Anti-inflammatory effects of Salvia plebeia R. Br extract in vitro and in ovalbumin-induced mouse model

Nerolidol attenuates airway inflammation and airway remodeling and alters gut microbes in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice

Asthma is a common respiratory disease associated with airway inflammation. Nerolidol is an acyclic sesquiterpenoid with anti-inflammatory properties. BALB/C mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce asthma symptoms and given different doses of Nerolidol. We found that Nerolidol reduced OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, the number of goblet cells and collagen deposition in lung tissue. Nerolidol reduced the OVA-specific IgE levels in serum and alveolar lavage fluid in an asthma model. Immunohistochemical staining of α-SMA (the marker of airway smooth muscle) showed that Nerolidol caused bronchial basement membrane thinning in asthmatic mice. The hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is an important feature of airway remodeling in asthma. ASMCs were treated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β to simulate the pathological environment of asthma in vitro and then treated with different doses of Nerolidol. Nerolidol inhibited the activity of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway both in the lung tissue of OVA-induced mouse and TGF-β-stimulated ASMCs. 16s rRNA sequencing was performed on feces of normal mice, the changes of intestinal flora in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and Nerolidol-treated asthmatic mice were studied. The results showed that Nerolidol reversed the reduced gut microbial alpha diversity in asthmatic mice. Nerolidol changed the relative abundance of gut bacteria at different taxonomic levels. At the phylum level, the dominant bacteria were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the dominant bacteria were Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, and Lachnospiraceae. We conclude that Nerolidol attenuates OVA-induced airway inflammation and alters gut microbes in mice with asthma via TGF-β/Smad signaling.

Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties of the Subfamily Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae) in Inflammatory Diseases

Nepetoideae is the most diverse subfamily of Lamiaceae, and some species are well known for their culinary and medicinal uses. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the therapeutic properties of the species of this group regarding inflammatory illnesses. This study aims to collect information on traditional uses through ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and phytochemical information of the subfamily Nepetoideae related to inflammatory diseases. UNAM electronic resources were used to obtain the information. The analysis of the most relevant literature was compiled and organised in tables. From this, about 106 species of the subfamily are traditionally recognised to alleviate chronic pain associated with inflammation. Pharmacological studies have been carried out in vitro and in vivo on approximately 308 species belonging to the genera Salvia, Ocimum, Thymus, Mentha, Origanum, Lavandula, and Melissa. Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations have been performed and mostly prepared as essential oil or high polarity extracts, whose secondary metabolites are mainly of a phenolic nature. Other interesting and explored metabolites are diterpenes from the abietane, clerodane, and kaurane type; however, they have only been described in some species of the genera Salvia and Isodon. This review reveals that the Nepetoideae subfamily is an important source for therapeutics of the inflammatory process.

Protective effect of Salvia plebeia R. Br ethanol extract on UVB-induced skin photoaging in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

UV exposure is one of the primary factors responsible for photoaging, causing the increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the reduction in collagen. Salvia plebeia R. Br (SP), as an herbaceous plant, contains abundant flavonoids and possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to investigate the photoprotective effects of SP on UVB-induced photodamage in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and Kunming mice, as well as its main active components such as homoplantaginin (HP).

METHODS

CCK-8 was applied to detect the cell viability in UVB-irradiated or non-irradiated HaCaTs. Commercial kits were used to evaluate the levels of ROS, MDA, SA-β-Gal, MMP-1, and IL-6. The expression of MAPK and TGF-β/Smad pathways was detected by western blot. HE and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to examine the epidermis thickness and collagen degradation of Kunming mice.

RESULTS

Our results found that SP and HP notably decreased UVB-induced ROS, MDA, and SA-β-Gal production, and inhibited MMP-1 and IL-6 secretion by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, SP and HP significantly promoted type I procollagen synthesis by activation of TGF-β/Smad pathway. Consistently, the in vivo experiments also indicated that SP and HP had a photoprotective effect, which significantly reversed UVB-induced epidermis thickness and collagen degradation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that SP effectively could protect skin from UVB-induced photoaging, while HP acted as the active substance in SP. All these findings provided a new strategy for skin photoaging treatment.

