Anti-allergic effects of ethanol extracts from brown seaweeds

Screening of probiotic Lactobacillus to reduce peanut allergy and with potential anti-allergic activity

BACKGROUND

Peanut is a significant source of nutrition and a valuable oilseed crop. It is also a serious allergy source, which poses a threat to 1.1% of the population. This study aimed to screen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with the capacity to alleviate peanut allergenicity and exhibit anti-allergic properties.

RESULT

The results show that LAB can make use of substances in peanuts to reduce the pH of peanut milk from 6.603 to 3.593-4.500 by acid production and that it can utilize the protein in peanuts to reduce the allergenic content (especially Ara h 1) and improve biological activity in peanut pulp. The content of Ara h 1 peanut-sensitizing protein was reduced by 74.65% after fermentation. The protein extracted from fermented peanut pulp is more readily digestible by gastrointestinal juices. The inhibitory activity assay of hyaluronidase (an enzyme with strong correlation to allergy) increased from 46.65% to a maximum of 90.57% to reveal that LAB fermentation of peanut pulp exhibited a robust anti-allergic response.

CONCLUSION

The strains identified in this study exhibited the ability to mitigate peanut allergenicity partially and to possess potential anti-allergic properties. Lactobacillus plantarum P1 and Lactobacillus salivarius C24 were identified as the most promising strains and were selected for further research. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sargassum horneri as a Functional Food Ameliorated IgE/BSA-Induced Mast Cell Activation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), an edible brown alga, has been proposed as a functional food with an improvement effect on abnormal skin immune responses. The present study investigates the anti-allergic effect of an ethanol extract from S. horneri (SHE) on immunoglobulin E (IgE)/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-mediated activation in bone marrow-derived cultured-mast cells (BMCMCs) and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice. SHE markedly and dose-dependently suppressed the degranulation of BMCMCs by reducing the β-hexosaminidase and histamine release without cytotoxicity. In addition, SHE significantly decreased the FcεRI expression on the surface of BMCMCs and its IgE binding. Moreover, SHE reduced the mRNA expression and the production of allergic cytokines; interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13; interferon (IFN)-γ and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; and a chemokine, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), by suppressing the activation of Src-family kinases and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling. In further study, the application of SHE reduced the PCA reaction in an IgE/BSA-induced type I allergic mice model. Taken together, we suggest that SHE has an anti-allergic effect in type I allergic responses.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Sargassum thunbergii via Downregulation of Adipogenesis Gene and Upregulation of Thermogenic Genes in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. We have previously reported that compounds isolated from brown alga, Sargassum thunbergii (ST; Sargassum thunbergii (Mertens ex Roth) Kuntze), inhibit adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. However, the in vivo anti-obesity effects of these compounds have not been previously reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of ST on weight loss, fat accumulation, as well as risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. ST treatment significantly decreased body weight and fat accumulation in HFD-induced obese mice, while reducing insulin and factors related to cardiovascular diseases (triglyceride and total cholesterol) in serum. ST-induced downregulation of PPARγ in white adipose tissue, and upregulation of the thermogenic genes, UCP-1 and UCP-3, in brown adipose tissue was also observed. In addition, oral administration of ST reduced the occurrence of fatty liver, as well as the amount of white adipose tissue in HFD mice. Cumulatively, these results suggest that ST exerts anti-obesity effects and may serve as a potential anti-obesity therapeutic agent.

