Acorus gramineusand and Euodia ruticarpa Steam Distilled Essential Oils Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects Through Decreasing Th1/Th2 and Pro-/Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion Ratios In Vitro

Comparison of different extraction methods of active ingredients of Chinese medicine and natural products

Like other traditional medicine in the world, Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) has a long history, which is a treasure of the combination of medicine and Chinese classical culture even more than 5000 years. For thousands of years, CTM has made great contributions to the reproduction and health of the Chinese people. It was an efficient therapeutic tool under the guidance of Chinese traditional medical theory, its source is generally natural products, but there are also a small number of it are natural products after some processing methods. In fact, the definition of Chinese medicine (CM) includes both traditional and new CM developed by modern technology. It is well known that the chemical composition of most CM and natural products is very complex, for example, a single herb may contain hundreds of different chemicals, including active ingredients, side effects, and even toxic ingredients. Therefore, the extraction process is particularly crucial for the quality and clinical efficacy of CM and natural products. In this work, a new classification method was proposed to divide the extraction technologies of CM and natural products into 21 kinds in recent years and analyze their status, advantages, and disadvantages. Then put forward a new technical route based on ultra-high-pressure extraction technology for rapid extraction else while removing harmful impurities and making higher utilization of CM and natural products. It is a useful exploration for the extraction industry of medicinal materials and natural products in the world.

Anti-inflammatory effects of a naturally lacto-fermented cucumber product on RAW 264.7 macrophages in association with increased functional ingredients

A naturally lacto-fermented cucumber product was developed for use as anti-inflammatory functional foods. To explore the anti-inflammatory characteristics, water (CWE) and ethanol extracts (CEE) from this product were selected to assess their anti-inflammatory potential on RAW 264.7 macrophages in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), using four different inflammatory models. Changes in pro- (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine secretions by treated macrophages were measured using ELISA. The results showed that both CWE and CEE had strong potential to inhibit LPS-stimulated inflammation in macrophages in a repair manner. CWE had a better effect than CEE. The total phenolic, flavonoid and saponin contents in CEE were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with IL-10 (r = 0.384, P = 0.036*) and TNF-α (r = 0.371, P = 0.043*) levels, but slightly correlated with TNF-α/IL-10 secretion ratios (r = -0.184, P = 0.359) by treated RAW 264.7 cells, respectively.

Ethnic, Botanic, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Acorus L. Genus: A Review

The genus Acorus, a perennial monocotyledonous-class herb and part of the Acoraceae family, is widely distributed in the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Acorus is rich in biological activities and can be used to treat various diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and digestive system, including Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, hyperlipidemia, and indigestion. Recently, it has been widely used to improve eutrophic water and control heavy-metal-polluted water. Thus far, only three species of Acorus have been reported in terms of chemical components and pharmacological activities. Previously published reviews have not further distinguished or comprehensively expounded the chemical components and pharmacological activities of Acorus plants. By carrying out a literature search, we collected documents closely related to Acorus published from 1956 to 2022. We then performed a comprehensive and systematic review of the genus Acorus from different perspectives, including botanical aspects, ethnic applications, phytochemistry aspects, and pharmacological aspects. Our aim was to provide a basis for further research and the development of new concepts.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antitumor Effect, and Toxicity in Zebrafish of the Essential Oil from Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist (Asteraceae)

The essential oil from Conyza bonariensis (Asteraceae) aerial parts (CBEO) was extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antitumor potential was evaluated against human tumor cell lines (melanoma, cervical, colorectal, and leukemias), as well as non-tumor keratinocyte lines using the MTT assay. The effect of CBEO on the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was evaluated by DCFH-DA assay, and a protection assay using the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was also performed. Moreover, the CBEO toxicity in the zebrafish model was assessed. The majority of the CBEO compound was (Z)-2-lachnophyllum ester (57.24%). The CBEO exhibited selectivity towards SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 18.65 ± 1.16 µg/mL), and induced a significant increase in ROS production. In addition, the CBEO's cytotoxicity against SK-MEL-28 cells was reduced after pretreatment with NAC. Furthermore, after 96 h of exposure, 1.5 µg/mL CBEO induced death of all zebrafish embryos. Non-lethal effects were observed after exposure to 0.50-1.25 µg/mL CBEO. Additionally, significant alterations in the activity of enzymes associated with oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae were observed. These results provide evidence that CBEO has a significant in vitro antimelanoma effect by increasing ROS production and moderate embryotoxicity in zebrafish.