Triptonide, a Diterpenoid Displayed Anti-Inflammation, Antinociceptive, and Anti-Asthmatic Efficacy in Ovalbumin-Induced Mouse Model

The present study was intended to explore the valuable effects of triptonide on inflammation, asthmatic, and nociceptive. Triptonide possesses numerous beneficial effects extensively managed in the treatment of inflammation disease condition. Initially, triptonide showed anti-inflammation properties over lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Hence, the present study was directed to explore the protecting efficacy of triptonide in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice. Asthma was induced intraperitoneally administration (200μL) in female BALB/c mice with suspension which has ovalbumin (100 μg/mL) and aluminum hydroxide (10 mg/mL). Triptonide (30 mg/kg) over OVA-induced experimental animals altered lung mass, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase, immunoglobulin E status, interleukins (4, 5, and 13) inflammatory cytokines status, and histological modifications. Animals were also managed with the standard drug dexamethasone (50 mg/kg) followed by the asthma induction, which is also efficient over OVA-induced experimental animals. The nociception was provoked in male Swiss mice by various chemicals (acetic acid, capsaicin, and glutamate). The animals were administered with triptonide (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) and separate standard drugs like diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg) and morphine (5 mg/kg) over chemical-induced nociceptive animals. The present outcome evidently established that the triptonide considerably reduced the various chemical-induced nociception in mice (Fig. 7A, B, and C). Ultimately, the present work explored the evident powerful anti-inflammation, antinociceptive, and anti-asthma properties of a diterpenoid, triptonide experimental animal models. And it is recommended that triptonide is an excellent compound in the management of asthma and its related diseases.

Chemical Characterization and Potential Mechanism of the Anti-Asthmatic Activity of a Subfraction from Schisandra chinensis Fruit Extract

Schisandra chinensis fruit is a widely edible and medicinal resource, whose extract had a good inhibitory effect on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. However, the main active components remain unknown. In this work, we found that PET2, a subfraction of its ethanolic extract petroleum ether, displayed significant anti-inflammatory effects in interleukin (IL)-4/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. Meanwhile, in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mice model, PET2 (200 and 400 mg/kg) had significant effects on attenuating airway inflammatory cell infiltration and reducing serum Th2-related cytokines. Further studies led to the isolation and identification of 14 compounds, guided by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)-based rapid characterization of chemical constituents. Combining network pharmacology analysis and in vitro experiments, we found that six compounds from PET2 had good anti-inflammatory properties. The potential mechanism may be involved in Fc epsilon RI, T cell receptor, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways. This study clarified the anti-inflammatory properties of the main active fraction and active compounds of S. chinensis fruit and provided a theoretical basis for its anti-asthma scientific utilization.

Plebeian Sage (Salvia plebeia R. Br) Extract Ameliorates Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis Rats

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent articular disease with the clinical syndrome of joint pain accompanied by varying degrees of functional limitation, reduces the quality of elderly life. In this study, the effects of Plebeian sage extract (PS) on anti-inflammatory and anti-articular cartilage degradation activities were evaluated in rats with surgically induced OA. PS supplement for 12 weeks significantly decreased Mankin scores, including inflammatory cell numbers, and improved surface cartilage damage and mean femur and tibia articular cartilage (AC) thicknesses in OA rats. PS diminished IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, as well as lipocalin-2 levels in serum or cartilage, which were increased due to OA. The results suggested that PS decreased joint inflammation and loss of articular cartilage by suppressing provocative responses and synovial tissue decimation in the OA model. Thus, PS may be used as a novel potential therapeutic regime for OA in the elderly.

