Ethanol Extract of Lilium Bulbs Plays an Anti-Inflammatory Role by Targeting the IKK[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]-Mediated NF-[Formula: see text]B Pathway in Macrophages

Research progress on the effect of medicine and food homology resources for sleep improvement

Insomnia can have a negative impact on people's life or even cause mental or physical diseases. In China, the usage of medicine food homology herbal resources to treat insomnia has a long history. This review, which is based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), summarizes the research progress of medicine and food homology (MFH) resources in treating insomnia. Through literature search from the last 8 years, we compared the understanding of insomnia between TCM and modern pharmacology, found 21 kinds of MFH plants and 15 kinds of prescriptions containing MFH plants that have the effect of improving sleep and summarized the mechanism of their treatment of insomnia. Our study will provide theoretical support for the development and utilization of MFH plant resources with sleep-enhancing properties and provide positive insights and direction references for more effective treatment of insomnia disease.

Rehmannia glutinosa DC.-Lilium lancifolium Thunb. in the treatment of depression: a comprehensive review and perspectives

Background

In recent years, the incidence of depression, recognized as a serious psychological disorder, has escalated rapidly. Rehmannia glutinosa DC. (Scrophulariaceae; Rehmanniae Radix, Crude drug) and Lilium lancifolium Thunb. (Liliaceae; Lilii bulbus, Crude drug) constitute a classic anti-depressant combination, exhibiting pharmacological effects that include anti-depressive, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties. Current clinical studies have demonstrated that Baihe Dihuang Decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal compound, is effective in treating depression. However, the majority of scholars have predominantly examined Rehmannia glutinosa and Lilium in isolation, and a comprehensive elucidation of their principal active metabolites and pharmacological mechanisms remains lacking.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted as of 29 September 2024, utilizing databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. Additionally, classical texts on Chinese herbal medicine, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, as well as doctoral and master's theses, were included in the collected materials. The search employed specific terms including "R. glutinosa," "Lilium," "Baihe Dihuang decoction," "application of Baihe Dihuang decoction," "pathogenesis of depression," and "pharmacological action and mechanism of depression.

Results

This paper reviewed the traditional applications and dosages of the R. glutinosa-Lilium as documented in Chinese medical classics, thereby establishing a foundation for the contemporary development and clinical application of the classical formula Baihe Dihuang Decoction. Additionally, recent years have seen a comprehensive review of the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of R. glutinosa-Lilium and its principal metabolites in the context of depression.

Conclusion

This paper has reviewed the active metabolites of R. glutinosa-Lilium and demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of depression, as well as its role in modulating the underlying mechanisms of the disorder. The findings aim to serve as a reference for further research into the mechanisms of depression, its clinical applications, and the development of novel therapeutic agents.

The antidepressive mechanism of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in mice with depression-like behaviors

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for depression. Integrated Chinese-western therapies have been extensively applied in numerous diseases due to their superior efficiency in individual treatment. We used the meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and bioinformatics studies to identify the putative role of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in depression. Depression-like behaviors were mimicked in mice after exposure to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The underlying potential mechanism of this combination therapy was further explored based on in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and IL-22, activation of microglial cells, and neuron viability and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The antidepressant effect was noted for the combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine in mice compared to a single treatment. COX-2 was mainly expressed in hippocampal CA1 areas. Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine reduced the expression of COX-2 and thus alleviated depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in mice. A decrease of COX-2 curtailed BV-2 microglial cell activation, inflammation, and neuron apoptosis by blunting the PGE2/IL-22 axis. Therefore, a combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine inactivates the COX-2/PGE2/IL-22 axis, consequently relieving the neuroinflammatory response and the resultant depression.

Korean red ginseng saponin fraction exerts anti-inflammatory effects by targeting the NF-κB and AP-1 pathways

Background

Although ginsenosides and saponins in Korea red ginseng (KRG) shows various pharmacological roles, their roles in the inflammatory response are little known. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory role of ginsenosides identified from KRG saponin fraction (RGSF) and the potential mechanism in macrophages.