How to Naturally Support the Immune System in Inflammation-Essential Oils as Immune Boosters

Efficient functionality of the immune system is needed to fight against the development of infectious diseases, including, among others, serious recurrent chronic infections. Research has shown that many modern common diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular diseases, e.g., thromboembolism, cancer, obesity, or depression, are connected with inflammatory processes. Therefore, new, good stimulators of the immune system's response are sought. They include synthetic compounds as well as biological preparations such as lipopolysaccharides, enzymes, bacterial metabolites, and secondary metabolites of plants, demonstrating a multidirectional effect. Essential oils are characterized by many invaluable activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating. Essential oils may stimulate the immune system via the utilization of their constituents, such as antibodies, cytokines, and dendritic cells. Some essential oils may stimulate the proliferation of immune-competent cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and B and T lymphocytes. This review is focused on the ability of essential oils to affect the immune system. It is also possible that essential oil components positively interact with recommended anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. Thus, there is a need to explore possible synergies between essential oils and their active ingredients for medical use.

Purification and activity evaluation of novel anti-inflammatory peptides from pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii) hydrolysates

Pearl oyster meat, a by-product of pearl production, is rich in protein, but has a low utilization rate. Our previous study showed that pearl oyster meat hydrolysates have potential anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, highly active peptides from pearl oyster meat hydrolysates were purified, identified, and extracted, and their anti-inflammatory activity was further investigated. A total of 206 peptides were identified, and three novel anti-inflammatory peptides, TWP (402.1903 Da), TAMY (484.1992 Da) and FPGA (390.1903 Da), were screened by molecular docking. The molecular docking results showed that TWP, TAMY and FPGA can bind to key regions in the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) active site. Furthermore, the three anti-inflammatory peptides can effectively regulate the release of inflammatory mediators from RAW264.7 macrophages by reducing the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, showing great anti-inflammatory activity. This study provides a new theoretical reference for the development of functional foods or nutritional supplements with natural anti-inflammatory effects.

Menthone supplementation protects from allergic inflammation in the lungs of asthmatic mice

To screen potent terpenoid compounds against allergic inflammation in vitro and in vivo, five terpenoid compounds including menthone, farnesol, oridonin, β-escin and lupeol, were first selected to compare their anti-allergic inflammation potential using mouse lung mast cells in vitro. Among five selected terpenoid compounds, just menthone treatment decreased TNF-α/IL-10 secretion ratios in lipopolysaccharide -stimulated mast cells in vitro. As a result, menthone was further chosen to treat ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice by gavage for 5 weeks. There were six groups including dietary control (DC group, 0 mg menthone/kg b.w./day), 8 (ML group), 40 (MM group) as well as 200 mg menthone/kg b.w./day (MH group) by gavage, positive control (PC group, 3 mg dexamethasone/kg b.w. by gavage before OVA challenge) and non-treatment control (NTC group, normal mice without treatment) in the experiment. Changes of inflammatory mediators, cell distribution, Th1/Th2 and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion as well as relative gene expression amounts of six receptors related to allergic inflammation in the lungs and airways were measured. The results showed that middle menthone supplementation (40 mg menthone/kg b.w./day) in vivo decreased protein and eotaxin, but increased Th1 cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Menthone supplementation inhibited eosinophilia, mast cell degranulation, chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 3 (CC receptor 3) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 1 (CXC receptor 1) gene expression amounts in the lungs, but restored the percentage of monocytes/macrophages. Our results suggest that menthone supplementation may alleviate allergic asthma through regulating airway allergic inflammation, protein overproduction, eosinophils infiltration, Th1/Th2 immune balance, CC receptor 3 and CXC receptor 1 gene expression amounts in the lungs but restoring the percentage of monocytes/macrophages in allergic asthmatic mice.

Menthone Inhalation Alleviates Local and Systemic Allergic Inflammation in Ovalbumin-Sensitized and Challenged Asthmatic Mice

Menthone is rich in Mentha × Piperita L. essential oil and it has anti-inflammatory properties; research shows that it is useful, via percutaneous absorption, in treating inflammation-related diseases. However, anti-allergic inflammatory effects of volatile menthone have not yet been used to treat allergic asthma, in vivo. We hypothesized that menthone inhalation may have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects in patients with allergic asthma. Therefore, in our study, menthone inhalation was used to treat ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged asthmatic mice. Allergic inflammation mediator changes in the lungs and airways, sera, splenocytes, and peritoneal macrophages of the mice were measured. Relative expression amounts of six receptor genes related to allergic inflammation of the lungs and airways were quantitated using a two-step real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results showed that menthone inhalation increased serum OVA-specific IgG2a/IgG1 and IgG2a/IgE ratios, increased Th1-type cytokine production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and decreased nitric oxide, protein, and eotaxin levels. Menthone inhalation inhibited mast cell and eosinophil degranulation, and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 3 (Ccr3) gene expression amounts, but (relatively) increased Th1 cytokine secretion by splenocytes. Our results evidence that menthone inhalation alleviates local and systemic allergic inflammation in asthmatic mice.