Modulation of Hair Growth Promoting Effect by Natural Products

A large number of people suffer from alopecia or hair loss worldwide. Drug-based therapies using minoxidil and finasteride for the treatment of alopecia are available, but they have shown various side effects in patients. Thus, the use of new therapeutic approaches using bioactive products to reduce the risk of anti-hair-loss medications has been emphasized. Natural products have been used since ancient times and have been proven safe, with few side effects. Several studies have demonstrated the use of plants and their extracts to promote hair growth. Moreover, commercial products based on these natural ingredients have been developed for the treatment of alopecia. Several clinical, animal, and cell-based studies have been conducted to determine the anti-alopecia effects of plant-derived biochemicals. This review is a collective study of phytochemicals with anti-alopecia effects, focusing mainly on the mechanisms underlying their hair-growth-promoting effects.

Nepetoidin B from Salvia plebeia R. Br. Inhibits Inflammation by Modulating the NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways in Macrophage Cells

Salvia plebeia has been used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, as well as colds and bronchitis. Macrophages have antioxidant defense mechanisms to cope with the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced as part of the immune response. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathway in inflamed macrophages is an appealing target due to its protective effect against ROS-induced cell damage. In this study, nepetoidin B (NeB) was first isolated from S. plebeia and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NeB reduced pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In the NeB-treated group, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher, and ROS expression decreased. By activating Nrf2 signaling, NeB enhanced HO-1 expression. Furthermore, when the cells were pretreated with tin protoporphyrin (an HO-1 inhibitor), the anti-inflammatory effects of NeB were reduced. Therefore, NeB may activate the Nrf2/ HO-1 pathway. These results reveal the NeB isolated from S. plebeia exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating NF-κB signaling and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Complete chloroplast genome of Salvia plebeia: organization, specific barcode and phylogenetic analysis

Salvia plebeia has been in use as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for more than 500 years. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. plebeia was sequenced, assembled and compared to those of other five published Salvia cp genomes. It was found that the cp genome structure of S. plebeia was well conserved and had a total size of 151 062 bp. Four parameters were used to display the usage conditions of the codons of the amino acids in Salvia genus. Although the number of protein-coding genes in each species was the same, the total number of codons was different. Except for amino acids Trp and Met whose Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU) value of one condon was equal to 1, the remaining 19 amino acids had 1-3 preferred codons. The preferred codon names of each amino acid were coincident. The period size for the tandem repeats of six species ranged from 9 to 410 bp. Salvia cp genomes mainly possessed tandem repeats with a copy number less than or equal to 3. The sequence length of tandem repeats of the six species ranged from 25 to 824 bp. Highly viarable regions including four intergenic spacers and six partial genes were discovered as potential specific barcodes for Salvia species through cp genome-wide comparison. Finally, we performed phylogenetic analyses based on the complete cp genome and coding sequences respectively. These results provide information to help construct the cp genome library for Salvia, which may support studies of phylogenetics, DNA barcoding, population and transplastomics.

Salviplenoid A from Salvia plebeia attenuates acute lung inflammation via modulating NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) involves series of inflammatory pathologies and cause high morbidity. Salviplenoid A (SA) was a new sesquiterpenoid from the traditional inflammatory herb Salvia plebeia. In our previous study, SA exhibited antiinflammatory activity in RAW264.7 cells. However, the extensive effects of SA in human cells and in vivo and the active mechanisms are unclear. Thus, in this study, we sought to access its effects in vitro and in vivo and to investigate its mechanisms. SA was proved to inhibit the induction of proinflammatory cytokines in human cell types, including pulmonary epithelial cells and endothetial cells. It also depressed monocyte adhesion. Moreover, SA potently attenuated the acute lung inflammation in the LPS-induced mouse model shown by down-regulation of proinflammatory mediators, inhibition of polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration, and alleviation of related symptoms like alveolar congestion and mucus secretion. Further evaluation confirmed that SA regulated NF-κB pathway by inhibiting the IκB-α phosphorylation. And it markedly mediated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 expression and promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Therefore, SA could attenuate acute lung inflammation via suppressing NF-κB and activating Nrf2, which provide a theoretical basis for the potential application of SA in clinic.

