Cyclophosphamide-Treated Immunosuppressed Rats

In this study, we evaluated the immunity-enhancing effects of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (OJ). To examine the immune protective effect in vitro, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with water or ethanol extracts of OJ in the absence or presence of cyclophosphamide (CY), which is a cytotoxic, immunosuppressive agent. The extracts increased the propagation of splenocytes and inhibited CY-induced cytotoxicity. Further, to examine the immunostimulatory effects in vivo, adult Wistar rats were orally administered OJ extracts with or without CY treatment. With the administration of OJ extracts, CY-treated immunosuppressed rats showed improved physical endurance, as assessed by the forced swim test. In addition, extract administration increased not only the number of immunity-related cells but also the levels of plasma cytokines. OJ extracts also recovered splenic histology in CY-treated rats. These findings suggest that an OJ regimen can enhance immunity by increasing immune cell propagation and specific plasma cytokine levels.

Pediococcus pentosaceus-Fermented Cordyceps militaris Inhibits Inflammatory Reactions and Alleviates Contact Dermatitis

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom used to treat immune-related diseases in East Asia. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract of C. militaris grown on germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus ON89A isolated from onion (GRC-ON89A) in vivo as well as in vitro. The anti-inflammatory effect of GRC-ON89A was investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in the GRC-ON89A ethanol extract were significantly increased compared to that in GRC. GRC-ON89A hexane fraction (GRC-ON89A-Hex) inhibited the release of nitric oxide (NO) compared to that of the LPS-treated control without cytotoxicity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. GRC-ON89A-Hex decreased the inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, pre-treatment with GRC-ON89A-Hex significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. To induce allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), 1-fluoro-2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was applied to the surface of the right ears of C57BL/6N mice. GRC-ON89A reduced the ear swelling and thickness in DNFB-induced ACD mice. This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of GRC-ON89A as an anti-inflammatory dietary supplement or drug.

Investigation of constituents from Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl has been used for the traditional medicine as a therapeutic agent of inflammation-related diseases, including sprains, rheumatic arthritis, abdominal pain, cough and bronchitis, for a long history. The aim of the present study was to illustrate anti-inflammatory substances of C. camphora and their mechanism of action, and to establish the correlations between chemical constituents and traditional uses of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical constituents were purified by chromatographic methods, and their structures were established based on spectroscopic analysis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was adopted for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The nitric oxide (NO) production assay and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) dual luciferase reporter assay were used to screen anti-inflammatory constituents. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-related cytokines and enzymes were determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunoblot analysis, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-five constituents were isolated from the EtOH extract of C. camphora. Eight constituents, covering phenylpropanoid (7), lignans (10 and 22), flavonoids (16-18), coumarin (21), and terpenoid (24) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO production with maximum inhibition rates (MIRs) of ≥ 80%, and thus were verified to be the anti-inflammatory substances of this ethnomedical plant. (+)-Episesaminone (SMO, 22) and 3S-(+)-9-oxonerolidol (NLD, 24) blocked NF-κB activation via inducing IκBα expression. Moreover, SMO and NLD inhibited productions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and alleviated increased mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

The ethnomedical use of C. camphora for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases was attributed to the combined in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of phenylpropanoid, lignan, flavonoid, coumarin, and terpenoid. SMO and NLD were found to be new molecules with in vitro anti-inflammatory activities, which are achieved by inhibiting NF-κB regulated inflammatory response.

Antiwrinkle and antimelanogenesis activity of the ethanol extracts of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don for development of the cosmeceutical ingredients

To develop the ingredient with the cosmeceutical function, the antiwrinkle and antimelanogenesis effects of the ethanol extract of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don were investigated. DPPH radical scavenging activity was significantly increased with the extract of L. cuneata G. Don. Cell viability on CCD986Sk human fibroblast was also increased by the ethanol extract of L. cuneata G. Don. The inhibitory function of the extract of L. cuneata G. Don on collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase was evaluated. Protein expression level of Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 was up-regulated in HaCaT human keratinocyte by the extract of L. cuneata G. Don. In addition, the extract of L. cuneata G. Don inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 murine melanoma cells by decreasing MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 protein levels and increasing the phosphorylated Erk and Akt. Thus, these findings would be useful for developing the new cosmeceutical formulations based on the extract of L. cuneata G. Don.

