Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the seeds of Opuntina humifusa and its active constituents.Methods: The extract of O. humifusa seeds was tested for the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells using Griess reagent. The active constituents were isolated using bioassay-guided isolation methods. The effects of the active constituent on NO, proinflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (IκB) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis.Results: The seed extract of O. humifusa significantly attenuated LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells (p < 0.05). Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of isoamericanin A as an active constituent. Isoamericanin A reduced LPS-induced production of NO, iNOS, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the effect was accompanied by decreased translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus and the decreased phosphorylation of IκB in the cytosol induced by LPS (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The seed extract of O. humifusa and its active constituent, isoamericanin A, have antiinflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting that they have potentials as antiinflammatory agents.
 Keywords: Opuntia humifusa seeds, Isoamericanin A, Nitric oxide, RAW 264.7 cells, NF-kappa B
Highlights
Opuntia humifusa Raf. (Cactaceae) is a cactus known as the eastern prickly pear
The stems and fruits of O. humifusa are used as food worldwide in the form of juice or freeze-dried powder because they are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, minerals, and dietary fiber
Inhibitory effect of O. humifusa seed extract on nitric oxide (NO) production
Summary
Opuntia humifusa Raf. (Cactaceae) is a cactus known as the eastern prickly pear. It is widely cultivated in the southern parts of Korea and is locally called Cheonnyuncho. (Cactaceae) is a cactus known as the eastern prickly pear. It is widely cultivated in the southern parts of Korea and is locally called Cheonnyuncho. The stems and fruits of O. humifusa are used as food worldwide in the form of juice or freeze-dried powder because they are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, minerals, and dietary fiber. It has been used to treat diabetes, inflammation, and rheumatoid arthritis [1]. There are reports on its anti-cancer effects on diverse cancer cells including glioblastoma, cervical. O. humifusa has antibacterial [4], and anti-fungal [5] effects, and increases insulin sensitivity [6]. The inhibitory effect of O. humifusa against LPSinduced inflammation has been reported [7,8]
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