• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.833-842
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• 2020

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a commonly encountered large intestine disease in the contemporary world that terminates into colorectal cancer; therefore, the timely treatment of UC is of major concern. Panax ginseng Meyer is an extensively consumed herbal commodity in South East Asian countries, especially Korea. It exhibits a wide range of biologically beneficial qualities for almost head-to-toe ailments in the body. Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EKN) is also a widely used traditional Korean herbal medicine used for treating infertility, rheumatism, and cardiovascular diseases. Materials and methods: Separately the anti-inflammatory activities of both red ginseng extracts (RGEs) and EKNs had been demonstrated in the past in various inflammatory models; however, we sought to unravel the anti-inflammatory activities of the combination of these two extracts in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice model because the allopathic remedies for UC involve more side effects than benefits. Results: Our results have shown that the combination of RGE + EKN synergistically alleviated the macroscopic lesions in DSS-induced colitic mice such as colon shortening, hematochezia, and weight loss. Moreover, it restored the histopathological lesions in mice and decreased the levels of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines through the repression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP-3) expression. In vitro, this combination also reduced the magnitude of nitric acid (NO), proinflammatory mediators and cytokine through NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells. Conclusion: In the light of these findings, we can endorse this combination extract as a functional food for the prophylactic as well as therapeutic treatment of UC in humans together with allopathic remedies.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.790-798
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• 2020

Background: Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Methods: We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepian-drosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-β)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IκB, and nuclear p-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation. Conclusion: These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

• 미생물학회지
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• 제52권4호
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• pp.421-427
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• 2016

여드름은 만성 염증 질환으로 주로 청소년기에 발생하는 것으로 알려져 있으나 대기오염, 약물 남용 등의 원인에 의해 아동기 및 성인기에도 나타날 수 있다고 알려져 있다. 여드름을 유발하는 정확한 원인은 밝혀져 있지 않으나 한 가지 원인보다 스트레스, 호르몬의 변화, 유전, 외부 환경 등 다양한 요인들이 복합적으로 작용한다고 여겨지고 있다. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)는 여드름을 유발하는 균으로 모낭 내에 상주하여 피지의 중성지방을 분해하고 유리 지방산을 형성하여 모낭 내 염증을 유발한다. 따라서 피지의 생성 증가는 P. acnes의 생존에 좋은 영향을 주고 피부에서 염증반응을 유발하는 monocytic cell의 활성화와 염증성 사이토카인(pro-inflammatory cytokine)의 증가를 유발한다. 따라서 여드름 치료를 위해서는 P. acnes의 증식 억제 및 염증반응을 최소화하는 것이 중요하다. 본 논문에서는 유칼립투스(Eucalyptus globules) 추출물이 P. acnes에 의한 염증반응에 나타내는 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 유칼립투스 추출물 처리는 P. acnes가 유도하는 염증 매개자로 알려진 $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-2와 인플라마좀 복합체인 NLRP3의 유전자 발현을 효과적으로 감소시키는 것을 확인하였다. 뿐만 아니라 염증성 사이토카인의 유전자 발현에 중요하다고 알려진 전사인자(transcription factors) $NF-{\kappa}B$와 NFAT의 활성 역시 유칼립투스 추출물을 처리하였을 때 감소하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 본 논문을 통해 유칼립투스 추출물이 P. acnes에 의해 초래되는 여드름의 치료 보조제로 사용될 수 있으며, 천연 추출물의 사용이 항생제 장기 복용으로 인해 유발되는 항생제 내성을 해결하는 좋은 대안이 될 것이라고 예상할 수 있다.

