Anti-inflammatory Remedy Research Articles

Beneficial Effects of Trillium govanianum Rhizomes in Pain and Inflammation.

Trillium govanianum rhizome is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedy in traditional medicine in northern Pakistan. In an attempt to establish its medicinal value, the present research evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of T. govanianum. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of extract and fractions was investigated in the carrageenan induced paw edema assay. The in vitro suppression of oxidative burst of extract, fractions and isolated compounds was assessed through luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assay. The in vivo analgesic activity was assayed in chemical and thermal induced nociceptive pain models. The crude methanol extract and its solvent fractions showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic responses, exhibited by significant amelioration of paw edema and relieve of the tonic visceral chemical and acute phasic thermal nociception. In the oxidative burst assay, based on IC50, the crude methanol extract and n-butanol soluble fraction produced a significant inhibition, followed by chloroform and hexane soluble fractions as compared to ibuprofen. Similarly, the isolated compounds pennogenin and borassoside E exhibited significant level of oxidative burst suppressive activity. The in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as well as the in vitro inhibition of oxidative burst validated the traditional use of T. govanianum rhizomes as a phytotherapeutic remedy for both inflammatory conditions and pain. The observed activities might be attributed to the presence of steroids and steroid-based compounds. Therefore, the rhizomes of this plant species could serve as potential novel source of compounds effective for alleviating pain and inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of carnosol and carnosic acid in vivo and in vitro and in silico analysis of their target interactions.

The diterpenoids carnosol (CS) and carnosic acid (CA) from Salvia spp. exert prominent anti-inflammatory activities but their molecular mechanisms remained unclear. Here we investigated the effectiveness of CS and CA in inflammatory pain and the cellular interference with their putative molecular targets. The effects of CS and CA in different models of inflammatory pain were investigated. The inhibition of key enzymes in eicosanoid biosynthesis, namely microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) was confirmed by CS and CA, and we determined the consequence on the eicosanoid network in activated human primary monocytes and neutrophils. Molecular interactions and binding modes of CS and CA to target enzymes were analyzed by docking studies. CS and CA displayed significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects in carrageenan-induced mouse hyperalgesia 4 h post injection of the stimuli, and also inhibited the analgesic response in the late phase of the formalin test. Moreover, both compounds potently inhibited cell-free mPGES-1 and 5-LO activity and preferentially suppressed the formation of mPGES-1 and 5-LO-derived products in cellular studies. Our in silico analysis for mPGES-1 and 5-LO supports that CS and CA are dual 5-LO/mPGES-1 inhibitors. In summary, we propose that the combined inhibition of mPGES-1 and 5-LO by CS and CA essentially contributes to the bioactivity of these diterpenoids. Our findings pave the way for a rational use of Salvia spp., traditionally used as anti-inflammatory remedy, in the continuous expanding context of nutraceuticals. This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.

Anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oils of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in experimental rheumatoid arthritis

Ginger and its extracts have been used traditionally as anti-inflammatory remedies, with a particular focus on the medicinal properties of its phenolic secondary metabolites, the gingerols. Consistent with these uses, potent anti-arthritic effects of gingerol-containing extracts were previously demonstrated by our laboratory using an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis, streptococcal cell wall (SCW)-induced arthritis. In this study, anti-inflammatory effects of ginger’s other secondary metabolites, the essential oils (GEO), which contain terpenes with reported phytoestrogenic activity, were assessed in female Lewis rats with SCW-induced arthritis. GEO (28mg/kg/d ip) prevented chronic joint inflammation, but altered neither the initial acute phase of joint swelling nor granuloma formation at sites of SCW deposition in liver. Pharmacologic doses of 17-β estradiol (200 or 600μg/kg/d sc) elicited the same pattern of anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting that GEO could be acting as a phytoestrogen. However, contrary to this hypothesis, GEO had no in vivo effect on classic estrogen target organs, such as uterus or bone. En toto, these results suggest that ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties are not limited to the frequently studied phenolics, but may be attributable to the combined effects of both secondary metabolites, the pungent-tasting gingerols and as well as its aromatic essential oils.

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidative Effects of Glossogyne tenuifolia in Hamsters Fed an Atherogenic Diet.