Biological effects of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) vierh. extracts on physiological, biochemical, and antimicrobial activities against three challenging mosquito vectors and microbial pathogens

Mosquitoes are principal vector of several vector-borne diseases affecting human beings leading to thousands of deaths per year and responsible for transmitting diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis. In the present study, we evaluated the different solvent extracts of mangrove Avicennia marina for their toxicity against larvae of three major mosquito vectors, as well as selected microbial pathogens. The larvicidal mortality of third instars was observed after 24 h. Highest larval mortality was found for the acetone extract of A. marina against Culex quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 0.197 mg/ml; LC₉₀ = 1.5011 mg/ml), Anopheles stephensi (LC₅₀ = 0.176 mg/ml; LC₉₀ = 3.6290 mg/ml), and Aedes aegypti (LC₅₀ = 0.164 mg/ml; LC₉₀ = 4.3554 mg/ml). GC-MS analysis of acetone extract revealed 5 peaks, i.e., 1-hexyl-2-nitrocyclohexane (3.229%), eicosanoic acid (40.582%), cis-9-hexadecenal (70.54%), oleic acid (4.646%), and di-N-decylsulfone (5.136%). Parallel to larvicidal assay, sub-lethal dosage acetone extracts severely affected the enzyme regulations (α,β-carboxylesterase, GST and CYP450) of third instars. Larval and pupal durations increased in all treatment sub-lethal dosage (0.127, 0.151, 0.177, and 0.197 mg/ml), whereas egg hatchability and means of fecundity decreased compared to control. The survival rate was reduced statistically in Cx. quinquefasciatus (χ² = 23.77, df = 1, P = 0.001) in all the treatment dosages as compared to the control. Antimicrobial activity assays showed significant growth inhibition post treatment with acetone and methanol extracts against Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri. Overall, these results indicated the potential employment of A. marina extracts as a source of natural mosquitocidal and antimicrobial compounds of green-based environment.

Metabolite profiling and mechanisms of bioactivity of snake autolysate - A traditional Uzbek medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aqueous autolysate from the snake Eryx miliaris (SNA) has been used in traditional medicine of Uzbekistan as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory agent. However, little is known about the chemical composition and its mechanisms of activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This is our first attempt to analyse the composition of snake autolysate using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and to investigate the mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and hyaluronidase activity of fingerprinted E. miliaris autolysate to support their use in the traditional Uzbek medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous autolysate was evaporated and derivatised for GC-MS analysis of metabolites. For quantification, lipids were extracted from autolysate by solvent extraction and derivatised by esterification and silylation. Biological activity was evaluated with lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and antihyaluronidase activity tests.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis of SNA enabled the identification of 27 compounds. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA, 21%), amino acid/derivatives 39% (incl. 2-piperidinone 19%), phenyl (7%), and OH-Phenyl (10%) derivatives covered 77%. Other derivatives (9%) included succinic acid and 3-indole acetic acid). Long chain fatty acids (C₁₆-C₁₈) accounted for 3%. The lipid concentration of SNA was 1.2 mg/mL (0.12%). Three concentration levels (1.0-20.0 μg/mL) did not inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 in vitro and malondialdehyde level was not decreased by SNA in lipid peroxidation model. However, SNA was a potent inhibitor of the hyaluronidase enzyme activity in a dose dependent manner with IC₅₀ = 0.086 mL/mL.

CONCLUSION

The results from GC-MS analyses of SNA lead us to the identification of a wide range of major chemical structures of the metabolites and their derivatives with several categories. Pharmacological studies support the traditional use of SNA and show one of its possible mechanisms of activity via inhibition of hyaluronidase.

An overview on marine anti-allergic active substances for alleviating food-induced allergy

Food provides energy and various nutrients and is the most important substance for the survival of living beings. However, for allergic people, certain foods cause strong reactions, and sometimes even cause shock or death. Food allergy has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major global food safety issue which affect the quality of life of nearly 5% of adults and 8% of children, and the incidence continues to rise but there is no effective cure. Drug alleviation methods for food allergies often have shortcomings such as side effects, poor safety, and high cost. At present, domestic and foreign scientists have turned to research and develop various new, safe and efficient natural sources of hypoallergenic or anti-allergic drugs or foods. There are many kinds of anti-allergic substances obtained from the plants and animals have been reported. Besides, probiotics and bifidobacteria also have certain anti-allergic effects. Of all the sources of anti-allergic substances, the ocean is rich in effective active substances due to its remarkable biodiversity and extremely complex living environment, and plays a huge role in the field of anti-food allergy. In this paper, the anti-food allergic bioactive substances isolated from marine organisms encompassing marine microbial, plant, animal sources and their mechanism were reviewed and the possible targets of anti-allergic substances exerting effects are illustrated by drawing. In addition, the development prospects of marine anti-allergic market are discussed and forecasted, which can provide reference for future research on anti-allergic substances.