Immunomodulatory Effect of a Salvia plebeia R. Aqueous Extract in Forced Swimming Exercise-induced Mice

This study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Salvia plebeia R. aqueous extract (FIE-SP, SPW) in forced swimming exercise-induced mice and the immunostimulatory effects on Raw264.7 cells. Mice were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group (CON), the forced swimming test group (FST), and two FIE-SP groups (low and high dose of FIE-SP). Compared with the control group, the FIE-SP groups showed significantly increased ratios of T lymphocyte surface markers CD4⁺/CD8⁺ and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)I/MHCII, as well as increased concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG. FIE-SP groups significantly increased Th1 cytokines and decreased Th2 cytokines compared with negative control exercise-induced mice. Conversely, the immunostimulatory effects of FIE-SP significantly increased phagocytic activities, nitric oxide (NO) production, and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β in Raw264.7 cells. Furthermore, FIE-SP increased natural killer (NK) cell activities and cytokines (IL-12) in splenocytes compared with the CON group. These results indicated that FIE-SP supplementation could prevent imbalanced immune states and produce immunostimulatory effects to support innate immunity.

An Ethnobotanical Study on Qīng-Căo-Chá Tea in Taiwan

Herbal tea, a beverage prepared from a variety of plant materials excluding the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze of the family Theaceae, for a long time, has been consumed by most Chinese people for preventive and/or therapeutic health care. Usually, it is brewed or prepared as a decoction of local plants in water. The qīng-căo-chá tea, a commercial herbal tea, is the most common among many differently formulated herbal teas in Taiwan. For hundreds of years, qīng-căo-chá tea has played an important role in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with the environmental conditions in Taiwan. However, research studies in this field have been insufficient. The raw material formulas of qīng-căo-chá tea have always been passed down from “masters” to “apprentices.” Hence, there is no systematic collation or record, and, therefore, there is a need to assess and confirm the composition, safety, and effectiveness of the raw materials. This study aimed to document the uses of Taiwan's qīng-căo-chá tea through a semi-structured interview survey and investigate the background of traditional practitioners, tea compositions, and plant origins and uses. This will improve our understanding of the knowledge inherited by the practitioners and the theoretical basis of the medicinal uses of these teas. In our field investigation, we visited 86 shops and assessed 71 raw ingredients of qīng-căo-chá tea. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct the interviews. During the interviews, in addition to written records, audio and video recordings were made, and photographs were taken with the permission of the interviewees. The qīng-căo-chá raw materials have long been used as herbal teas, although more research should clarify their efficacy and safety. Traditional sellers of qīng-căo-chá tea were mainly males, and most shops have been in operation for more than 71 years. Some of the raw materials were derived from multiple sources, including different plants, and were often mixed without any safety concerns. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic ethnobotanical study on qīng-căo-chá tea that assesses and confirms its herbal ingredients. Our study represents a reference for herbal teas in Taiwan that can be used by the public and regulatory agencies.

Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Properties of Wheat Gluten Protein Hydrolysates in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Peptides from several plant food proteins not only maintain the nutritional values of the original protein and decrease the environmental impact of animal agriculture, but also exert biological activities with significant health-beneficial effects. Wheat is the most important food grain source in the world. However, negative attention on wheat-based products has arose due to the role of gluten in celiac disease. A controlled enzymatic hydrolysis could reduce the antigenicity of wheat gluten protein hydrolysates (WGPHs). Therefore, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the in vitro administration of Alcalase-generated WGPHs on the immunological and antioxidant responses of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 39 healthy subjects. WGPH treatment reduced cell proliferation and the production of the Type 1 T helper (Th1) and Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17, respectively. WPGHs also improved the cellular anti-inflammatory microenvironment, increasing Th2/Th1 and Th2/Th17 balances. Additionally, WGPHs improved global antioxidant capacity, increased levels of the reduced form of glutathione and reduced nitric oxide production. These findings, not previously reported, highlight the beneficial capacity of these vegetable protein hydrolysates, which might represent an effective alternative in functional food generation.

