• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.107-115
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• 2018

Background: Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed neuropsychiatric diseases, but the underlying mechanism and medicine are not well-known. Although Panax ginseng has been reported to exert protective effects in various neurological studies, little information is available regarding its antidepressant effects. Methods: Here, we examined the antidepressant effect and underlying mechanism of P. ginseng extract (PGE) in a chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression model in mice. Results: Oral administration of PGE for 14 d decreased immobility (depression-like behaviors) time in forced swim and tail suspended tests after CRS induction, which corresponded with attenuation of the levels of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone, as well as attenuated c-Fos expression in the amygdala. PGE enhanced messenger RNA expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor but ameliorated microglial activation and neuroinflammation (the level of messenger RNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) in the amygdala of mice after CRS induction. Interestingly, 14-d treatment with celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, and $N_{\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, attenuated depression-like behaviors after CRS induction. Additionally, PGE inhibited the upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 pathways. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that PGE exerts antidepressant-like effect of CRS-induced depression by antineuroinflammatory and antioxidant (nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 activation) activities by inhibiting the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis mechanism. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of components of P. ginseng as an alternative treatment of depression, including clinical trial evaluation.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.464-469
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• 2007

The present study describes the preliminary evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activities of Artemisia fukudo extracts. The 80% ethanol extract of A. fukudo was sequentially fractionated with n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, and butanol. In order to effectively screen for anti-inflammatory agents, we first examined the extracts’ inhibitory effects on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines activated with lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, we examined the inhibitory effects of the A. fukudo extracts on pro-inflammatory factors (NO, iNOS, COX-2, and $PGE_{2}$) in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The protein levels were determined by immunoblotting. Of the sequential solvent fractions, the n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6), production of NO and $PGE_{2}$, and the protein levels of iNOS and COX-2. These results suggest that A. fukudo may have signifIcant effects on inflammatory factors, and may be a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic plant.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.131-137
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• 2014

Objectives : This study is to investigate the effects of Acanthopanacis Cortex hot aqueous extract on nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2) production and DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity in macrophages. Methods : Acanthopanacis Cortex(200 g) was heated at $100^{\circ}C$ with distilled water(2 L) for 4hrs. The extract was filtered and concentrated to 100 ml using a rotary evaporator and was frozen at $-80^{\circ}C$, then was freeze-dried. The RAW 264.7 macrophages were subcultured. In order to evaluate cytotoxicity, MTT assay was performed. Experimental groups were divided into five(control, AC 25, 50, 100 and 200 ${\mu}g/ml$) and we measured cytotoxicity. The concentrations of NO were preprocessed by Griess assay. The RAW 264.7 macrophages was pretreated by 10 ${\mu}g/ml$ LPS and experimental groups were divided into five and we measured NO production. The concentrations of $PGE_2$ were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The RAW 264.7 macrophages was pretreated by 10 ${\mu}g/ml$ LPS. Experimental groups were divided into five and we measured $PGE_2$ production. Antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH method. experimental groups were divided into four(AC 25, 50, 100 and 200 ${\mu}g/ml$) and we measured DPPH radical scavenging activity. Results : 1. Viability of RAW 264.7 macrophages did not significantly decrease in 25, 50 and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ Acanthopanacis Cortex hot aqueous extract compared to control group. 2. NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages significantly inhibited in 100, 200 ${\mu}g/ml$ Acanthopanacis Cortex hot aqueous extract compared to control group. 3. $PGE_2$ production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages significantly inhibited in 100, 200 ${\mu}g/ml$ Acanthopanacis Cortex hot aqueous extract compared to control group. 4. DPPH radical scavenging capability of Acanthopanacis Cortex hot aqueous extract in RAW 264.7 macrophages had the high level in 100, 200 ${\mu}g/ml$. Conclusion : According to the results, Acanthopanacis Cortexx hot aqueous extract has ability to suppress NO, $PGE_2$ production and improve DPPH free radical scavenging activity. So Acanthopanacis Cortex hot aqueous extract may have an anti-inflammation effect and antioxidant activity.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.77-82
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate of the anti-inflammatory effects of Schisandra chinensis seed oil(SSO) on the production of pro-inflammatory substances in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.Methods : SSO was measured the production of pro-inflammatory factor (NO, PGE2, IL-1β iNOS and, COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. we used the following methods : cell viability assay, Griess reagent assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting analysis.Results : The cell viability of SSO(0∼500 μl/mL) processing group was 96.9% and the processing of SSO didn't have an effect on the cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect of the nitric oxide (no) production of SSO(500 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL) was each 70.3%, 37.6% and 26.5%. IL-1β production inhibition ability of SSO(500 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL) was each 49.88% and 48.8%. PGE2 production inhibition ability of SSO(500 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL) was each 49.88% and 73.1%, 70.5%. By using SSO, it experimented about iNOS protein expression inhibition ability, that is the NO production enzyme. iNOS protein expression increased in the group processing LPS independently. iNOS protein expression decreased in the group processing SSO together. The expression of the COX-2 protein decreased 89.6%, 81.8% in the group processing SSO. The significance was in the relationship with NO formation inhibition with the relationship with the PGE₂ formation inhibition and iNOS protein, it confirmed in SSO with the COX-2 protein.Conclusions : Stimulation of the RAW 264.7 cells with LPS caused an elevated production of nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β and PGE₂ which was markedly inhibited by the pretreatment with SSO without causing any cytotoxic effects. The reduced expressions of iNOS protein were consistent with the reductions in NO production in the culture media. SSO may be useful for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2005

The Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has been commonly used for autologous breast reconstruction. Despite these clinical usefulness, the TRAM flap is prone to partial flap or fat necrosis in especially pedicled flap. To improve flap survival, the surgical delay procedures and pharmacological treatments have been developed. In many studies for the pharmacological treatment, Lipo-$PGE_1$ has demonstrated a marked ability to improve flap survival and it's effect has been proved similar to surgical delay procedure. The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective route of Lipo-$PGE_1$ administration as a pharmacological treatment in TRAM flap of the rat. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-350 gm were divided into five groups, One week before flap elevation, Lipo-$PGE_1$($2{\mu}g/kg$) was injected three times in a week and than the left inferior epigastric vessel based TRAM flap ($5.0{\times}3.0cm$) elevated; group I: no procedure before flap elevation; group II: intraperitoneal injection; group III: intravenous injection; group IV: subcutaneous injection; group V: topical application. A flap was assessed at postoperative 7 days by comparison of flap survival rate, vessel counts(H-E stain), and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) protein expressed by Western blot. The results demonstrated that the mean percentages of the flap survival area in group III were significantly higher than that of any other group(p<0.05). The vessel counts of all experimental groups were statistically higher than that of control group(p<0.05). Only in group III, the VEGF protein expression was increased significantly than control group and there are no difference in other experimental groups. In conclusion, the intravenous administration of the Lipo-$PGE_1$ is the most effective on flap survival, and the VEGF induced by Lipo-$PGE_1$ has some positive effects on new vessel formation and flap survival.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.426-434
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• 2011

In this study, to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of kaempferol and its rhamnosides isolated from Hibiscus cannabinus L. leaves, we investigated UVB-induced inhibitory effects on inflammatory reaction by measuring the cytokine as the prostaglandin ($PGE_2$), interleukine-6 (IL-6) and interleukine-8 (IL-8). We investigated the inhibitory effects of kaempferol and its rhamnosides on TARC (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine) and $PGE_2$. Kaempferol and ${\alpha}$-rhamnoisorobin showed inhibition activity of TARC generated to compared to positive control. Kaempferol, ${\alpha}$-rhamnoisorobin and afzelin Inhibited the release of $PGE_2$. Also, only kaempferol significantly inhibited interleukine-6 (IL-6), interleukine-8 (IL-8) among UVB-induced inflammatory cytokine.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.129-135
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• 2010

Objectives : The present study was undertaken to determine whether the water extract of Achyranthis Radix, which is the roots of Achyranthes japonica (Achyranthis Radix, AR), is efficacious against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice. Methods : Mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen and orally treated with AR-W (50 and 100 mg/kg/bw) from days 21 to 42 after immunization. Arthritis was evaluated by arthritic score, histological examination of knee joint and serological markers such as TNF-${\alpha}$, $PGE_2$ and anti-type II collagen (C II)IgG. Results : The results showed that comparing with untreated CIA mice, treated with AR-W significantly suppressed the clinical score and joint tissue pathological damages, reduced the serum levels of TNF-${\alpha}$, $PGE_2$ and anti-C II IgG in CIA-mice. These results suggest that AR-W can effectively alleviate inflammatory response on CIA, and anti-inflammatoy of AR-W can be attributed, at least partially, to the inhibition of inflamamtory mediators, $PGE_2$ and TNF-${\alpha}$, in CIA. Conclusions : This study suggests that AR-W has a therapeutic potential in inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.159-171
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• 2009

Objectives This study was evaluated the effects of CSE the regulatory mechanism of NO and cytokines in the LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. Methods The Coicis Semen MeOH extract dissolved in EMEM for 1 hour prior to the addition of LPS(1${mu}g/ml$). The cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and Nitric Oxide production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. The levels of cytokine and PGE2 were analyzed by sandwich immunoassays. Results CSE inhibited the production of NO (0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml), $TNF-{\alpha}$ (0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml), $IL-1{\beta}$ (0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml), IL-6 (0.03, 0.1 mg/ml) and PGE2(0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml) in Raw 264.7 cells activated with LPS(lipopolysaccharide). Conclusion According to the results above, Coicis Semen can produce anti-inflammatory effect, which may play a role in adjunctive therapy in Gram-negative bacterial infections.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.165-176
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• 2009

Objectives The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of Taraxaci Herba Extract (THE), LPS, on pro-inflammatory mediatory. Methods After the treatment of Taraxaci Herba MeOH extract dissolved in EMEM for 1 hour prior to the addition of LPS ($1\;{\mu}g/ml$), cell viability was measured by MTT assay, Nitric Oxide production was monitored by measuring the nitrite content in culture medium. And levels of cytokine and PGE2 were analyzed by sandwich immunoassays. Results THE inhibited the production of nitrite and nitrate (0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml), TNF-$\alpha$, (0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml), IL-$1{\beta}$(0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml), IL-6 (0.01, 0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml) and PGE2(0.03 and 0.1 mg/ml) activated with LPS. In Raw 264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharide. Conclusions According to the results above, Taraxaci Herba can produce anti-inflammatory effect, which may play a role in adjunctive therapy in Gram-negative bacterial infections.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.1221-1229
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• 2010

Nerium indicum, an India-Pakistan-originated shrub belonging to the oleander family, is reported to possess many pharmacological activities including cardiac muscle stimulation, and anti-diabetes, anti-angiogenesis, anti-cancer and neuro-protective activities. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of N. indicum were unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanol extract of the N. indicum leaf and stem (ENIL and ENIS) on the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators in U937 human pre-monocytic cell models. In U937 cells stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), pre-treatment with ENIS significantly inhibited the expression of both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein, which are associated with inhibition of the release of prostaglandin $E_2\;(PGE_2)$, whereas the inhibitory effects appeared weakly in ENIL. Moreover, ENIS significantly attenuated PMA-induced IkappaB ($I{\kappa}B$) degradation and suppressed elevated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) nuclear translocation. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights that N. indicum exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes through the NF-kB signaling pathway.