Intracellular ROS Scavenging Activity and Downregulation of Inflammatory Mediators in RAW264.7 Macrophage by Fresh Leaf Extracts of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum

Wound healing effect of fucoidan-loaded gelatin/oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel

Various wound dressings are under development to accelerate wound healing, and hydrogels in particular have the potential to create ideal conditions for wound healing. In this study, we investigated a novel hydrogel based on gelatin/oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose loaded with fucoidan derived from Ecklonia cava (ECF) for wound treatment. The mechanical stability and self-healing ability of the hydrogel were optimized, and its cytocompatibility was demonstrated against RAW 264.7 macrophages and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Furthermore, sustained drug release from the fabricated hydrogels depending on ECF concentration exhibited radical scavenging ability, induction of collagen production, promotion of cell migration, reduction of nitric oxide levels, and cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress in the ROS microenvironment, attributing these effects to the wound healing potential of bioactive ECF. In an in vivo experiments, GOC/F5 hydrogel was shown to significantly reduce wound area in a full-thickness ICR mouse model, and promoted re-epithelialization and collagen deposition to rapidly repair wounds. These results suggest that GOC/F5 hydrogels could be potentially used as an ideal dressing for wound healing.

Application of Microwave-Assisted Water Extraction (MAWE) to Fully Realize Various Physiological Activities of Melaleuca quinquenervia Leaf Extract

Melaleuca quinquenervia is widely grown in tropical areas worldwide. Studies have demonstrated that extracts of its buds, leaves, and branches obtained through hydrodistillation, steam distillation, or solvent extraction exhibit physiological activities, including anti-melanogenic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties; nevertheless, such extracts are mostly not effectively collected or adequately utilized. Accordingly, this study applied a rapid, effective, and easy-to-operate microwave-assisted water extraction (MAWE) technique for the first time to prepare M. quinquenervia leaf extract (MLE) with improved physiological activities. The results indicated that the optimal irradiation time and liquid/solid ratio for the production of the MLE were 180 s and 20 mL/g, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the freeze-dried MLE achieved a high yield (6.28% ± 0.08%) and highly effective broad-spectrum physiological activities. The MLE exhibited strong antioxidant, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory activities and excellent antityrosinase and antimicrobial activities. Additionally, the MLE was noncytotoxic at concentrations of ≤300 mg/L, at which it exhibited pharmacological activity. The results also indicated that the MLE comprised a total of 24 chemical compounds and 17 phenolic compounds. Among these compounds, luteolin contributed to antityrosinase activity. The extract's antiaging activity was attributed to ellagic acid and quercetin, its anti-inflammatory activity resulted from ellagic acid and kaempferol, and its antimicrobial activity resulted from quercetin and 3-O-methylellagic acid. In conclusion, the MAWE-derived MLE may be useful as a functional ingredient in cosmetic products, health foods, and botanical drugs.

Euryfuranyl compounds from edible species of cuttlefish as potential anti-inflammatory leads attenuating NF-κB signaling cascade in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages

Nuclear factor-kappa B is an inducible transcription element, which was considered as an important regulator of immune functions, and plays a critical role to induce inflammatory reactions. In this study, we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potentials of previously undescribed (4 → 13)-abeo-euryfuranyls (1-2) from the spineless cuttlefish Sepiella inermis in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. The euryfuranyl bearing (4 → 13)-abeo-euryfuranyl-2-ene-6-hydroxymethyl-propanoate framework (compound 1) displayed prominent inhibitory effects against pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (IC₅₀ 0.36 mM) and 5-lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ 0.70 mM). Additionally, it suppressed the generation of inducible nitric oxide synthase along with cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. The euryfuranyl analogue (1) down-regulated the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage cells by hindering the degradation of inhibitor-κB proteins, and transfer of the subunit NF-κB p⁶⁵ to the nucleus from the cytosol. These results demonstrated that the euryfuranyl analogue could be explored as a promising anti-inflammatory therapeutic lead attenuating nuclear factor-κB signaling cascade.