Methods

The ginsenoside composition of RGSF was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. An anti-inflammatory effect of RGSF and its mechanisms were studied using nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production assays, mRNA expression analyses of inflammatory genes and cytokines, luciferase reporter gene assays of transcription factors, and Western blot analyses of inflammatory signaling pathways using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells.

Results

HPLC analysis identified the types and amounts of various panaxadiol ginsenosides in RGSF. RGSF reduced the generation of inflammatory molecules and mRNA levels of inflammatory enzymes and cytokines in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, RGSF inhibited the signaling pathways of NF-κB and AP-1 by suppressing both transcriptional factors and signaling molecules in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion

RGSF contains ginsenosides that have anti-inflammatory action via restraining the NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways in macrophages during inflammatory responses.

Korean Red Ginseng exerts anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting activities in aged mice

BACKGROUND

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herb that has several beneficial properties including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy regulatory effects. However, the mechanisms of these effects are not well understood. In this report, the underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting effects were investigated in aged mice treated with KRG-water extract (WE) over a long period.

METHODS

The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting activities of KRG-WE were evaluated in kidney, lung, liver, stomach, and colon of aged mice using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

KRG-WE significantly suppressed the mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related genes such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and IL-6 in kidney, lung, liver, stomach, and colon of the aged mice. Furthermore, KRG-WE downregulated the expression of transcription factors and their protein levels associated with inflammation in lung and kidney of aged mice. KRG-WE also increased the expression of autophagy-related genes and their protein levels in colon, liver, and stomach.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that KRG can suppress inflammatory responses and recover autophagy activity in aged mice.

Anti-Gastritis and Anti-Lung Injury Effects of Pine Tree Ethanol Extract Targeting Both NF-κB and AP-1 Pathways

An ethanol extract (Pd-EE) of Pinus densiflora Siebold and Zucc was derived from the branches of pine trees. According to the Donguibogam, pine resin has the effects of lowering the fever, reducing pain, and killing worms. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Pd-EE has anti-inflammatory effects. During in vitro trials, NO production, as well as changes in the mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes and the phosphorylation levels of related proteins, were confirmed in RAW264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharide depending on the presence or absence of Pd-EE treatment. The activities of transcription factors were checked in HEK293T cells transfected with adapter molecules in the inflammatory pathway. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of Pd-EE was also estimated in vivo with acute gastritis and acute lung injury models. LC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the components of Pd-EE. This extract reduced the production of NO and the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, protein expression levels of p50 and p65 and phosphorylation levels of FRA1 were decreased. In the luciferase assay, the activities of NF-κB and AP-1 were lowered. In acute gastritis and acute lung injury models, Pd-EE suppressed inflammation, resulting in alleviated damage.

Antioxidative and Skin Protective Effects of Canarium subulatum Methanol Extract on Keratinocytes

Canarium subulatum is a traditional medical herb used in South Asia. Recently, the anti-inflammatory effects of C. subulatum methanol extract (Cs-ME) have been reported; however, the effect of Cs-ME on skin physiology has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the protective effect of Cs-ME on UV-induced skin aging and cell death as well as the reinforcing effect on the skin barrier. According to viable cell counting and MTT assays, Cs-ME significantly reduced UV-evoked HaCaT cell death. Cs-ME blocked reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in UV-irradiated HaCaT cells and showed radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS. In addition, H2O2-induced cell death was inhibited by Cs-ME, indicating that Cs-ME protects cells from UV-derived cell death through the suppression of ROS. PCR analysis revealed that Cs-ME diminished the expression of aging-related HYAL-1 and MMP-1 genes in UV-treated HaCaT cells. Elevated HYAL-1 and MMP-1 mRNA expression in H2O2-stimulated HaCaT cells was also decreased by Cs-ME, suggesting that Cs-ME exerts antiaging activity via the inhibition of ROS. Expression of skin barrier components including filaggrin and hyaluronic acid synthase-1 was increased by Cs-ME and was modulated by ERK/p38-AP-1 signaling. Collectively, our data show that Cs-ME has cytoprotective and antiaging activity based on antioxidant properties. Furthermore, Cs-ME exerts skin barrier protective ability by regulating the AP-1 signaling pathway. Therefore, Cs-ME has the potential for use as an ingredient in cosmetics to protect the skin from UV irradiation, prevent photoaging, and strengthen the skin barrier.

