• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.176-182
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• 2016

When inflammatory reaction is in progress, the macrophages release inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), and product inflammatory mediators, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). We conducted this study to evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy on each water extract of Acanthopanacis cortex, Achyranthes radix, and Eucommiae cortex, and to investigate whether they inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine. Acanthopanacis cortex, Achyranthes radix, and Eucommiae cortex were extracted with water and freeze-dried. Acanthoside D, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and pinoresinol diglucoside as an index material were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to ensure that the components of each extracts were extracted well. RAW 264.7 cell line, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to cause an inflammatory response, was treated with each water extract at various concentrations to determine the anti-inflammatory efficacy. Then, the anti-inflammatory efficacy was confirmed by a nitric oxide (NO) assay, and the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by real time PCR. As a result, the indicator materials were detected from each extract, and Acanthopanacis cortex water extract (ACWE) and Achyranthes radix water extract (ARWE) were shown to have a high activity than Eucommiae cortex water extract (ECWE) in NO assay. In Korea, traditionally it prescribed a combination of medicinal herbs. This study confirmed the anti-inflammatory response of these medicinal plants in arthritis and its synergistic effect when used in combination with western medicine.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.501-508
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Rubus Coreanus Miquel (RCM), used as a traditional Korean medicine, reduces chronic inflammatory diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we examine the anti-inflammatory effects of RCM and their possible mechanisms using RAW 264.7 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Unripe RCM ethanol extract (UE), unripe RCM water extract (UH), ripe RCM ethanol extract (RE), and ripe RCM water extract (RH) were prepared. Inflammatory response was induced with LPS treatment, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6) and NO and $PGE_2$ productions were assessed. To determine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of RCM, we measured NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPK activities. RESULTS: UE and UH treatment significantly reduced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation and JNK and p38 phosphorylation and reduced transcriptional activities decreased iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines expressions, and NO and $PGE_2$ productions. RE and RH treatments reduced IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 expressions through suppressions of JNK and p38 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that RCM had anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of pro-inflammatory mediator expressions. Especially, unripe RCM showed strong anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPK activation. These findings suggest that unripe RCM might be used as a potential functional material to reduce chronic inflammatory responses.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2016

This study aimed to investigate the stability and biological activities of BHSST decoction depending on the preservation temperature and periods. Methods: BHSST decoction was preserved at room temperatures (R/T, $23{\pm}1^{\circ}C$) or refrigeration ($4^{\circ}C$) for 0, 30, 60 and 90 days. To evaluate the stability of BHSST decoction, pH and sugar content were estimated. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to determine marker compounds of BHSST decoction. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effect, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) productions were measured in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Antioxidant activity was examined using the assays for 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. Results: There was no change in pH and sugar content depending on the preservation temperature and periods of BHSST decoction. Among the major components of BHSST, contents of liquiritin, baicalein and wogonin was reduced time-dependently both at R/T and $4^{\circ}C$. Inhibitory effects of BHSST decoction on NO and PGE2 productions were slightly decreased in a time-dependent manner by 90 days of preservation. In addition, BHSST decoction maintained ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities by 60 days while significantly reducing the activities in 90 days of preservation at R/T. By contrast, BHSST decoction had no significant change of ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities by 90 days at $4^{\circ}C$. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the stability and efficacy of BHSST decoction are maintained for 60 days at $4^{\circ}C$ rather than R/T.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.405-416
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• 2018

In this research, the distribution of Platinum Group Elements (PGEs) at roadside dust in Daejeon, Korea was examined using an ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry) technique. For the quality assurance of the determination, method validation based on its accuracy and precision was conducted using SRM (Standard Reference Material). It was found that the relative errors of Pt, Pd, and Rh against each SRM value were -0.7%, -10.0%, and -20.4%, respectively, while relative standard deviations for three elements were less than 10%. The concentrations of Pt, Pd and Rh in roadside dust averaged as $17.4{\pm}9.2{\mu}g/kg$, $283.6{\pm}20.5{\mu}g/kg$, and $7.3{\pm}2.8{\mu}g/kg$, respectively. The concentrations of Pt and Rh have significantly higher distribution patterns in the dust at roadside and underground parking lot than those in soil of the background or other urban area. The correlation analysis between concentrations of PGEs in roadside dust indicates that the distribution of Pt and Rh concentration were strongly affected by automobile sources.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was performed to identify the anti-inflammatory effect of Pulsatilla koreana (PK) methanol extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory. Methods: There were five groups. They were control group, LPS-exposed PK methanol extract group ($0{\mu}g/ml$, $10{\mu}g/ml$, $30{\mu}g/ml$, $100{\mu}g/ml$). To measure out cytotoxicity of PK, we performed the MTT assay. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of PK, we examined the inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin $[IL]-1{\beta}$, IL-6, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ [$TNF-{\alpha}$], IL-10). Results: 1. The extract of PK (${\sim}100{\mu}g/ml$) itself did not have any cytotoxic effect in RAW 264.7 cells. 2. The concentration of plasma NO and PGE2 in PK methanol extract group showed a lower values than those of control group. 3. The concentration of plasma $IL-1{\beta}$, plasma IL-6, and plasma $TNF-{\alpha}$ in PK methanol extract group showed a lower values than those of control group. 4. The concentration of Plasma IL-10 in PK methanol extract groups showed higher than control group; however, these values showed no significantly different. Conclusions: According to this study, the extract of PK could be used as a protective agent against inflammation.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2020