Propylene Glycol Improves Stability of the Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Scutellaria baicalensis Extract

Scutellaria baicalensis root extracts have been useful for external skin care and have been commercialized for years. Here, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the difference between 20% propylene glycol (PG) and water used as the storage solvent for a time course analysis of their remaining biological activities and ingredient compositions versus their freshly prepared conditions. Of the four major components in the 20% PG solvent, more than 80% of the components were retained after storage for two months, but in water only baicalin and wogonin were retained. The relative antibacterial activities, antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activities of the 20% PG solvent group were better than those of the water solvent group. Taken together, we demonstrated that these activities improved when PG, a common solvent used in many product formulas, was used as the storage solvent for the S. baicalensis extract.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of White Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Fruits on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

In this study, the protective effects of white mulberry (Morus alba) fruits on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were investigated. The ethanol (EtOH) extract of white mulberry fruits and its derived fractions contained adequate total phenolic and flavonoid contents, with good in vitro antioxidant radical scavenging activity. The extract and fractions also markedly inhibited ROS generation and antioxidant activity. After treatment with the EtOH extract and its fractions, LPS stimulation-induced elevated nitric oxide (NO) production was restored, which was primarily mediated by downregulation of inducible NO synthase expression. A total of 20 chemical constituents including flavonoids, steroids, and phenolics were identified in the fractions using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). These findings provide experimental evidence of the protective effects of white mulberry fruit extract against oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, suggesting their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential as natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne. Extract Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators Produced by RAW264.7 Macrophages

Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne. (G. inodorum) is widely used in Northern Thai cuisine as local vegetables and commercial herb tea products. In the present study, G. inodorum extract (GIE) was evaluated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in LPS plus IFN-γ-induced RAW264.7 cells. Major compounds in GIE were evaluated using GC-MS and found 16 volatile compounds presenting in the extract. GIE exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increasing superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) mRNA expression in LPS plus IFN-γ-induced RAW264.7 cells. GIE showed anti-inflammatory activity through suppressing nitric oxide (NO), proinflammatory cytokine production interleukin 6 (IL-6) and also downregulation of the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and IL-6 mRNA levels in LPS plus IFN-γ-induced RAW264.7 cells. Mechanism studies showed that GIE suppressed the NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and slightly decreased the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) protein. Our studies applied the synchrotron radiation-based FTIR microspectroscopy (SR-FTIR), supported by multivariate analysis, to identify the FTIR spectral changes based on macromolecule alterations occurring in RAW264.7 cells. SR-FTIR results demonstrated that the presence of LPS plus IFN-γ in RAW264.7 cells associated with the increase of amide I/amide II ratio (contributing to the alteration of secondary protein structure) and lipid content, whereas glycogen and other carbohydrate content were decreased. These findings lead us to believe that GIE may prevent oxidative damage by scavenging intracellular ROS production and activating the antioxidant gene, SOD2, expression. Therefore, it is possible that the antioxidant properties of GIE could modulate the inflammation process by regulating the ROS levels, which lead to the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and genes. Therefore, GIE could be developed into a novel antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent to treat and prevent diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Intracellular ROS Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Oroxylum indicum Kurz (L.) Extract in LPS plus IFN-γ-Activated RAW264.7 Macrophages

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz has been used as plant-based food and herbal medicine in many Asian countries. The aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of O. indicum extract (O. indicum) in RAW264.7 cells activated by LPS plus IFN-γ. The phytochemical compounds in O. indicum were identified by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. Five flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, baicalein, oroxylin A, and quercetin) and 27 volatile compounds were found in O. indicum. O. indicum presented antioxidant activities, including reducing ability by FRAP assay and free radical scavenging activity by DPPH assay. Moreover, O. indicum also suppressed LPS plus IFN-γ-activated reactive oxygen species generation in RAW264.7 macrophages. It possessed the potent anti-inflammatory action through suppressing nitric oxide (NO) and IL-6 secretion, possibly due to its ability to scavenge intracellular ROS. The synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectroscopy results showed the alteration of signal intensity and integrated areas relating to lipid and protein of the activated RAW264.7 macrophages compared to unactivated cells. This is the first report of an application of the SR-FTIR technique to evaluate biomolecular changes in activated RAW264.7 cells. Our results indicate that O. indicum may be used as a potential source of nutraceutical for the development of health food supplement or a novel anti-inflammatory herbal medicine.