• 한국균학회지
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.336-344
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• 2017

본 연구에서는 우리나라 주요 산과 섬에서 분리한 비병원성 야생효모들 중 항염 효과가 우수했던 Meyerozyma guilliermondii YJ34-2와 Rhodotorula graminis YJ36-1의 무세포 추출물들을 제조하여 대식세포 계열 RAW 264.7 세포에 대한 이들의 NO 생성 저해활성과 세포독성을 조사하였다. NO 생성 저해활성은 농도 의존적으로 높아 M. guilliermondii YJ34-2와 R. graminis YJ36-1 무세포 추출물을 1,000 mg/mL 처리 시 각각 51.6%와 81.4%를 보여 가장 높았고 RAW 264.7 세포에 대한 세포 생존율도 1,000 mg/mL 처리시 각각 88.4% (${\pm}3.1$)와 77.1% (${\pm}0.3$)로 가장 높았다. 두 효모들의 무세포 추출물 처리에 따른 prostaglandin $E_2$ 생성량은 농도 의존적으로 감소하여 각각의 무세포 추출물을 1,000 mg/mL 처리했을 때, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ 생성량이 59.2 (${\pm}43.1$), 73.2 (${\pm}38.1$)%로 감소하였고 prostaglandin $E_2$의 생성량도 52.8 (${\pm}1.9$), 71.2 (${\pm}3.7$)%로 감소하여 이 두 효모들의 항균활성을 검증할 수 있었다. 두 효모들의 NO 생성 저해물질 최적 생산조건을 조사한 결과 M. guilliermondii YJ34-2를 yeast extract-peptone- dextrose (YPD) 배지에 접종하여 $30^{\circ}C$에서 24시간 배양하여 얻은 무세포 추출물이 가장 높은 51.6 (${\pm}0.3$)%의 NO 생성 저해율을 보였고 R. graminis YJ36-1를 YPD 배지에 접종하여 $25^{\circ}C$에서 24시간 배양하였을 때 81.4 (${\pm}1.3$)%의 가장 높은 NO 생성 저해활성을 보였다.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.34-45
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate intestinal immune system activation and antimetastatic effect of Ojeok-san on cancer cells by oral administration. Methods: Cell viability of Ojeok-san was tested with colon 26-M3.1 carcinoma cells and Peyer's patch cells in vitro. Antimetastatic experiments were conducted in vivo mouse model by using colon 26-M3.1 carcinoma cell. To observe immunomodulating effects of Ojeok-san on Peyer's patch cells, we measured interleukin (IL)-4, GM-CSF. In addition to observing effects of Ojeok-san on hematopoiesis, we measured proliferation of bone marrow cells mediated by Peyer's patch cells in vitro. IgA induction activated in serum and intestinal content was measured to observe the effect of orally administered Ojeok-san on mucosal immune system. After administering Ovalbumin (OVA) with Ojeok-san, Proliferation of Peyer's patch cell was measured to investigate gut immunostimulatory effect. Results: in vitro cytotoxicity analysis, the inhibitory concentration $(IC)_{50}$ of the colon 26-M3.1 carcinoma cell was $890{\mu}g/ml$. $IC_{50}$ of the Peyer's patch cells with LPS was $990{\mu}g/ml$. We found that orally administered Ojeok-san significantly inhibited tumor metastasis in vivo. In addition, the amounts of IL-4 and GM-CSF in the culture supernatant of Peyer's patch cells were significantly increased compared to the control group. The proliferation of bone marrow cell was significantly up-regulated with Ojeok-san. These results indicate that oral administration of Ojeok-san enhances the secretion of hematopoietic growth factors such as GM-CSF and IL-4 from Peyer's patch cells, and these cytokines also act on modulator of bone marrow cell proliferation. After orally administering Ovalbumin (OVA) with Ojeok-san, IgA induction and Proliferation of peyer's patch cell was up-regulated with Ojeok-san. These results means orally administered Ojeok-san activates intestinal immune system and has an inhibitory effect on tumor metastasis. Conclusions: Orally administered Ojeok-san appears to have considerable activity on the anti-metastasis by activation of immune system.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.1-18
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• 2006