Edible seaweeds' phlorotannins in allergy: A natural multi-target approach

The anti-allergenicity of phlorotannin-targeted extracts from four edible seaweed species of Fucus genus was evaluated herein for the first time. Extracts were able to act upon cellular events triggered by immunological reaction (IgE/antigen), and on cellular events downstream the Ca2+ influx caused by a chemical stimulus (calcium ionophore A23187), preventing degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, a dose-dependent behaviour towards allergy-related enzymatic systems was observed for all the phlorotannin extracts. Linear correlations were found between reduction of the allergic mediators released and the total phlorotannin content, as well as between the enzyme inhibition and the amount of phlorotannins in the extracts. These results point to a multi-target anti-allergic capacity of phlorotannin-targeted extracts, which displayed effects on different critical steps of the allergic response, contributing to the valorisation of Fucus spp. both as food and for nutraceutical applications.

Secondary Metabolites and Biological Activity of Invasive Macroalgae of Southern Europe

In this review a brief description of the invasive phenomena associated with algae and its consequences on the ecosystem are presented. Three examples of invasive algae of Southern Europe, belonging to Rodophyta, Chlorophyta, and Phaeophyta, were selected, and a brief description of each genus is presented. A full description of their secondary metabolites and biological activity is given and a summary of the biological activity of extracts is also included. In Asparagopsis we encounter mainly halogenated compounds. From Caulerpa, several terpenoids and alkaloids were isolated, while in Sargassum, meroterpenoids prevail.

Antioxidant and Cosmeceutical Activities of Agarum cribrosum Phlorotannin Extracted by Ultrasound Treatment

An ultrasonic process for the effective extraction of phlorotannins from Agarum cribrosum with high total phlorotannin content (TPC) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Optimal conditions for ultrasound extraction consisted of temperature: 30°C; time: 5.75 h; ratio of solvent to solid: 35 mL/g, where the TPC was 19.59 mg PGE/g. The crude extract was further partitioned using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and water, in that order. The EtOAc fraction with the highest TPC exhibited the strongest radical-scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, and reducing power, which was similar to that of ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the IC50 values of the EtOAc fraction against collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity were 29.63, 16.13, and 6.17 μg/mL, respectively, whereas epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), EGCG, and kojic acid, the counterpart positive controls, were 68.90, 23.34, and 43.29 μg/mL, respectively. The EtOAc fraction was further fractionated using Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, which yielded two major and four minor subfractions. The structure of the SF5 and SF6 subfractions were further determined through HPLC-DAD-QMS analyses and 1H and 13C NMR, in which only trifuhalol A was identified. The SF5 and SF6 subfractions exhibited significantly higher radical-scavenging activity against DPPH and reducing power than the EtOAc fraction, but no statistically significant differences were detected for ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Based on the results, we propose that A. cribrosum phlorotannins could be a good source for natural antioxidants and cosmeceutical.

Plant Growth Biostimulants Based on Different Methods of Seaweed Extraction with Water

We explored two methods for obtaining aqueous extracts: boiling and soaking of Baltic seaweeds (EB and ES, resp.). Algal extracts were characterized in terms of polyphenols, micro- and macroelements, lipids content, and antibacterial properties. The utilitarian properties were examined in the germination tests on Lepidium sativum for three extract dilutions (0.5, 2.5, and 10%). It was found that the extracts were similar in micro- and macroelement concentrations. Water was proved to be a good solvent to extract phenolic compounds. The algal extract produced by soaking biomass did not show inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Only the boiled extract had an inhibitory activity against E. coli. Germination tests revealed a positive influence of the bioproducts on the cultivated plants. In the group treated with 10% EB, plants were 13% longer than in the control group; the content of elements B, Mo, Zn, and Na in the group treated with 10% ES was higher by 76%, 48%, 31%, and 59% than in the control group, respectively; the content of chlorophyll was 2.5 times higher in 0.5% ES than in the control group. Extracts showed the slight impact on the morphology of plants.