The hepatoprotective effects of Salvia plebeia R. Br. extract in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Salvia plebeia R. Br. is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been widely used for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases such as hepatitis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism about the hepatoprotective effects of S. plebeia remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts of S. plebeia (SPEE) in the zebrafish model. Firstly, we determined the chemical compositions of SPEE and identified three major constituents by using GC-MS analysis. After that, SPEE exhibited significantly antioxidant properties in the LPS-induced zebrafish embryos, and the enzyme activities of ROS, CAT and SOD were obviously inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Secondly, SPEE greatly reduced fat vacuoles (HE staining), lipid accumulation (Oil O staining) and hepatocyte fibrosis (Gemori staining) in the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatocyte injury of adult zebrafish. Meanwhile, the NO contents and lipid metabolism-related genes were substantially down-regulated after SPEE exposure. Thirdly, we used RNA-Seq analysis to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after SPEE exposure in adult zebrafish liver. The results showed that 1289 DEGs including 558 up-regulated and 731 down-regulated were identified between the TAA + SPEE and TAA groups. KEGG pathway and GO functional analysis revealed that steroid biosynthesis, oxidation-reduction and innate immunity were significantly enriched. Mechanistically, SPEE can considerably reduce the cell apoptosis of hepatocytes and promote the translocation of Nrf2 protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in TAA-induced zebrafish. Moreover, SPEE can modulate various inflammatory cytokines and immune genes both in the control and H₂O₂-stimulated conditions. The pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α was markedly up-regulated but the anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-β was greatly down-regulated after SPEE treatment. In addition, some key genes in the TLR signaling were also activated in the H₂O₂-stimulated conditions. In summary, our results suggested that SPEE had an important role in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in zebrafish in the near future. Some of the components identified in this study may be served as potential sources of new hepatoprotective compounds for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Phytochemical Composition and Bioactive Effects of Salvia africana, Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' and Salvia mexicana Aqueous Extracts

In the present study, aqueous extracts of Salvia africana, Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' and Savia mexicana origin were screened for their phenolic composition and for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. The three aqueous extracts contained distinct phenolic compounds, with S. africana presenting the highest total levels (231.6 ± 7.5 μg/mg). Rosmarinic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in all extracts, yet that of S. africana origin was characterized by the present of yunnaneic acid isomers, which overall accounted for about 40% of total phenolics. In turn, S. officinalis 'Icterina' extract presented glycosidic forms of apigenin, luteolin and scuttelarein, and the one obtained from S. mexicana contained several simple caffeic acid derivatives. S. africana aqueous extract exhibited high antioxidant potential in four methods, namely the DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging ability, iron-reducing power, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching and of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), for which EC50 values were equal or only 1.3-3.1 higher than those of the standard compounds. Moreover, this extract was able to lower the levels of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages (EC50 = 47.8 ± 2.1 μg/mL). In addition, the three sage aqueous extracts showed promising cytotoxic effect towards hepatocellular HepG2, cervical HeLa, and breast carcinoma cells MCF-7. Overall this study highlights the potential of three little-exploited Salvia species, with commercial value for applications in food or pharmaceutical industries.

Salvia plebeia R. Br. : an overview about its traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacology and modern applications

Salvia plebeia R. Br. (SP), has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It contains a number of chemical components and reported to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. SP is distributed in many countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Afghanistan and India. SP was first described in Compendium of Materia Medica in the Ming dynasty. The aim of this review is to compile all the information reported in the literature on SP. This review covers traditional uses, including 16 TCM classics and 21 traditional prescriptions; a total of 93 compounds from SP have been reported, including flavonoids, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenes, phenolic acids etc; biological actives such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, antiasthmatic, antiviral, antitumour, hepatoprotective effects etc. In addition, this paper also compiled the quality control studies and clinical applications. The future prospects and the existing problems of SP were also discussed. Overall, we believe this review will be a comprehensive record of SP for researchers to refer for carrying out for further research.