Active Ingredients from Euodia ruticarpa Steam Distilled Essential Oil Inhibit PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cell Growth via Direct Action and Indirect Immune Cells Conditioned Media In Vitro

Active constituents isolated from Euodia ruticarpa (ER) steam distilled essential oil (SDEO) against PC-3 prostate cancer cell growth remain unclear. To clarify the puzzle, ER SDEO was extracted and further resolved into six isolated fractions ERF1–F6 with Sephadex LH-20 gel filtration chromatography to analyze their biological activities. Active ingredients in the isolated fractions were analyzed with GC-MS. Potential isolated fractions were selected to treat PC-3 cells with direct action and indirect treatment by mouse splenocyte- (SCM) and macrophage-conditioned media (MCM). The relationship between PC-3 cell viabilities and corresponding total polyphenols, flavonoid contents as well as Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in SCM was analyzed using the Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient (r). As a result, ERF1–F3 was abundant in total polyphenols and flavonoids contents with diverse active ingredients. Treatments with ERF1–F3 at appropriate concentrations more or less inhibit PC-3 cell growth in a direct action manner. Only SCM, respectively, cultured with ER SDEO and ERF1–F3 markedly enhanced the effects to inhibit PC-3 cell growth, suggesting that secretions by splenocytes might involve anti-PC-3 effects. There are significantly negative correlations between PC-3 cell viabilities and IL-2, IL-10 as well as IL-10/IL-2 ratios in the corresponding SCM. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the media cultured with ER SDEO isolated fractions positively correlated with IL-10 (Th2) and IL-10/IL-2 (Th2/Th1) cytokine secretion ratios by splenocytes, indicating that polyphenol and flavonoid components in ER SDEO isolated fractions promote Th2-polarized and anti-inflammatory characteristics. These new findings concluded that the inhibitory effects against PC-3 prostate cancer cell growth are attributed to active anti-inflammatory ingredients in ER SDEO and its active ERF1–F3 fractions through direct action and indirect treatment by modulating splenocytes’ cytokine secretion profiles.

PD-1/PD-L1 Axis as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Multiple Sclerosis: A T Cell Perspective

The programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis is a widely studied immune checkpoint that modulates signaling pathways related to T cell activation. The use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors is a promising immune therapy strategy for cancer patients. However, individuals treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may develop immune-related adverse events due to excessive immune reactions. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. T cells and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis play vital roles in the pathogenesis of MS. A better understanding of the complex relationship between the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and T cells may extend our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for MS. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings regarding the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in MS and discuss the potential therapeutic strategies to modulate the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in MS.

Ingestion of Okinawa Island Vegetables Increases IgA Levels and Prevents the Spread of Influenza RNA Viruses

Background: It has been hypothesized that flavonoid ingestion stimulates immunity, promotes health, and prevents human illness. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the association of the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) with the prevention of influenza infections and with the polyphenols contained in Okinawan vegetables. Methods: IgA, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were measured in 44 outpatients who regularly ingested vegetables grown on Okinawa Island (200–300 g/day for ≥ 300 days/year) with no history of influenza infection and in 73 patients who ingested the vegetables irregularly or not at all with a history of influenza infection. Results: The patients who regularly ate Okinawan vegetables had higher IgA, IgG, and IgM levels than those who did not. On the other hand, patients who did not consume Okinawan vegetables and had influenza had lower IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. In addition, the IgA and IgG levels showed significant positive correlations with the sIL-2R levels in both groups. Conclusions: It may be beneficial to eat vegetables abundant in polyphenols every day. Secretory IgA antibodies are an important part of the immune defense against viral diseases. People who ingest Okinawan vegetables have high IgA levels and might be more likely to develop immunity against influenza RNA viruses.

Rutaecarpine administration inhibits cancer cell growth in allogenic TRAMP-C1 prostate cancer mice correlating with immune balance in vivo

BACKGROUND

Rutaecarpine (Rut) is a plant alkaloid abundant in Euodia ruticarpa which is a Chinese herbal medicine used for treating various cancers. However, the Rut administration effect on prostate cancer in vivo remains unclear.

AIM

In the present study we established an allogenic TRAMP-C1 prostate cancer mouse model to evaluate the Rut administration effect and mechanism in vivo.

METHODS

To unravel the Rut administration effect on prostate cancer in vivo, C57BL/6J male mice (8 weeks old) were randomly grouped (n = 9), subcutaneously loaded with TRAMP-C1 prostate cancer cells and immediately given daily by gavage with Rut dissolved in soybean oil at 7 mg (low dose), 35 mg (medium dose), and 70 mg/kg b.w./day (high dose) for successive 39 days.