Inhibitory activity of extracts of Hebridean brown seaweeds on lipase activity

The effect of three Hebridean brown seaweeds on lipase activity was assessed using a turbidimetric lipase activity assay and an in vitro simulation of the upper digestive tract. The preparations of Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, and Pelvetia canaliculata were tested; whole seaweed homogenate, sodium carbonate extract, and ethanol extracts (pellet and supernatant were tested separately). All extracts showed significant inhibition of lipase, suggesting multiple bioactive agents, potentially including alginates, fucoidans, and polyphenols. Whole homogenate extract of F. vesiculosus was the most potent inhibitor of Lipase (IC₅₀ = 0.119 mg mL-1), followed by ethanol supernatant (IC₅₀ = 0.159 mg mL-1) while ethanol pellet and sodium carbonate extract showed relatively weaker inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.360 mg mL-1 and IC₅₀ = 0.969 mg mL-1 respectively). For A. nodosum and P. canaliculata, strongest inhibition occurred with ethanol pellet (IC₅₀ = 0.238 and 0.228 mg mL^-1, respectively). These inhibitory effects were validated in a model gut system. The data presented herein suggests the use of seaweed as a potential weight management tool is deserving of further investigation.

Inhibition of Acute Phase Inflammation by Laminaria japonica through Regulation of iNOS-NF- κ B Pathway

Laminaria japonica has been frequently used as food supplements in many of the Asian countries and as a drug in traditional oriental medicine. This research investigated the effects of Laminaria japonica extract (LJE) on acute phase inflammation in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model, as assessed by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. The effect of LJE was also evaluated in Raw264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the aspect of the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and proinflammatory cytokines production. NO, PGE₂, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 contents were assayed by ELISA, and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions were determined by western blot analyses. In rats, LJE treatment inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema formation and infiltration of inflammatory cells in H&E staining. LJE treatment prevented the ability of LPS to increase the levels of iNOS and COX-2 protein in a concentration-dependent manner. Consistently, LJE suppressed the production of TNF-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. Treatment of the cells with LJE caused inhibition of inhibitor of κBα phosphorylation induced by LPS, suggesting LJE repression of nuclear factor-κB activity by LPS. In conclusion, this study shown here may be of help to understand the action mechanism of LJE and the anti-inflammatory use of L. japonica.

Bioguidage search of active compounds from Waltheria indica L. (Malvaceae) used for asthma and inflammation treatment in Burkina Faso

Waltheria indica is used in traditional pharmacopeia in Burkina Faso for the treatment of asthma and conditions of inflammation. To evaluate its pharmacological properties and isolate the active compounds, a study through a bioguided phytochemical approach was conducted. This search was guided by a two-level investigation. First, we evaluated the impact of various fractions on the activity of enzymes involved in smooth muscle contraction (PDE4A1α) and inflammatory processes (PLA2 , 5-LOX). Second, we investigated the inhibitory effect of fractions on isolated rat trachea. The initial hydroalcoholic extract from roots of W. indica (HA), n-hexane fraction (F1 ), dichloromethane fraction (F2 ), ethyl acetate fraction (F3 ), residuary fraction (F4 ) reduced enzyme activity of PDE4A1α (inhibition of 22-42% at 50 μg/mL), 5-LOX (60-80% at 10 μg/mL), and PLA2 (42-94% at 100 μg/mL). On isolated rat trachea, only HA, F3 , and fractions obtained from F3 by chromatography on silica gel column, using dichloromethane/methanol, dose dependently inhibited contraction induced by acetylcholine. IC50 was 1051 μg/mL for HA and comprised between 181 and 477 μg/mL for F3 and its fractions. The most active fractions were purified and led to the identification of (-)-epicatechin. (-)-epicatechin from W. indica dose dependently inhibited PLA2 (IC50 = 154.7 μm) and 5-LOX (IC50 = 15.8 μm). In conclusion, both inhibition of PDE4A1α, 5-LOX, and PLA2 activities and rat trachea relaxation by W. indica validate its use in traditional management of asthma and other conditions of inflammation. These effects should be, at least in part, attributed to the presence of (-)-epicatechin in roots of W. indica.