Glossogyne tenuifolia (GT) Cassini is a special herbal tea in the Penghu Islands, Taiwan, and has a long history of being used as an antipyretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory remedy in folk medicine among local residents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hot water extracts from GT on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in animals. Five- to 6-week-old male Syrian hamsters were divided into four groups (n = 14) for different treatments, that is: control group (C), high-fat/cholesterol (HF) group, HF diet containing 0.5% (GT0.5) and 1.5% (GT1.5) GT extracts for 4 weeks. Hamsters fed with 0.5% GT powder as well as 1.5% GT powder exhibited reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), conjugated diene of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased serum antioxidant capacity, but 1.5% GT powder was more potent at lowering serum LDL cholesterol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations than 0.5% GT. GT extracts significantly lowered liver triacylglycerol (TG) concentration by diminishing activities of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH). In addition, fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids were increased in GT extract groups. In conclusion, GT extracts increase the antioxidative capacity, decrease serum TC, inhibit the activities of FAS and G-6-PDH, and further reduce liver TG accumulation in hamster fed on atherogenic diets.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of ?-sitosterol isolated from leaves of Oxalis corniculata

Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Oxalidaceae) is one of the important medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of fever, pain and inflammation. To validate folk use of Oxalis corniculata as analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedy. The leaves of Oxalis corniculata was used for successive extraction with increasing polarity solvents. Petroleum ether extract was selected for activity guided fractionation to isolate ?-sitosterol due to its better efficacy than other extracts. Analgesic activity was done by hot plate test and acetic acid-induced writhings, while anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced paw edema method. All the extracts were screened at the dose of 100 mg/kg, i.p. and isolated ?-sitosterol was screened at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, s.c.) was used to understand the mechanism of nociception. In hot plate test, Petroleum ether extract was found most active with reaction time of 8.4 0.4 sec after 60 min while isolated ?-sitosterol at dose of 20 mg/kg showed 11.1 0.3 sec after 90 min. The number of writings in 30 min was compared with paracetamol. Petroleum ether extract and ?-sitosterol (20 mg/kg) showed 43.14 1.9 and 34.21 1.4 writhings respectively. Isolated ?-sitosterol (20 mg/kg) inhibited rat paw edema to 0.32 0.06 ml after 120 min. Naloxone reversed antinociceptive effects of extracts and isolated ?-sitosterol. It can be concluded that isolated ?-sitosterol is responsible for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Oxalis corniculata leaves and it works through central mechanism.

Yohimbine hydrochloride ameliorates collagen type-II-induced arthritis targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in Wistar rats.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of chronic inflammatory disease which is triggered by dysfunction in the immune system which in turn affects synovial joints. Current treatment of RA with NSAIDs and DMRDs is limited by their side effect. As a result, the interest in alternative, well tolerated anti-inflammatory remedies has re-emerged. Our aim was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities underlying the anti-RA effect of Yohimbine hydrochloride (YCL) in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in Wistar rats. The YCL was administered at doses of 5 and 10 mgkg-1 body weight once daily for 28 days. The effects of treatment in the rats were assessed by biochemical parameter (articular elastase, LPO, GSH, catalase, SOD), hematological parameter (ESR, WBC, C-reactive protein (CRP), immunohistochemical expression (COX2, TNF-α, and NF-κB), and histological changes in joints. YCL showed anti-RA efficacy as it significantly reduced articular elastase, LPO and catalase level and ameliorates histological changes. This is in addition to its antioxidant efficacy as YCL shown a significant increase in GSH and SOD level. Also, YCL showed effective anti-inflammatory activity as it significantly decreased the expression of COX-2, TNF-α, and NF-ĸB. The therapeutic effect of YCL against RA was also evident from lower arthritis scoring and reduced hematological parameter (ESR, WBC, and C-reactive protein level). The abilities to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and modulation of antioxidant states that the protective effect of YCL on arthritis rats might be mediated via the modulation of the immune system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 619-629, 2017.

The Inhibitory Mechanisms Study of 5,6,4'-Trihydroxy-7,3'-Dimethoxyflavone against the LPS-Induced Macrophage Inflammatory Responses through the Antioxidant Ability.