Ficus deltoidea suppresses endothelial activation, inflammation, monocytes adhesion and oxidative stress via NF-κB and eNOS pathways in stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cells

Background

Ficus deltoidea (FD) has been shown to have antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on key events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are unknown.

Aim

To investigate the endothelial activation, inflammation, monocyte-endothelial cell binding and oxidative stress effects of four FD varieties.

Methods

Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were incubated with different concentrations of aqueous ethanolic extracts of FD var. trengganuensis (FDT), var. kunstleri (FDK), var. deltoidea (FDD) and var. intermedia (FDI), together with LPS. Protein and gene expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p50 and p65 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were measured using ELISA and QuantiGene plex, respectively. Adhesion of monocyte to HCAEC and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by Rose Bengal staining and 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay.

Results

FDK exhibited the highest inhibition of biomarkers in relation to endothelial activation and inflammation, second in reducing monocyte binding (17.3%) compared to other varieties. FDK (25.6%) was also the most potent at decreasing ROS production.

Conclusion

FD has anti-atherogenic effects, possibly mediated by NF-κB and eNOS pathways; with FDK being the most potent variety. It is potentially beneficial in mitigating atherogenesis.

Cationic block amphiphiles show anti-mitochondrial activity in multi-drug resistant breast cancer cells

Currently, there are limited treatment options for multi-drug resistant breast cancer. Lipid-modified cationic peptides have the potential to reach the mitochondria, which are attractive targets for the treatment of multi-drug resistant (MDR) breast cancer; yet, little is known about their mitochondrial targeting and anti-cancer activity. Interestingly, lipid-modified cationic peptides, typically used as gene transfection agents, exhibit similar structural features to mitochondrial targeted peptides. Using octahistidine-octaarginine (H₈R₈) as a model cationic peptide for cell penetration and endosomal escape, we explored the anti-cancer potential of lipid-modified cationic peptides as a function of amphiphilicity, biodegradability and lipid structure. We found that cationic peptides modified with a lipid that is at least 12 carbons in length exhibit potent anti-cancer activity in the low micromolar range in both EMT6/P and EMT6/AR-1 breast cancer cells. Comparing degradable and non-degradable linkers, as well as L- and D-amino acid sequences, we found that the anti-cancer activity is mostly independent of the biodegradation of the lipid-modified cationic peptides. Two candidates, stearyl-H₈R₈ (Str-H₈R₈) and vitamin E succinate-H₈R₈ (VES-H₈R₈) were cytotoxic to cancer cells by mitochondria depolarization. We observed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced cell bioenergetics and drug efflux, triggering apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest. Compared to Str-H₈R₈, VES-H₈R₈ showed enhanced cancer cell selectivity and drug efflux inhibition, thereby serving as a potential novel therapeutic agent. This study deepens our understanding of lipid-modified cationic peptides and uncovers their potential in multi-drug resistant breast cancer.

Antioxidant and Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species/Reactive Nitrogen Species Scavenging Activities of Three Porcupine Bezoars from Hystrix brachyura

BACKGROUND

Porcupine dates are phytobezoar stones that are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments against cancer, postsurgical recovery, dengue fever, etc. The medicinal values have not been scientifically investigated due to the availability and high pricing of the dates.

OBJECTIVES

This paper represents the first report on the phytochemical content, in vitro antioxidant and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) scavenging properties of the extracts of three porcupine dates: grassy date (GD), black date (BD), and powdery date (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dried samples were extracted with methanol and lyophilized. Samples were screened for phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant assays based on total phenolic content (TPC), free radical scavenging, and ferric reducing power (FRP) as well as intracellular ROS and RNS scavenging properties.

RESULTS

Phytochemical screening and total tannins assay revealed that tannins, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids were found in all porcupine dates with tannins forming the major portion of the TPC. In comparison to GD, BD and PD were found to contain significantly high TPC, radical scavenging activity, and FRP. At 200 μg/ml, BD and PD remarkably scavenged 2, 2-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced ROS in RAW264.7 cells and significantly reduced nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells.