The effects of natural compounds on wound healing in Iranian traditional medicine: A comprehensive review

Wounds are physical and anatomical disruption in healthy skin and represent an important healthcare concern around the world. Wound healing is a complex and dynamic cascade of cellular and molecular interactions which include four main phases: hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling. Therefore, some pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities can play a key role in the process of wound healing. Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) has a rich background of practice and a wealth of ancient medicine scientists from the Old Persian days until today. This paper presents and characterizes pure data from original references of ITM about wound remedies and verifies their function by reviewing articles from three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus), which could be an interesting and comprehensive resource for future researchers interested in traditional medicine (TM) generally and in ITM in particular. Selected natural compounds from the references were divided into 5 groups, including herbs, herbal products, animal products, minerals, and animals. In total, 23 natural compounds with regard to the current state of knowledge and ITM were introduced and verified. The present review will provide better insights into ITM and its extensive experience in topics such as wound healing.

LOMIX, a Mixture of Flaxseed Linusorbs, Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Src and Syk in the NF-κB Pathway

Although flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has long been used as Ayurvedic medicine, its anti-inflammatory role is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory role of a linusorb mixture (LOMIX) recovered from flaxseed oil. Effects of LOMIX on inflammation and its mechanism of action were examined using several in vitro assays (i.e., NO production, real-time PCR analysis, luciferase-reporter assay, Western blot analysis, and kinase assay) and in vivo analysis with animal inflammation models as well as acute toxicity test. Results: LOMIX inhibited NO production, cell shape change, and inflammatory gene expression in stimulated RAW264.7 cells through direct targeting of Src and Syk in the NF-κB pathway. In vivo study further showed that LOMIX alleviated symptoms of gastritis, colitis, and hepatitis in murine model systems. In accordance with in vitro results, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were mediated by inhibition of Src and Syk. LOMIX was neither cytotoxic nor did it cause acute toxicity in mice. In addition, it was found that LOB3, LOB2, and LOA2 are active components included in LOMIX, as assessed by NO assay. These in vitro and in vivo results suggest that LOMIX exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the inflammatory responses of macrophages and ameliorating symptoms of inflammatory diseases without acute toxicity and is a promising anti-inflammatory medication for inflammatory diseases.

Korean Red Ginseng Plays An Anti-Aging Role by Modulating Expression of Aging-Related Genes and Immune Cell Subsets

Despite previous reports of anti-aging effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG), the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated possible mechanisms of KRG-mediated anti-aging effects in aged mice. KRG significantly inhibited thymic involution in old mice. Interestingly, KRG only increased protein expression, but not mRNA expression, of aging-related genes Lin28a, GDF-11, Sirt1, IL-2, and IL-17 in the thymocytes of old mice. KRG also modulated the population of some types of immune cells in old mice. KRG increased the population of regulatory T cells and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-expressing natural killer (NK) cells in the spleen of old mice, but serum levels of regulatory T cell-specific cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were unaffected. Finally, KRG recovered mRNA expression of Lin28a, GDF-11, and Sirt1 artificially decreased by concanavalin A (Con A) in both thymocytes and splenocytes of old mice without cytotoxicity. These results suggest that KRG exerts anti-aging effects by preventing thymic involution, as well as modulating the expression of aging-related genes and immune cell subsets.

Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of flavonoids from Daphne genkwa

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to select the most effective anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) component of flavonoids from Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc. by anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in vitro, and to elucidate the mechanism.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of total flavonoids (TF) and four flavonoid components (genkwanin, hydroxygenkwanin, luteolin and apigenin) were determined by pharmacological approach in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and ConA-induced T lymphocytes. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to obtain the optimal anti-RA component in vitro. Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR) were used to explore the mechanisms. Finally, the in vitro anti-RA effect was verified by human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs).