Beneficial effects of marine algal compounds in cosmeceuticals

The name “cosmeceuticals” is derived from “cosmetics and pharmaceuticals”, indicating that a specific product contains active ingredients. Marine algae have gained much importance in cosmeceutical product development due to their rich bioactive compounds. In the present review, marine algal compounds (phlorotannins, sulfated polysaccharides and tyrosinase inhibitors) have been discussed toward cosmeceutical application. In addition, atopic dermatitis and the possible role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in skin-related diseases have been explored extensively for cosmeceutical products. The proper development of marine algae compounds will be helpful in cosmeceutical product development and in the development of the cosmeceutical industry.

Antiobesity Effects of the Ethanol Extract of Laminaria japonica Areshoung in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Rat

Laminaria japonica Areshoung, a widely consumed marine vegetable, has traditionally been used in Korean maternal health. The present study investigated the antiobesity effects of Laminaria japonica Areshoung ethanol extract (LE) and its molecular mechanism in high-fat-diet-induced obese rats. Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were separately fed a normal diet or a high-calorie high-fat diet for 6 weeks; then they were treated with LE or tea catechin for another 6 weeks. LE administration significantly decreased the body weight gain, fat-pad weights, and serum and hepatic lipid levels in HD-induced obese rats. The histological analysis revealed that LE-treated group showed a significantly decreased number of lipid droplets and size of adipocytes compared to the HD group. To elucidate the mechanism of action of LE, the levels of genes and proteins involved in obesity were measured in the liver and skeletal muscle. LE treatment resulted in an increased expression of fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis-related genes in obese rats. Conversely, the expression of the fat intake-related gene (ACC2) and lipogenesis-related genes was reduced by LE treatment. Additionally, LE treatment increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and its direct downstream protein, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, which is one of the rate-limiting enzymes in fatty acid synthesis pathway. These findings demonstrate that LE treatment has a protective effect against a high-fat-diet-induced obesity in rats through regulation of expression of genes and proteins involved in lipolysis and lipogenesis.

Phlorotannin extracts from fucales characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn: approaches to hyaluronidase inhibitory capacity and antioxidant properties

Purified phlorotannin extracts from four brown seaweeds (Cystoseira nodicaulis (Withering) M. Roberts, Cystoseira tamariscifolia (Hudson) Papenfuss, Cystoseira usneoides (Linnaeus) M. Roberts and Fucus spiralis Linnaeus), were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn. Fucophloroethol, fucodiphloroethol, fucotriphloroethol, 7-phloroeckol, phlorofucofuroeckol and bieckol/dieckol were identified. The antioxidant activity and the hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibitory capacity exhibited by the extracts were also assessed. A correlation between the extracts activity and their chemical composition was established. F. spiralis, the species presenting higher molecular weight phlorotannins, generally displayed the strongest lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 2.32 mg/mL dry weight) and the strongest HAase inhibitory capacity (IC₅₀ = 0.73 mg/mL dry weight). As for superoxide radical scavenging, C. nodicaulis was the most efficient species (IC₅₀ = 0.93 mg/mL dry weight), followed by F. spiralis (IC₅₀ = 1.30 mg/mL dry weight). These results show that purified phlorotannin extracts have potent capabilities for preventing and slowing down the skin aging process, which is mainly associated with free radical damage and with the reduction of hyaluronic acid concentration, characteristic of the process.