KGC3P attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation through downregulation of p-PTEN in asthmatic mice

BACKGROUND

The roots of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.; KGC) have been used as an herbal supplement to enhance vital energy and immune capacity. Salvia plebeia R.Br. has been used to treat inflammatory diseases.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the anti-asthmatic effects of a mixture of Korean red ginseng and Salvia plebeia R.Br. (KGC3P), its component nepetin, and their modes of action in alleviating ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice.

METHOD

BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA then subjected to intratracheal, intraperitoneal, and aerosol challenges. KGC3P and nepetin were administered orally for four weeks. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), OVA-specific IgE levels, and Th2 cytokine- and gene expression levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and splenocytes were measured. Histological and immune cell subtype analyses were performed. PTEN and Akt phosphorylation levels were also evaluated.

RESULTS

KGC3P reduced OVA-induced AHR, serum IgE levels, histological changes, and eosinophils infiltration but also the absolute number of immune cell subtypes including CD3⁺/CD4⁺, CD3⁺/CD8⁺, CD4⁺/CD69⁺, and Gr-1⁺/CD11b⁺ in the lungs, BALF, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). KGC3P also lowered the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the BALF and splenocytes and downregulated the IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, TNF-α, and MUC5AC genes in the lung. KGC3P upregulated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ gene but downregulated the p-Akt and p-PTEN phosphorylation. Similar results were obtained with nepetin treatment.

CONCLUSION

KGC3P and nepetin are anti-asthmatic because they reduce various immune cells such as eosinophils and Th2 cell as well as Th2 cytokines. These mechanisms may be accompanied by the regulation of PPARγ expression and the PTEN pathway. Taken together, our results indicate that KGC3P and nepetin may potentially prevent and treat asthma.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties of the active constituents in Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of pulmonary diseases

Ginkgo biloba has long been used in ancient China for the treatment of cough, asthma, and other lung diseases. However, the active constituents in G. biloba for pulmonary disease treatment remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory active constituents in G. biloba and clarify their associated molecular mechanisms. The biological effects of different G. biloba extracts were evaluated in an ovalbumin-induced allergic mouse model. Anti-inflammatory compounds were present in the ethyl acetate phase of the extract, which were analysed by HPLC-MS. Biflavones were identified as the main compounds, which were further evaluated by docking calculations. Leukocyte elastase showed a high fit score with ginkgetin, one of the identified biflavones. The lowest binding free energy was -6.69 kcal mol-1. The effects of biflavones were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Ginkgetin markedly suppressed the abnormal expression of the Akt and p38 pathways in human neutrophil elastase (HNE)-stimulated A549 cells. Biflavones also decreased MUC5AC mRNA expression in HNE-stimulated A549 cells and the allergic mouse model. Inflammatory cells (neutrophils) and cytokines (IL-8) also decreased in mice treated with biflavones. The results suggest that G. biloba biflavones could inhibit the activity of leukocyte elastase. This in turn implicates G. biloba as a functional food for the treatment of airway inflammation.

The Health-Benefits and Phytochemical Profile of Salvia apiana and Salvia farinacea var. Victoria Blue Decoctions

Salvia apiana and Salvia farinacea var. Victoria Blue decoctions were screened for diverse bioactivities, including the ability to counteract oxidative and inflammatory events, as well as to act as cytotoxic and antimicrobial agents. Both extracts showed good activities and that of S. apiana origin was particularly effective regarding the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation and to prevent nitric oxide (NO●) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line (EC₅₀ = 50 μg/mL). Moreover, it displayed high cytotoxic capacity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, cervical carcinoma HeLa, and breast carcinoma cells MCF-7, but comparatively low effects in porcine liver primary cells, which highlights its selectivity (GI₅₀ = 41–60 μg/mL vs. 362 μg/mL, respectively). Further, it exhibited inhibitory and lethal potential against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is possible that the bioactive properties of the two Salvia extracts are associated to their phenolic components and, in the particular case of S. apiana, to its richness in phenolic terpenes, namely in rosmanol, hydroxycarnosic acid and a derivative of sageone, which were found in the extract.