RESULTS

TF and four flavonoids significantly reduced the expressions of NO, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-2. PCA showed that genkwanin was the most effective anti-RA component in vitro. Genkwanin inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway by decreasing the phosphorylation levels of IKK, IκB and NF-κB, and down-regulated the expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and IL-6 mRNA. Genkwanin also inhibited the abnormal proliferation of FLSs and down-regulated the secretions of NO and IL-6.

CONCLUSION

The most effective anti-RA component was genkwanin. Genkwanin exerts anti-RA effect through down-regulating the activation of NF-κB pathway and mRNA expressions of inflammatory mediators, and also by inhibiting the abnormal proliferation of FLSs and its NO and IL-6 secretion levels.

Archidendron lucidum Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects by Targeting PDK1 in the NF-κB Pathway

Pharmacological activities of some Leguminosae family members were reported. Pharmacological activities of Archidendron lucidum, a Leguminosae family member have never been explored. Therefore, this study investigated anti-inflammatory effects of an Archidendron lucidum methanol extract (Al-ME). In this study, anti-inflammatory effects of Al-ME were investigated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis mice by MTT assay, nitric oxide (NO) production assay, semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), luciferase reporter assay, and Western blotting. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified ethnopharmacological compounds in Al-ME. Al-ME inhibited NO production without cytotoxicity in peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS or Pam3CSK4. Al-ME downregulated mRNA expression of inflammatory genes (inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6). Al-ME exerted anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. HPLC analysis identified quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol as major anti-inflammatory components in Al-ME. Al-ME ameliorated HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis symptoms in mice by suppressing iNOS and IL-6 mRNA expressions and IκBα phosphorylation. Therefore, these results suggest that Al-ME exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by targeting NF-κB signaling pathway, implying that Al-ME could be potent anti-inflammatory medications to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases.

Artemisia iwayomogi (Dowijigi) inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway

Inflammatory diseases are an important health concern and have a growing incidence worldwide. Thus, developing novel and safe drugs to treat these disorders remains an important pursuit. Artemisia iwayomogi, locally known as Dowijigi (DJ), is a perennial herb found primarily in Korea and is used to treat various diseases such as hepatitis, inflammation and immune disorders. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects of a polyphenolic extract from the DJ flower (PDJ) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells were investigated. Cell cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) was measured by Griess and ELISA analysis, respectively. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) were examined by western blot analysis. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, as well as COX2 and iNOS. The production of NO and PGE₂ was significantly decreased following treatment with PDJ. The mRNA expression levels of TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, COX2 and iNOS were significantly decreased in LPS-induced PDJ co-treated cells compared with the group treated with LPS alone. Western blot analysis indicated that PDJ downregulated the LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX2, as well as the expression of NF-κB proteins. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that PDJ exerted anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced macrophage cells by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, PDJ may be used as a potential therapeutic agent in inflammation.

Viburnum pichinchense methanol extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects via targeting the NF-κB and caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome pathways in macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viburnum pichinchense Benth. Mainly found in Ecuador and Colombia has been ethnopharmacologically utilized as a remedy for various female disorders with kidney inflammation and uterine relaxant.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pharmacological activity of Viburnum pichinchense has never been studied, therefore, this study explored anti-inflammatory activity of Viburnum pichinchense methanol extract (Vp-ME).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-inflammatory activities of Vp-ME were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis mice by MTT assay, nitric oxide (NO) production assay, semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), luciferase reporter assay, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Anti-inflammatory compounds in Vp-ME were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

Vp-ME inhibited NO production in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with pam3CSK4, poly I:C or LPS and in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages without cytotoxicity and downregulated mRNA expression of inflammatory enzymes, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. The anti-inflammatory activity was accomplished by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptional activation, upstream signaling molecules in the NF-κB pathway, and caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, Vp-ME exhibited in vivo anti-inflammatory activity by ameliorating gastritis symptoms, inhibiting iNOS and IL-6 mRNA expression and IκBα activation in mice. HPLC analysis identified resveratrol, quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol as the anti-inflammatory components in Vp-ME.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated Vp-ME has the anti-inflammatory activity via targeting NF-κB and caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome pathways in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses, suggesting Vp-ME could be developed as anti-inflammatory ethnopharmacological remedies to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases.