The whole plant of Anisomeles ovata has been widely used in Taiwan for treating inflammation-related skin and liver diseases, however, the detailed pharmacology mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. In the present study, one of the major components, 5,6,4′-trihydroxy-7,3′-dimethoxyflavone (5-TDMF), was purified from a methanol extract of Anisomeles ovata. A pharmacological study of this compound suggests that 5-TDMF possesses potent free radical scavenging activity both in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, 5-TDMF reduces nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in LPC-treated RAW 264.7 cells through the attenuation of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Additional experiments suggest that of 5-TDMF interferes with nuclear factor-κB translocation and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. These results identify 5-TDMF as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, explain the pharmacologic function of Anisomeles ovata and suggest its great potential as a new anti-inflammatory remedy.

Compounds from Caesalpinia sappan with anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages and chondrocytes.

The heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan is a traditional ingredient of food and beverages in South East Asia and has been used in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug or to promote blood circulation. Scientific studies have confirmed different bioactivities associated with its use. Here, five fractions were isolated from the ethanolic extract of C. sappan heartwood, including episappanol (1), protosappanin C (2), brazilin (3), (iso-)protosappanin B (4) and sappanol (5) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All compounds were tested for their anti-inflammatory effects in two different cell lines. Cytokine concentrations in the cell supernatant were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mRNA levels were measured using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, all compounds significantly inhibited the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Sappanol (5) increased the secretion of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. In IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes, all fractions reduced the mRNA expression and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The highest anti-inflammatory effect was found for brazilin (3) in both cell lines. Of note, this is the first study which shows the anti-inflammatory effect of sappanol and episappanol. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of the traditional use of C. sappan as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Given the high prevalence of inflammation-related pathologies including arthritis, and the urgent need to clinically intervene with these diseases, the anti-inflammatory activity of diverse compounds from C. sappan may be of interest for the development of complementary and alternative treatment strategies.

산겨릅나무 줄기 추출물의 항당뇨, 알코올 대사 효소 및 간 보호 활성

This study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic, alcohol metabolism, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of Acer tegmentosum extracts (ATE). A. tegmentosum has been traditionally used as a folk medicine to treat hepatic disorders. The antioxidative activities of ATE were measured by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and superoxide (SOD) assay. DPPH radical scavenging and SOD activities of ATE were about 89% and 82.9% at 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. Alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activities were 118.0% and 177% at 2 mg/mL, respectively. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity of ATE was 75% higher at 50 μg/mL and remarkably increased in a dose-dependent manner. Nitric oxide productions in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide was reduced to 16.7% by addition of ATE at 1 mg/mL. ATE showed significant protective effects against tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells at 100 μg/mL. Based on our results, we conclude that ATE may be used as a major pharmacological agent and anti-diabetic, anti-hepatitis, and anti-inflammatory remedy.

Assessment of anti-inflammatory potential of Sesbania bispinosa Linn. leaf extracts and fractions by acute and chronic models

Aim and objectivesLeaf extracts and fractions of S. bispinosa were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in mice using acute and chronic anti-inflammatory models with aspirin as a reference drug. Materials and methodsMethanol, chloroform and hexane were used to prepare leaf extracts by soxhlet extraction method, while acetone, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether were used to prepare fractions of most active extract. These extract and fractions were evaluated by using carrageenan and formalin-induced inflammation models in albino mice. Extracts and fractions at the dose 250mg/kg/p.o. and aspirin at 100mg/kg/p.o. were used for the study. ResultsMethanolic extract of S. bispinosa (MELSB) revealed significant anti-inflammatory activity which is indicated by 15.22% inhibition of paw edema at 180min in carrageenan model, while ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract showed 16.26% and 15.50% inhibition of paw edema and thickness in carrageenan and formalin models respectively. In chronic model, just like aspirin, time-dependent activity was observed with acetone and ethyl acetate fractions; the greater reduction in paw thickness was observed with ethyl acetate fraction (∗∗p<0.01). ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that leaves of S. bispinosa possess significant level of anti-inflammatory activity and ethyl acetate fraction may be further explored as an anti-inflammatory remedy as it was found to possess higher anti-inflammatory activity among all extracts and fractions as demonstrated in both acute and chronic models.