Immune-enhancing activity of C. militaris fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus (GRC-ON89A) in CY-induced immunosuppressed model

Background

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is reported to exert various immune-activities. To enhance its activity, we fermented C.militaris with Pediococcus pentosaceus ON89A (GRC-ON89A). In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing activity GRC-ON89A, using immunosuppressed model.

Methods

Immunosuppression was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CY). Each group was orally administered distilled water, GRC-ON89A or GRC, respectively. The phagocytic activities against IgG -opsonized FITC particles were measured using phagocytosis assay kit. The contents β-glucan, cordycepin and SCFA were measured using β-glucan kit, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, respectively.

Results

Among GRC fermented with different probiotic strains (Pediococcus pentossaceus ON89A, Lactobacillus pentosus SC64, Weissella cibaria Sal.Cla22), GRC-ON89A induced the highest elevation of nitric oxide production and enhanced phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells. In primary cultured murine macrophages from normal and CY-treated mice, GRC-ON89A increased phagocytic activity, compared to that in control cells. GRC-ON89A also significantly induced the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-10 and the levels of phosphorylated Lyn, Syk and MAPK. The contents of β-glucan, cordycepin and SCFA in GRC significantly increased after ON89A fermentation, compared to those in unfermented GRC.

Conclusion

These results indicate that GRC-ON89A exerted the enhanced immunostimulatory activity and contained more nutritional components, compared to unfermented GRC. Our results suggested that GRC-ON89A may be applied as an agent for immune boosting therapy in immune suppressed patients.

Bioconverted Orostachys japonicas Extracts Suppress Angiogenic Activity of Ms-1 Endothelial Cells

Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (), known as Wa-song in Korea, has been reported to exert various biological effects, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, and anti-febrile effects. However, the anti-angiogenic effects of O.japonicus extracts remain to be investigated. In the present study, we demonstrated the anti-angiogenic effects of bioconverted O. japonicus extract (BOE) in Ms-1 mouse endothelial cells and compared them with the bioactivities of O. japonicus extract (OE). BOE, but not OE, were found to exert anti-angiogenic effects, including inhibition of cell migration, cell adhesion, tube formation of Ms-1 cells, and blood vessel formation of matrigel plug assay in vivo. Furthermore, protein levels of phosphorylated Src kinase were lower in BOE-treated cells than in OE-treated cells. Treatment with OE or BOE did not influence cell viability during the experimental period. Bioconverted extract of O.japonicus have anti-angiogenic effects in vitro and vivo, but non-bioconverted extract do not. We suggest that these observed anti-angiogenic effects are caused by the changes in the composition of bioactive compounds in the extracts as a result of biological conversion.

Inhibition of collagenase and melanogenesis by ethanol extracts of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger: possible involvement of Erk and Akt signaling pathways in melanoma cells

Orostachys japonicus is an herb that contains several functional components and has traditionally been used to treat various diseases in Asia. In this study, bioactive components from different parts of the O. japonicus plant were investigated, and the contents of the functional components in ethanol extracts of O. japonicus cultivated in Korea and China were compared. The antioxidant effects of O. japonicus ethanol extracts were investigated using Raw 264.7 cells. It was found that 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity was significantly decreased in the cells treated with the extracts. Moreover, the novel inhibitory functions of O. japonicus extracts on collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase were established. We also found that O. japonicus extracts strongly inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by decreasing MITF protein levels and activating the Erk and Akt signaling pathways. Thus, these findings would be useful for developing new cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations based on O. japonicus extracts.

Analysis of metabolomic profile of fermented Orostachys japonicus A. Berger by capillary electrophoresis time of flight mass spectrometry

Microbial cell performance in food biotechnological processes has become an important concern for improving human health worldwide. Lactobacillus plantarum, which is widely distributed in nature, is a lactic acid bacterium with many industrial applications for fermented foods or functional foods (e.g., probiotics). In the present study, using capillary electrophoresis time of flight mass spectrometry, the metabolomic profile of dried Orostachys japonicus A. Berger, a perennial medicinal herb with L. plantarum was compared with that of O. japonicus fermented with L. plantarum to elucidate the metabolomic changes induced by the fermentation process. The levels of several metabolites were changed by the fermentation process, indicating their involvement in microbial performance. For example, glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the TCA cycle, the urea cycle-related metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and lipid and amino acid metabolism were altered significantly by the fermentation process. Although the fermented metabolites were not tested using in vivo studies to increase human health benefits, our findings provide an insight into the alteration of metabolites induced by fermentation, and indicated that the metabolomic analysis for the process should be accompanied by fermenting strains and conditions.