Polysaccharides from Capsosiphon fulvescens stimulate the growth of IEC-6 Cells by activating the MAPK signaling pathway

Seaweed extracts show diverse bioactivities, such as antioxidant and antitumor activity. Capsosiphon fulvescens is a green alga that is abundant along the southwest coast of South Korea. Although it is consumed for its purported health-enhancing properties, particularly as a treatment for stomach disorders and hangovers, the health effects of dietary C. fulvescens remain unclear. We extracted polysaccharides from C. fulvescens (Cf-PS), investigated their effects on the proliferation of rat small intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells, and determined the signaling cascade involved. We cultured IEC-6 cells in the presence of Cf-PS, which stimulated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and analyzed the Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways, which are related to cell proliferation. Cf-PS treatment induced the translocation of β-catenin, an effector of the Wnt signaling pathway, from the cytosol to the nucleus and increased the expression of cyclinD1 and c-myc. Cf-PS also induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which is activated by mitogenic and proliferative stimuli such as growth factors, but the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was not enhanced. Our results show that Cf-PS regulates proliferation via stimulating the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and ERK1/2 activation in intestinal epithelial cells.

Medicinal effects of phlorotannins from marine brown algae

Brown seaweeds are popular and abundant food in East Asia and also well known for their medicinal effects due to presence of active phenolic constituents. Phlorotannins, the major phenolic group of brown algae, have extensively investigated for their vast array of bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic. They possess promising activity in both in vitro and in vivo systems showing promising potential to further develop as therapeutic agents. In this chapter, attempts have taken to examine and categorize the reports available on active phlorotannins which have shown strong bioactivities.

A glycoprotein from Laminaria japonica induces apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells

We isolated a novel glycoprotein from the brown alga Laminaria japonica that has antiproliferative effects on HT-29 colon cancer cells. We also identified the mechanism by which this glycoprotein, named LJGP, induces apoptosis. MTS assays showed that LJGP inhibited the proliferation of several cancer cell lines (AGS, HepG2, HT-29) in a dose-dependent manner. Especially in HT-29 cells, proliferation was significantly decreased. LJGP treatment on HT-29 displayed several apoptotic features, such as DNA fragmentation, sub-G1 arrest, caspase-3 activation, and PARP degradation. Consistent with sub-G1 arrest, LJGP decreased the expression of Cdk2, cyclin E, cyclin D1, PCNA, E2F-1, and phosphorylated pRb. Furthermore, the increase of p27 expression was observed. We also determined that LJGP-induced apoptosis leads to the formation of a death-induced signaling complex of Fas, FADD, and procaspase-8. LJGP induced the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential with activation of the Bcl-2 family of proteins and caspase-9. These findings suggest that LJGP inhibits HT-29 cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, which may be mediated via multiple pathways, including the Fas signaling pathway, the mitochondrial pathway, and cell cycle arrest. Therefore, LJGP can be a useful treatment option for colon cancer in humans.

Inhibitory effect of Jeju endemic seaweeds on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7

Seaweed has been used in traditional cosmetics and as a herbal medicine in treatments for cough, boils, goiters, stomach ailments, and urinary diseases, and for reducing the incidence of tumors, ulcers, and headaches. Despite the fact that seaweeds are frequently used in the practice of human health, little is known about the role of seaweed in the context of inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Jeju endemic seaweed on a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) under the stimulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ethyl acetate extracts obtained from 14 different kinds of Jeju seaweeds were screened for inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory mediators. Our results revealed that extracts from five seaweeds, Laurencia okamurae, Grateloupia elliptica, Sargassum thunbergii, Gloiopeltis furcata, and Hizikia fusiformis, were potent inhibitors of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Based on these results, the anti-inflammatory effects and low cell toxicity of these seaweed extracts suggest potential therapeutic applications in the regulation of the inflammatory response.