St. John’s wort and its component hyperforin alleviate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through expansion of regulatory T-cells

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder mainly characterized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal injury. Anti-inflammatory agents can be used to ameliorate the disease process. Hypericum perforatum L or St. John’s wort is widely used as an anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory remedy in traditional and herbal medicine. Based on St. John’s wort properties, the therapeutic potentials of an H. perforatum extract (HPE) and a single component, hyperforin were evaluated for effectiveness against MOG35–55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for human multiple sclerosis. Female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with specific antigen MOG35–55 and then administered different doses of hyperforin or HPE post-immunization. Clinical symptoms/other relevant parameters were assessed daily. Histological analysis of the spinal cord was performed. T-cell proliferative activity was also evaluated using a BrdU assay. The effect of hyperforin on regulatory T-cells (Treg cells) was assessed using flow cytometry. The results indicate hyperforin and HPE reduced the incidence and severity of EAE, an outcome that closely correlated with an inhibition of pathological features (leukocyte infiltration and demyelination) and antigen-specific T-cell proliferation. The study also showed that hyperforin caused increased Treg cell levels in the spleen. These results indicated that hyperforin and HPE could attenuate EAE autoimmune responses by inhibiting immune cell infiltration and expansion of Treg cell and could eventually be considered as a potential candidate for use in the treatment of MS.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS AND THEIR MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Background: Medicinal plant and plant products have shown tremendous potentials and are used beneficially in the treatment of inflammation and in the management of diseases with significant inflammatory components. Many medicinal plants employed as anti-inflammatory and anti-phlogistic remedies lack the gastro-erosive side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or the plethora of unwanted side effects associated with steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to harness and optimise the applications of these herbs in inflammatory diseases, there is a need to understand how these herbs produce their anti-inflammatory actions.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This paper is a review of some anti-inflammatory herbs and their molecular mechanisms of action. A literature search and analysis of published manuscript was employed to x-ray research findings that show how medicinal plants produce anti-inflammatory activities.&#x0D; Results: Many studies have shown that anti-inflammatory activities of herbal extracts and herb-derived compounds are mainly due to their inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, cyclo-oxygenase (COX), lipo-oxygenase (LOX), pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide, and transcription activation factor (NF-κB). Some anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs are reported to stabilize lysosomal membrane and some cause the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation of intracellular signalling molecules. Many have also been shown to possess strong oxygen radical scavenging activities. &#x0D; Conclusion: Most of the mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory medicinal plants act are related and many herbal products have been shown to act through a combination of these molecular pathways.

Boswellic acids target the human immune system-modulating antimicrobial peptide LL-37

The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is the sole member of the human cathelicidin family with immune system-modulating properties and roles in autoimmune disease development. Small molecules able to interact with LL-37 and to modulate its functions have not been described yet. Boswellic acids (BAs) are pentacyclic triterpene acids that are bioactive principles of frankincense extracts used as anti-inflammatory remedies. Although various anti-inflammatory modes of action have been proposed for BAs, the pharmacological profile of these compounds is still incompletely understood. Here, we describe the identification of human LL-37 as functional target of BAs. In unbiased target fishing experiments using immobilized BAs as bait and human neutrophils as target source, LL-37 was identified as binding partner assisted by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Thermal stability experiments using circular dichroism spectroscopy confirm direct interaction between BAs and LL-37. Of interest, this binding of BAs resulted in an inhibition of the functionality of LL-37. Thus, the LPS-neutralizing properties of isolated LL-37 were inhibited by 3-O-acetyl-β-BA (Aβ-BA) and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-BA (AKβ-BA) in a cell-free limulus amoebocyte lysate assay with EC50=0.2 and 0.8μM, respectively. Also, LL-37 activity was inhibited by these BAs in LL-37-enriched supernatants of stimulated neutrophils or human plasma derived from stimulated human whole blood. Together, we reveal BAs as inhibitors of LL-37, which might be a relevant mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of BAs and suggests BAs as suitable chemical tools or potential agents for intervention with LL-37 and related disorders.

In vitro COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibitory activities of iridoids from Penstemon barbatus, Castilleja tenuiflora, Cresentia alata and Vitex mollis.