Platycodi Radix and its active compounds ameliorate against house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation and ER stress and ROS by enhancing anti-oxidation

Allergic airway inflammation is an increasing global health problem, and novel strategies to prevent or ameliorate the condition are needed. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein synthesis and maturation, and is a susceptible to sub-organelle stress including inflammation and ROS-amplifying signaling. Here, the effects of Platycodi Radix extracts (PRE) on house dust mite (HDM) extract (Dematophagoides pteronyssius)-induced asthma were investigated. Following 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg-PRE-treatment, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, ER stress, and NF-κB signaling were controlled. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and mucin5AC was also inhibited in the presence of PRE. Consistently, in the HDM-exposed human bronchial epithelial cells, ER stress and its associated ROS were significantly increased along with NF-κB signaling, which was also attenuated by PRE and its components. This study suggests that PRE might be useful as a therapeutic/preventive agent in HDM-associated allergic airway inflammation. ER stress and its associated ROS signaling involved in inflammation provide additional mechanistic insight into the underlying molecular mechanism.

Luteolin attenuates airway inflammation by inducing the transition of CD4+CD25- to CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells

Regulatory T cells play an important role in autoimmunity and have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in allergic asthma. Mouse model of airway inflammation was used to examine the suppressive activity of luteolin-induced CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in vivo. In this study, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin antigen (OVA) by aerosol challenge. Then, various biological processes were examined, including airway eosinophilia; mucus hypersecretion; elevation of OVA-specific IgE, expression of Th2 cytokines and chemokine levels; expression of eotaxin 2 and CCR3; and airway hyper responsiveness (AHR). Luteolin significantly inhibited OVA-induced increase in immune cell and eosinophil counts as well as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL Fluid). Luteolin and cyclosporine A (CsA) which was a positive control also substantially reduced OVA-specific IgE levels, eotaxin 2 levels, and CCR3 expression in BAL Fluid. In contrast, luteolin significantly increased IL-10 and IFN-γ protein levels, as well as IL-10 and TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the lung. In vitro studies showed that the number of luteolin-induced CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg (iTreg) cells was higher, with elevated levels of TGF-β1 and foxp3 mRNA expression in lungs tissue. Transfer of iTreg cells into OVA-sensitized mice reduced AHR, eosinophil recruitment, eotaxin, IgE, and Th2 cytokine expressions, and increased IFN-γ production in BAL Fluid after allergen challenge. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of iTreg cells prevented disease in a CD25-depleted mouse asthma model. Luteolin via induction of foxp3 and CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells may represent a new strategy in the development of therapies for managing asthma.

Artemisia argyi attenuates airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic animals

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisia argyi is a traditional herbal medicine in Korea and commonly called as mugwort. It is traditionally used as food source and tea to control abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, uterine hemorrhage, and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the effects of A. argyi (TOTAL) and dehydromatricarin A (DA), its active component on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The animals were sensitized on day 0 and 14 by intraperitoneal injection of OVA with aluminum hydroxide. On day 21, 22 and 23 after the initial sensitization, the animals received an airway challenge with OVA for 1h using an ultrasonic nebulizer. TOTAL (50 and 100mg/kg) or DA (10 and 20mg/kg) were administered to mice by oral gavage once daily from day 18-23. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was measured 24h after final OVA challenge.

RESULT

TOTAL and DA treated animals reduced inflammatory cell counts, cytokines and AHR in asthmatic animals, which was accompanied with inflammatory cell accumulation and mucus hypersecretion. Furthermore, TOTAL and DA significantly declined Erk phosphorylation and the expression of MMP-9 in asthmatic animals.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we indicate that Total and DA suppress allergic inflammatory responses caused by OVA challenge. It was considered that A. argyi has a potential for treating allergic asthma.