Objective : Although management of asthma has become increasingly effective, its cure remains elusive, necessitating a new modality to prevent or eliminate causes triggering clinical progress. Based in the clinical experiences, a novel decoration Cheongsangbiyeum (CSB), has been developed to treat asthma, which consists of Polyporus, Semen Myristicae, Pericarpium citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Cortex Albizziae, Fructus Rubi, Rhizoma Zedoariae, and Rhizoma Rhei. In the current study, its anti-asthmatic efficacy was evaluated using a mouse model of asthma. Methods : Experimental allergic asthma was induced by repeated intraperitioneal sensitization and intranasal challenge of ovalbumin (OVA). Water extract of CSB (1 mg/mouse/day) was administrated orally whereas control mice on given with identical volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 5 days during the course of antigen challenge. When airway hyperreactivity(AHR) measured by ${\bata}-methacoline-induced$ airflow obstruction was compared, AHR of CSB-treated mice was significantly lower than those of control mice, indicating that CM extract can attenuate an asthmatic symptom. Airway recruitment of leukocytes and eosinophils was also markedly reduced by CSB treatment suggesting that oral treatment of CSB can alleviate the airway inflammation. For a better understanding of possible mechanisms underlying anti-asthmatic effet of CSB, cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and $IFN{\gamma}$ levels in bronchoalveola lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were determined. Results : The results showed that cytokine levels were significantly lowered by CSB treatment. Additionally, number of draining lymph node cells was significantly lower than those of control mice. These data indicate that CSB suppress in vivo allergen-specific response. However, notably, levels of type 2 cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13 were more profoundly influenced. Moreover, in vitro OVA-specific proliferative response and type 2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) production lymph node cells was markedly decreased in CSB-treated mice, whereas their $IFN{\gamma}$ production was not significantly altered Thrse data clearly showed a preferential inhibition of type 2 T cell (Th2) response by CSB treatment. This finding was also supported by serum antibody data showing that levels of OVA-specific type 2 antibodies, IgE and IgG1, in CSB-treated mice were significantly lower than in control mice, while type 1 antibody, IgG2a level m rather higher than controls, although the difference was in significant. Conclusions : In conclusion, oral administration of CSB attenuates asthmatic manifestations including AHR ad airway recruitment of eosinophils in a mouse model which possibly results from selective inhibition of Th2 cell response to allergen. Our data suggest a potential clinical application of CSB for control of allergic asthma.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.121-141
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• 2011

Objective : This Experimental study was done to investigate the Effect of Taklisodok-um and Hwangryunhaedok-tang(TH) on Atopic Dermatitis. Methods : We assessed effects of TH on the IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IgM, IgG1, IFN-${\gamma}$ in vivo, on the IL-4, IL-5, CCR3 in the skin tissues of ear and dorsum with NC/Nga mice. And we assessed effects of TH on the COX-2, IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 with RAW 264.7 cell. Results and Conclusion : 1. IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IgM, IgGl levels in the serum of TH treated NC/Nga mouse group were decreased compared to the untreated control mice. IFN-r showed a increase in the experimental group compared to the untreated control group. The spleen weight of TH treated NC/Nga mice was decreased compared to the untreated control group. 2. mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-5 and CCR3 in the skin tissues of TH treated NC/Nga mice were decreased, and expression levels of IL-6 in the skin tissues of TH treated NC/Nga mice were decreased compared to the untreated control group. IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA expression levels were increased compared to the untreated control group. 3. Judged from that IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 express of gene, effect of inflammatory Cytokines revelation were decreased compared to the untreated control group. 4. Depend on the strength of TH, inflammatory RAW 264.7 in the serum of TH were inhibited compared to the untreated control serum that leaded a COX-2 activity model. 5. Histological observation of the ear and skin tissues showed that the extents of inflammation and infiltrated immune cells in the epidermis and dermis of TH treated NC/Nga mice were highly reduced compared to the untreated control group.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.92-103
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• 2009