A group of sixteen iridoids isolated from plants used as anti-inflammatory remedies in Mexican folk medicine were evaluated for their potential to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. From these assays, loganic acid (10) was identified as the most promising compound with both COX-1 (36.0 ± 0.6%) and COX-2 (80.8 ± 4.0%) inhibition at 10 μM. Compound 10 shows a better inhibition against the COX-2 enzyme. Other iridoids tested in the present study showed weak or no inhibition against these enzymes. Furthermore, herein are presented key interactions of iridoid 10 with COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes through molecular docking studies. These studies suggest that 10 exhibits anti-inflammatory activity due to COX inhibition.

English

Morinda citrifolia Linn (Rubiaceae), popularly known as noni, is widely used in folk medicine in the form of decoction and infusion, particularly as anti-inflammatory, depurative, anti-rheumatic and antiulcer remedy. The infusion of M. citrifolia L. leaves is used in popular medicine in Northeast of Brazil to treat inflammatory and painful diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and the anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract from the dried leaves from M. citrifolia L. (EAMC). The free radical scavenging activities were determined for different concentrations using in vitro models, and the inflammatory processes were evaluated by carrageenan-induced pleurisy. The study results indicated a significant dose-dependent antioxidant effect by noni extract as evaluated by total antioxidant potential (TRAP) and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) assays. Noni extracts also exhibited modest catalase-like activity, and was able to inhibit the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. All experimental data indicate that the EAMC have not only remarkable antioxidant properties but also potential anti-inflamatory properties. Key words: Morinda citrifolia, antioxidant, inflammation.

Leonurus cardiaca L. herb extracts and their constituents promote lactoperoxidase activity

Besides other applications, motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L., Ph. Eur.) is used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory remedy. In order to gain more insights into the underlying mechanisms in this study we prepared different Leonurus extracts, which were characterized by determining their polyphenolic contents using RP-HPLC separation and quantification. Afterwards the extracts as well as ten of their phenolic components and five Laminaceae-typical caffeic acid derivatives were tested for their ability to regenerate the pseudo-halogenating activity of lactoperoxidase (LPO). During this enzymatic activity the bactericidal product hypothiocyanite is formed which contributes to the humoral immune defence against pathogens. Moreover, hypothiocyanite production may contribute to the regulation of inflammatory reactions. In fact, phenolic Leonurus components with a 3,4-dihydroxyphenylic partial structure (e.g. caffeic acid derivatives or phenylethanoids) emerged as efficient LPO activity regenerators. This is also reflected by results obtained from the LCH whole extracts, where especially the ethanol extract, which is rich in such compounds, showed the strongest effects. These results may explain the anti-inflammatory properties of motherwort.

Evaluation of the effects of Cimicifugae Rhizoma on the morphology and viability of mesenchymal stem cells.

Cimicifugae Rhizoma is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat various diseases in Korea, China and Japan. Cimicifugae Rhizoma is primarily derived from Cimicifuga heracleifolia Komarov or Cimicifuga foetida Linnaeus. Cimicifugae Rhizoma has been used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic remedy. The present study was performed to evaluate the extracts of Cimicifugae Rhizoma on the morphology and viability of human stem cells derived from gingiva. Stem cells derived from gingiva were grown in the presence of Cimicifugae Rhizoma at final concentrations that ranged from 0.001 to 1,000 µg/ml. The morphology of the cells was viewed under an inverted microscope and the analysis of cell proliferation was performed using a Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Under an optical microscope, the control cells exhibited a spindle-shaped, fibroblast-like morphology. The shapes of the cells in the groups treated with 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 µg/ml Cimicifugae Rhizoma were similar to the shapes in the control group. Significant alterations in morphology were noted in the 100 and 1,000 µg/ml groups when compared with the control group. The cells in the 100 and 1,000 µg/ml groups were rounder, and fewer cells were present. The cultures that were grown in the presence of Cimicifugae Rhizoma at a concentration of 0.001 µg/ml on day 1 had an increased CCK-8 value. The cultures grown in the presence of Cimicifugae Rhizoma at a concentration of 10 µg/ml on day 7 had a reduced CCK-8 value. Within the limits of this study, Cimicifugae Rhizoma influenced the viability of stem cells derived from the gingiva, and its direct application onto oral tissues may have adverse effects at high concentrations. The concentration and application time of Cimicifugae Rhizoma should be meticulously controlled to obtain optimal results.