Propolis is a sticky resinous substance that is formed by the combination of honeybee secretions and resin of plants, which serves to protect from bacteria and viruses. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of propolis extract from Korea (KPE), China (CPE), and Brazil (BPE) through antioxidant, antibacterial, whitening, and anti-inflammatory tests, and to examine their potential as cosmetic materials. KPE, CPE, and BPE showed significant antioxidant activities on flavonoid/polyphenol content and free radical scavenging activity. The antibacterial effect of propolis on skin flora was determined by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). KPE showed better antibacterial efficacy than CPE and BPE in C. acnes (KPE, CPE, and BPE: (62.5, 250, and 500) ㎍/mL, respectively). Furthermore, KPE inhibited the melanin synthesis in human epidermal melanocytes and production of nitric oxide and PGE₂ induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse macrophages, which showed better than did CPE or BPE. Taken together, the propolis extracts can be applied to antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ingredient for cosmetics, while KPE showed superior potential in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and whitening efficacies.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.101-111
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• 2010

Purpose: To provide the information of efficacy for herbal formulas of high frequency, it was evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect. In many studies, plantderived anti-inflammatory efficacies have been investigated for their potential inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. This study was performed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of herbal formulas of high frequency on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in 25 herbal formula extracts in vitro and in vivo. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect in vitro model, using LPS-stimulated macrophages, RAW 264.7 cell line. The productions of nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin(PG)$E_2$, interleukin(IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-$\alpha$ were examined in RAW 264.7 cells, in the presence of the herbal formulas. RAW 264.7 cells were incubated with LPS $1\;{\mu}g/mL$ and herbal formulas for 18 hours. As an in vivo, using a rat model of carrageenin-induced paw edema. The paw volume was measured at 2 and 4 hours following carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats. Results: 8 kinds of herbal formula inhibited NO production by LPS-stimulated in some concentration, but the effect of NO inhibition is weak. 12 kinds of herbal formula inhibited $PGE_2$ production by LPS-stimulated over the 30%. Among them Gumiganghwal-tang, Sagunja-tang, Samchulkunbi-tang, Insampaedok-san and Hwangryunhaedok-tang inhibited IL-6 production by LPS-stimulated but TNF-$\alpha$ was not inhibited. 12 kinds of herbal formula reduced the carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats. Particularly, 3 kinds of herbal formula(Gumiganghwal-tang, Ssanghwa-tang and Soshiho-tang) were better than indomethacin. Conclusion: These results suggest that Gumiganghwal-tang, Sangunja-tang, Samchulkunbi-tang, Insampaedok-san and Hwangryunhaedok-tang have antiinflammatory activity.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.429-437
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is for checking anti-inflammatory effects of Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract. For this, we investigated biological active evaluation about anti-inflammatory effects by Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract. Syzygium aromaticum was extracted with 70% ethanol. This extract was tested for the cell viability on RAW 264.7 cell line by MTT assay, nitric oxide inhibitory activity and expression of inflammatory mediators. The extract showed low cytotoxicity as more than 90% cell viability in under 25 ㎍/ml concentration. On LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell line, nitric oxide inhibition activity result showed that the extract reduced NO productions in a concentration-dependent manner. Expression of inflammatory cytokines as PGE₂, TNF-α and IL-1β decreased in a concentration-dependent manner and iNOS and COX-2 proteins expression were decreased significantly in western blot analysis. We confirmed that the Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract has excellent anti-inflammatory effect. This results suggested that extract of Syzygium aromaticum may have value as the cosmetic materials.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2013

To investigate the efficacy of enzymatic extract of Ecklonia cava and its polyphenol extract (AG-DK) as cosmetic ingredients, the anti-oxidative effect, anti-glycation effect, anti-melanogenic effect, and anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts were evaluated in vitro. The enzymatic extract of E. cava ($SC_{50}$ 42.9 ppm) and AG-DK ($SC_{50}$ 6.4 ppm) showed a strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The anti-glycation ability of the enzymatic extract of E. cava and AG-DK was tested using bovine serum albumin (BSA), which inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the BSA/glucose system. The enzymatic extract of E. cava ($IC_{50}$ 97.2 ppm) and AG-DK ($IC_{50}$ 7 ppm) had inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity. Moreover, the enzymatic extract of E. cava and AG-DK had an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of nitricoxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 ($PGE_2$). These findings suggest that the enzymatic extract of E. cava and AG-DK can be applied to skin-care products as cosmetic ingredients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.102-113
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• 2023

This review discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the endometrial estrogen and progesterone receptors regulate local estrogen production, expression of the specific estrogen receptors, progesterone resistance, inflammatory responses and the differentiation and survival of endometriotic cells in endometrial inflammation. The epigenetic aberrations of endometrial stromal cells play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis. In particular, differential methylation of the estrogen receptor genes changes in the stromal cells the dominancy of estrogen receptor from ERα into ERβ, and results in the abnormal estrogen responses including inflammation, progesterone resistance and the disturbance of retinoid synthesis. These stromal cells also stimulate local estrogen production in response to PGE2 and the SF-1 mediated induction of steroidogenic enzyme expression, and the increased estradiol then feeds back into the ERβ to repeat the vicious inflammatory cycle through the activation of COX-2. In addition, high levels of ERβ expression may also change the chromatin structure of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells, and together with the repeated menstrual cycles can induce formation of the endometriotic tissue. The cascade of these serial events then leads to cell adhesion, angiogenesis and survival of the differentiation-disregulated stromal cells through the action of inflammatory factors such as ERβ-mediated estrogen, TNF-α and TGF-β1. Therefore, understanding of the dynamic hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and the corresponding signal transduction mechanisms of the related nuclear receptors in endometrium would provide new insights for treating inflammatory diseases such as the endometriosis.