Anti-inflammatory activities of Canarium subulatum Guillaumin methanol extract operate by targeting Src and Syk in the NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Canarium subulatum Guillaumin is an herbal medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. Ethnopharmacological evidence suggests that plants of the genus Canarium cure a variety of inflammatory diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pharmacological mechanisms of C. subulatum Guillaumin remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate inflammatory mechanisms and target molecules using C. subulatum Guillaumin methanol extract (Cs-ME) in inflammatory reactions managed by macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To identify the anti-inflammatory activities of Cs-ME, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and a murine HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis model were chosen. The luciferase reporter gene assay, Western blot analysis, overexpression strategy, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and target enzymes of Cs-ME. The active ingredients of this extract were also determined by HPLC.

RESULTS

Released levels of nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA expression levels of iNOS and IL-6 were downregulated by Cs-ME without exhibiting cytotoxicity. This extract inhibited MyD88-induced promoter activity and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Moreover, we found that Cs-ME reduced the phosphorylation of NF-κB upstream signaling molecules including IκBα, IKKα/β, Src, and Syk in LPS-stimulated macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. The results of Western blot and CETSA confirmed that Src and Syk are anti-inflammatory targets of Cs-ME. In addition, orally injected Cs-ME alleviated HCl/EtOH-induced gastric ulcers in mice. HPLC analysis indicated that quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol are major active components of this extract with anti-inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Cs-ME exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo by targeting Src and Syk in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Consequently, Cs-ME could be developed as an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine.

Suppression of Src and Syk in the NF-κB signaling pathway by Olea europaea methanol extract is leading to its anti-inflammatory effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Olea europaea L., (Oleaceae) has been used widely in folk medicine in the European Mediterranean islands, India, Asia, and other parts of the world. Although this plant has high ethnopharmacological value for treating inflammatory diseases, the molecular mechanisms of how it inhibits the inflammatory response are not fully understood. In this study, we sought to identify the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using macrophages, we investigated the effects of O. europaea L. methanol extract (Oe-ME) and ethanol extract (Oe-EE) on the production of inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), the expression levels of pro-inflammatory genes and intracellular inflammatory signaling activities.

RESULTS

Oe-ME and Oe-EE suppressed the production of NO in lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-), Pam3CSK4-, and poly (I:C)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells; importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed. Oe-ME and Oe-EE reduced production of PGE₂ without exhibiting cytotoxicity. The mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were down-regulated by Oe-ME and Oe-EE. Nuclear fraction and whole lysate immunoblotting analyses and overexpression experiments strongly suggested that Oe-ME decreased the translocation of p65 and p50 (nuclear factors of the NF-κB subunit) as well as Src and Syk.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Oe-ME exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by targeting Src and Syk in the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Phosphatidylinositide 3-Kinase Contributes to the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Abutilon crispum L. Medik Methanol Extract

Abutilon crispum L. Medik, better known as bladdermallow, is used as a traditional remedy in India, for its anti-inflammatory effect due to its high content of flavonoids. However, research about its anti-inflammatory effect at the molecular level has not been performed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of Abutilon crispum methanol extract (Ac-ME) in inhibiting the inflammatory response by conducting several experiments including cellular and molecular assays. Ac-ME inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 cells during treatment of LPS and Pam3CSK4 without exhibiting cytotoxicity. Ac-ME also suppressed the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Moreover, Ac-ME was shown to inhibit the NF-κB pathway, according to the luciferase reporter gene assay performed with a NF-κB-Luc construct containing NF-κB-binding promoter regions under MyD88 and TRIF overexpression conditions, and immunoblotting analysis by determining the phospho-form levels of IκBα, IKKα/β, and p85, a regulatory domain of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Finally, we observed that the level of phospho-p85 induced by the overexpression of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Src was decreased by Ac-ME at 200 μg/ml. Therefore, these results suggest that Ac-ME has an anti-inflammatory effect by targeting PI3K in the NF-κB signaling pathway.