Objectives : The present study was examined to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Humulus japonicus MeOH extracts (HJE) in vivo. Methods : The effects of HJE on anti-inflammation were measured by production of NO, iNOS (inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase), COX-2, I$\kappa$B$\alpha$ (Inhibitor kappa B alpha), NF$\kappa$B (Nuclear Factor kappa B), TNF-$\alpha$ (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha) and IL-1$\beta$ (Interleukin-1$\beta$), IL-6 in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. Results : 1. All concentrations of HJE(0.03 and 0.10 mg/ml) had no significant cytotoxicity in Raw 264.7 cell during the entire experimental period. 2. The level of NO and iNOS in culture medium was dramatically increased by LPS application. However, these increases were dose-dependently(0.03 and 0.10 mg/ml) attenuated by treatment with HJE. 3. HJE extract reduced PGE2 levels in a dose-dependent manner as a consequence of inhibition of COX-2 protein expression in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. 4. 0.10 mg/ml HJE significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of I$\kappa$B$\alpha$ indicating the suppression of NF-$\kappa$B pathway in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. 5. 0.10 mg/ml HJE significantly inhibited the production of TNF-$\alpha$ in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. 6. All concentrations of HJE significantly inhibited the production of IL-1$\beta$, IL-6 in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. Conclusions : These results provide evidences that therapeutic effect of HJE on heat syndrome, especially due to the acute inflammation, are partly due to the reduction of some of inflammatory factors by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 through the suppression of p-I$\kappa$B$\alpha$. Moreover, it suggests that the mechanism of action of HJE comes from the suppression of inflammatory mediators, such as NO, PGE$_2$ and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.13-26
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• 2010

Objectives : The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Gamroeum water extracts (GRE) in vivo and in vitro. Methods : The effects of GRE on anti-inflammation were measured by production of NO, $PGE_2$ (Prostaglandin $E_2$), iNOS (inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase), COX-2, $NF{\kappa}B$ (Nuclear Factor kappa B), TNF-$\alpha$ (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha) and IL-$1{\beta}$ (Interleukin-$1{\beta}$), IL-6 in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. Results : 1. In machrophage cells, LPS displayed significant stimulatory effects on the production of NO and $PGE_2$. However, GRE showed significant inhibitory effects on NO and $PGE_2$ release. The level of NO and $PGE_2$ was decreased by GRE in a concentration dependent manner as compared with LPS only group. 2. Immunoblot analysis verified that LPS stimulation significantly increased the iNOS and COX-2 protein level, but GRE suppressed the induction of iNOS and COX-2 protein at a concentration dependent manner. 3. GRE reduced the elevated production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 by LPS. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of GRE was occurred in a dose-dependent manner. 4. GRE significantly reduced the expression of NF-${\kappa}B$ protein in nuclear fraction. 5. GRE effectively inhibited the increases of hind paw skin thicknesses and inflammatory cell infiltrations induced by carrageenan treatment. It, therefore, considered that GRE will be favorably inhibited the acute edematous inflammations. Conclusions : These results indicated that GRE could have anti-inflammatory capacity by inhibiting the production of NO, $PGE_2$ and cytokines in vitro and by reducing the formation of carrageenan-induced paw edema in vivo. Moreover, inhibitory effects of GRE on the macrophage activation were attributable to the reduction of some of inflammatory factors by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 through the suppression of NF-${\kappa}B$.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.37-44
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• 2015

Objectives : The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress activities through regulation of Nrf2-mediated genes by Rhei rhizoma and Glycyrrhiza rhizoma combined extract (RGE) in reflux esophagitis.Methods : The antioxidant activity of RGE in vitro was measured in terms of radical scavenging capacity such as DPPH and ABTS. RGE was administered at 350 mg/kg body weight prior to induction of reflux esophagitis. Reflux esophagitis was induced that tied the pylorus and the transitional junction between the forestomach and the corpus in Sprague-Dawley rats.Results : RGE scavenged DPPH and ABTS effectively and IC₅₀of RGE each were 4.9 μg/ml and 45.6 μg/ml. Our results show that RGE administration markedly ameliorated mucosal damage upon histological evaluation. In serum and esophagus tissue, RGE significantly suppressed the oxidative stress biomarkers. Reflux esophagitis induced rats exhibited down-regulation of antioxidant-related proteins in the esophagus; however, the levels with treatment of RGE were significantly higher than those of vehicle reflux esophagitis rats. RGE treatment caused significant reductions in activation of NF-κB transcription factor. Thus, RGE significantly exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing the protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory proteins such as COX-2 and iNOS and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-αin the esophagus tissue.Conclusions : Reflux esophagitis caused considerable levels of oxidative stress in the esophageal mucosa and the administration of RGE reduced the esophageal mucosa damage through the regulation of Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. Our findings can considered as supplementary therapy in the prevention or treatment of reflux esophagitis.