CONCLUSION

Overall, BD and PD exhibited promising in vitro antioxidant as well as intracellular ROS/RNS scavenging properties.

SUMMARY

Tannins, cardiac glycoside, and terpenoids were found in all three types of porcupine dates with tannins being the major compoundsAntioxidant contents and properties of three dates were in the order black date (BD) > powdery date (PD) > grassy dateBD and PD extracts showed significant intracellular reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species scavenging properties. Abbreviations Used: TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine, BD: Black date, GD: Grassy date, PD: Powdery date, TPC: Total phenolic content, FRS: Free radical scavenging, FRP: Ferric reducing power, NO: Nitric oxide, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, RNS: Reactive nitrogen species, GAE: Gallic acid equivalent, AAE: Ascorbic acid equivalent, PVPP: Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, DCFH-DA: Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate, AAPH: 2, 2-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, LPS: Lipopolysaccharide.

Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine in Vietnamese Populations: A Review of Health Perceptions and Therapies

In Vietnam, two types of traditional medicine (TM) are practiced: thuoc nam, medicine of the South, and thuoc bac, medicine of the North, both of which are largely based on herbal drugs used by different Vietnamese ethnic groups. This review presents recently published information from various databases regarding TM, especially herbal drugs, and its integration with Western medical practices outside and inside Vietnam. We first discuss the integration of traditional and modern health concepts by Vietnamese immigrants living outside Vietnam. Next, we describe native and emigrated health education and practices of pharmacy students, health professionals, and citizens living in Vietnam. Finally, we report the recent biological validation of medicinal plants and non-herbal therapies emerging from Vietnamese TM and their current and potential medical uses as identified by Western approaches. The main example described here involves utilization of the tree Artocarpus tonkinensis by the ethnic minority of Black Hmong in northern Vietnam, who use a decoction of its leaves to treat arthritis and backache without apparent adverse effects. Our comprehensive review emphasizes that, although Vietnam has a very rich collection of TM practices (particularly the use of herbal drugs), these therapies should be biologically and clinically validated with modern Western methods for optimal integration of Western and traditional medicine in global populations.

Artemisia asiatica Nakai Attenuates the Expression of Proinflammatory Mediators in Stimulated Macrophages Through Modulation of Nuclear Factor-κB and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways

The present study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects and potential mechanism of action of Artemisia asiatica Nakai (A. asiatica Nakai) extract in activated murine macrophages. A. asiatica Nakai extract showed dose-dependent suppression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 activity. It also showed dose-dependent inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus and as an inhibitor of NF-κB-alpha phosphorylation. The extract's inhibitory effects were found to be mediated through NF-κB inhibition and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 murine macrophages, suggesting a potential mechanism for the anti-inflammatory activity of A. asiatica Nakai. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the anti-inflammatory effects of A. asiatica Nakai on J774A.1 murine macrophages; these results may help develop functional foods possessing an anti-inflammatory activity.

Inhibitory Effects of Chemical Compounds Isolated from the Rhizome of Smilax glabra on Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor- α Production in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW264.7 Cell

The rhizome of Smilax glabra has been used for a long time as both food and folk medicine in many countries. The present study focused on the active constituents from the rhizome of S. glabra, which possess potential anti-inflammatory activities. As a result, nine known compounds were isolated from the rhizome of S. glabra with the bioassay-guiding, and were identified as syringaresinol (1), lasiodiplodin (2), de-O-methyllasiodiplodin (3), syringic acid (4), 1,4-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,4-butanediol (5), lyoniresinol (6), trans-resveratrol (7), trans-caffeic acid methyl ester (8), and dihydrokaempferol (9). Among these compounds, 2 and 3 were isolated for the first time from S. glabra. In addition, the potential anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW264.7 cells. Results indicated that 4 and 7 showed significant inhibitory effects on NO production of RAW264.7 cells, and 1, 2, 3, and 5 showed moderate suppression effects on induced NO production. 1, 7, and 5 exhibited high inhibitory effects on TNF-α production, with the IC₅₀ values less than 2.3, 4.4, and 16.6 μM, respectively. These findings strongly suggest that compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 were the potential anti-inflammatory active compositions of S. glabra.