RESULTS

Rut administration significantly and dose-dependently reduced both tumor volume and solid prostate cancer weight in allogenic TRAMP-C1 male mice. Rut administration markedly increased (TNF-α+IFN-γ) (Th1-)/IL-10 (Th2-) cytokine secretion ratios by splenocytes and TNF-α (M1-)/IL-10 (M2-) cytokine secretion ratios by macrophages as compared to those of dietary control group, suggesting that Rut administration in vivo regulates the immune balance toward Th1- and M1-polarized characteristics. Decreased CD19⁺, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of allogenic TRAMP-C1 mice were significantly elevated by Rut administration. Tumor weights positively correlated with TNF-α secretions by splenocytes, suggesting that there is a tumor cachexia in the tumor-bearing mice. Tumor weights negatively correlated with IgG (Th1-antibody) levels in the sera, suggesting that Th1-polarized immune balance may inhibit prostate cancer cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results evidenced that Rut administration suppresses prostate cancer cell growth in mice subcutaneously loaded with TRAMP-C1 cells and correlated the anti-cancer effects with Th1-polarized immune balance in vivo.

Pharmacological Effects of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Seed Polysaccharides: GSF3 Inhibits PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cell Growth through Immunotherapy In Vitro

The inhibitory effects of purified fractions isolated from guava seed polysaccharides (GSPS) including guava seed polysaccharide fraction 1 (GSF1), GSF2, and GSF3 on prostate cancer cells remain unclear. To clarify the anti-prostate cancer potential, GSPS, GSF1, GSF2, and GSF3 were isolated using Sepharose 6B gel filtration chromatography to assay their inhibitory effects on prostate PC-3 cell growth with direct action or indirect immunotherapy using either splenocyte conditioned media (SCM) or macrophage conditioned media (MCM). Correlations between cytokine profiles in the conditioned media and pro-apoptotic gene expression levels in the corresponding treated PC-3 cells were analyzed. Results showed that GSPS, GSF1, GSF2, and GSF3, particularly GSF3, through either direct action or indirect treatments using SCM or MCM, significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited PC-3 cell growth. GSF3 direct treatments increased pro-apoptotic Bax/anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA expression ratios in corresponding treated PC-3 cells. Either SCM or MCM cultured with GSF3 increased Fas mRNA expression levels in corresponding treated PC-3 cells. Both Th2-polarized and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 either secreted in SCM or MCM were positively correlated with Fas mRNA expression levels in corresponding treated PC-3 cells. Our results suggest that GSF3 is a potent biological response modifier to decrease PC-3 cell growth through inducing apoptosis.

A Systematic Review of the Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of 16 Essential Oils of Herbs

Background

Inflammation is a host defense mechanism in the body after it is infected and damaged. If inflammation is not treated in time, then it may cause a variety of diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Herbal essential oils are natural extracts that can suppress inflammation effectively and are expected to be used in therapeutic drugs for anti-inflammatory diseases in the future. Aim of the review. We review the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of essential oils derived from 16 herbs. Materials and methods. We searched the literature of the fields of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory herbal essential oil activity published in English within the past five years via databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and The Web of Science).

Results

A total of 1932 papers were found by searching, and 132 papers were screened after removing duplicates and reading article titles. Fifteen articles met the requirements to be included in this review. Among those selected, 11 articles reported in vivo research results, and 10 articles showed research results.

Conclusion

Essential oils extracted from herbs can reduce inflammation by regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines involved in multiple signalling pathways. Herbal essential oils are expected to be developed as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Phytochemical Omics in Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants are used to treat diseases and provide health benefits, and their applications are increasing around the world [...].

GSF3, a polysaccharide from guava (Psidium guajava L.) seeds, inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth via increasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio or Fas mRNA expression levels

Guava seed polysaccharide fraction 3 (GSF3) is an immunomodulatory polysaccharide from guava (Psidium guajava L.) seed polysaccharides. However, effects of GSF3 on the growth of breast cancer cells were not understood, yet. To clarify the GSF3 effects on breast cancer cell growth, GSF3 was subjected to treat MCF-7 cells using direct action or indirect immunotherapy using immune cells conditioned media, respectively. The viabilities of MCF-7 cells were measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Changes in pro-(Bax)/anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and Fas mRNA expression levels in the treated MCF-7 cells were measured using two-step reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that GSF3 inhibited MCF-7 cell growth through either direct action or indirect immunotherapy. GSF3 direct action significantly (P < 0.05) decreased Bcl-2 mRNA expression amount but increased pro-(Bax)/anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) mRNA expression ratios in the treated cells. The splenocytes conditioned media cultured with GSF3 increased Fas mRNA expression amounts in the treated MCF-7 cells. There was a significant negative correlation between Th2-polarized cytokines secreted by immune cells and Fas mRNA expression levels in the corresponding treated MCF-7 cells. Our findings suggested that GSF3 is a potent anti-cancerous polysaccharide by direct action or indirectly modulating immune cell cytokine secretion profiles.