Anti-inflammatory effect of garlic 14-kDa protein on LPS-stimulated-J774A.1 macrophages

Context: Garlic 14-kDa protein is purified from garlic (Allium sativum L.) which is used in traditional medicine and exerts various immunomodulatory activities.Objective: The present study investigated the suppressive effect of garlic 14-kDa protein on LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and underlying mechanism in inflammatory macrophages.Materials and methods: J774A.1 macrophages were treated with 14-kDa protein (5–30 μg/ml) with/without LPS (1 μg/ml) and the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TNF-α, and IL-1β released were measured using ELISA. Nitric oxide (NO) production was determined using the Griess method. The anti-inflammatory activity of 14-kDa protein was examined by measuring inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 proteins using western blot. The expression of nuclear NF-κB p65 subunit was assessed by western blot.Results: Garlic 14-kDa protein significantly inhibited the excessive production of NO, PGE, TNF-α, and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated J774A.1 macrophages in a concentration-related manner without cytotoxic effect. Western blot analysis demonstrated that garlic 14-kDa protein suppressed corresponding inducible NO synthase expression and activated cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression. The inhibitory effect was mediated partly by a reduction in the activity and expression of transcription factor NF-κB protein.Conclusion: Our results suggested, for the first time, garlic 14-kDa protein exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages possibly by suppressing the inflammatory mediators via the inhibition of transcription factor NF-κB signaling pathway. The traditional use of garlic as anti-inflammatory remedy could be ascribed partly to 14-kDa protein content. This protein might be a useful candidate for controlling inflammatory diseases and further investigations in vivo.

Anti-inflammatory medicinal plants and the molecular mechanisms underlying their activities

Background: Medicinal plant and plant products have shown tremendous potentials and are used beneficially in the treatment of inflammation and in the management of diseases with significant inflammatory components. Many medicinal plants employed as anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic remedies lack the gastro-erosive side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or the plethora of unwanted side effects associated with steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to harness and optimise the applications of these herbs in inflammatory diseases, there is a need to understand how these herbs produce their anti-inflammatory actions. Materials and Methods : This paper is a review of some anti-inflammatory herbs and their molecular mechanisms of action. A literature search and analysis of published manuscript was employed to x-ray research findings that show how medicinal plants produce anti-inflammatory activities. Results : Many studies have shown that anti-inflammatory activities of herbal extracts and herb-derived compounds are mainly due to their inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, cyclo-oxygenase (COX), lipo-oxygenase (LOX), pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide, and transcription activation factor (NF-eB). Some anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs are reported to stabilize lysosomal membrane and some cause the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation of intracellular signalling molecules. Many have also been shown to possess strong oxygen radical scavenging activities. Conclusion: Most of the mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory medicinal plants act are related and many herbal products have been shown to act through a combination of these molecular pathways. Key words : Medicinal plants, antiinflammatory, mechanism of action, molecular pathways.

Rosa canina as an adjunctive treatment of asthma: A hypothesis

Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders and about 7% of the US population suffers from asthma. Initial response to allergy is associated with mediators like histamine, prostaglandin (PG) D 2 and leukotriene (LT) C 4. In asthmatic patients, 5-lipo-oxygenase (5-LO) pathway produces more LTC 4 than the healthy people. Also, pro-inflammatory factors like interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α play a remarkable role in bronchoconstriction. The common asthma medications are associated with a number of unwanted side effects, especially throughout long term treatment. Herbal medication is an alternative treatment for asthma and the plants are rich sources of antioxidants that intensively reduce the activity of free radicals. Among several herbs, Rosa canina ( RC ) is a potent anti-inflammatory remedy which contains a number of well-known antioxidants including vitamin C, quercetin, hesperidin, rutin and some other therapeutic compounds. The aim of this study was to review the scientific evidences supporting the probable influence of Rosa canina on asthma. Keywords: Asthma; Rosa canina; Anti-inflammatory