Significant Anti-inflammatory Effects Research Articles

Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for genital vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an acquired chronic depigmentary skin disorder which results from the destruction of melanocytes. The clinical characteristic of vitiligo is the development of white macules due to the loss of functioning melanocytes in the skin or hair. Vitiligo in the genital area brings about a serious psychological impact on individuals. However, the choices of treatment for genital vitiligo are scarce. This study sheds light on the leverage of 5-ALA (5-Aminolevulinic Acid) Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for the management of genital vitiligo. Nine patients with genital vitiligo who underwent 20% ALA-PDT treatment were reported. The results revealed that the treatment protocol simulated melanocyte regeneration in the patients effectively. ALA-PDT exerts significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing regulatory T cells, which may help suppress the autoimmune response involved in vitiligo pathogenesis. Notably, five patients who were defined as responders showed moderate to excellent improvement in repigmentation and the treatment was well tolerated in all cases. Our findings suggest that ALA-PDT is a potential treatment option for genital vitiligo.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of SGLT1 Synthetic Ligand in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Lung Diseases

Background. Several research findings suggest that sodium–glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) is implicated in the progression and control of infections and inflammation processes at the pulmonary level. Moreover, our previous works indicate an engagement of SGLT1 in inhibiting the inflammatory response induced in intestinal epithelial cells by TLR agonists. In this study, we report the anti-inflammatory effects observed in the lung upon engagement of the transporter, and upon the use of glucose and BLF501, a synthetic SGLT1 ligand, for the treatment of animal models of lung inflammation, including a model of allergic asthma. Methods. In vitro experiments were carried out on human pneumocytes stimulated with LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and co-treated with glucose or BLF501, and the production of IL-8 was determined. The anti-inflammatory effect associated with SGLT1 engagement was then assessed in in vivo models of LPS-induced lung injury, as well as in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, treating mice with aerosolized LPS and the synthetic ligand. After the treatments, lung samples were collected and analyzed for morphological alterations by histological examination and immunohistochemical analysis; serum and BALF samples were collected for the determination of several pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Results. In vitro experiments on human pneumocytes treated with LPS showed significant inhibition of IL-8 production. The results of two in vivo experimental models, mice exposed to aerosolized LPS and OVA-induced asthma, revealed that the engagement of glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1) induced a significant anti-inflammatory effect in the lungs. In the first model, the acute respiratory distress induced in mice was abrogated by co-treatment with the ligand, with almost complete recovery of the lung morphology and physiology. Similar results were observed in the OVA-induced model of allergic asthma, both with aerosolized and oral BLF501, suggesting an engagement of SGLT1 expressed both in intestinal and alveolar cells. Conclusions. Our results confirmed the engagement of SGLT1 in lung inflammation processes and suggested that BLF501, a non-metabolizable synthetic ligand of the co-transporter, might represent a drug candidate for therapeutic intervention against lung inflammation states.

3-Oxo-11αH-germacra-1(10) E,4Z-dien-12,6α-olide, a sesquiterpene from Artemisia sieversiana, attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via NF-κB/MAPK pathways and oxidative stress via ROS pathway in RAW264.7 cells.

Inflammation is a vital and normalphysiological response; however, excessive inflammation can contribute to the development of various diseases. Artemisia sieversiana, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, contains a variety of chemical compounds. One such compound, 3-oxo-11αH-germacra-1(10)E,4Z-dien-12,6α-olide, a germacranolide sesquiterpenoid (germacranolide, GMO), has not been thoroughly investigated regarding its potential anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of GMO were investigated for the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. It was demonstrated that GMO effectively suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators, decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, GMO exhibited the capacity to mitigate oxidative damage induced by LPS, as indicated by assessments of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential. In summary, GMO possesses significant anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the NF-κB/MAPK pathway and antioxidant effects by regulating ROS production.

Biological activities of benzofurans from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L. and their mechanism based on network pharmacology and biological verification

Fourteen benzofuran compounds were identified in the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L., with four previously undescribed compounds (4, 9-11) being discovered. Their chemical structures were definitively determined through comprehensive spectral data analysis. The compounds were investigated for their antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties, revealing that benzofuran compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects. Compound 2 demonstrated the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, surpassing that of the positive control drug. The potential anti-inflammatory mechanism of 2 was extensively explored through network pharmacology research. Subsequent validation of the selected targets via Western blot analysis confirmed that 2 exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by activating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. These findings offer a novel perspective on the development of benzofuran glycoside compounds and Psoralea fructus.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcuma Longa Extracts and Fractions on Skin Inflammation

Addresses the impact of modern society’s rapid industrialization and environmental pollution, leading to increased oxidative stress and immune system disorders. Skin barrier issues have resulted in a rise in inflammatory skin conditions, sparking heightened interest in functional cosmetics to address these concerns and combat aging. The research focused on exploring natural ingredients, particularly specific fractions of <i>Curcuma Longa</i> extracts, known for their antioxidant properties. The results of this study are summarized as follows. In the first stage experiment, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity were investigated, and fractions exhibiting higher scavenging activity than extracts were sought. In the 2nd-step experiment, the cell survival rate was examined to determine the concentration that would not affect cytotoxicity. To demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects on RAW 264.7 cells, inflammation reactions were induced by LPS and the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) was controlled. As a result, <i>Curcuma Longa</i> extracts and fractions all proved excellent control effects on NO production. In HaCaT cells, skin inflammation was induced with TNF-α/IFN-γ and the control of interleukin (IL)-6 production was measured. As a result, <i>Curcuma Longa</i> extracts and fractions proved to facilitate the immune reaction and control the reaction that would lead to inflammation. In the following 3rd-step experiment, the control of Chemokine’s major factors IL-8, RANTES, and TARC was measured. As a result, it was verified that certain fractions of <i>Curcuma Longa</i> of extract showed excellent Chemokine production control effects and thus that these specific fractions are effective on various inflammatory skin diseases. ICAM-1 expressions were observed to control the initial stage of inflammation in a way of cellular adhesion regulation, and the MAPK path which is important to regulate inflammatory reactions in the signaling system was measured. As a result, the inhibition of phosphorylation, which is important for initial inflammation inhibition and inflammatory reaction control, was verified. Based on the above-stated findings, active ingredients containing certain fractions were analyzed, and color reactions in specific fractions were induced from active ingredient spots of extract. In consideration of future material development and production, the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of active ingredients of certain fractions were examined with the HPLC, and it was verified that certain fractions contained more active ingredients than extracts. In conclusion, certain fractions of natural elements proved the great potentials as a cosmetics ingredient. Therefore, these fractions proved excellent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in certain fractions, and the efficiency is quite high with only a small quantity of them. It is expected that these fractions are widely utilized as a cosmetic element, and the future study will examine natural cosmetic elements from these fractions with the aim to contribute to the functional cosmetics industry and anti-aging product market.

In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-Arthritic Effects of Bakuchiol from Psoralea corylifolia Seeds in Experimental Rat Model.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting the joints categorized by inflammation, swelling of the synovium and decrease in the joint movement. Bakuchiol, a meroterpene class of natural product present in Psoralea corylifolia known to possess anti-inflammatory effects by a variety of mechanisms. However, its effects in rheumatoid arthritis still remain unclear. In the present investigation, we studied the anti-arthritic effects of bakuchiol via in silico and in vivo experiments. It also showed antioxidant effects measured using DPPH assay where it showed free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 468.26 μg/ml. Molecular Docking studies carried out on COX-1 (PDB ID: 3 N8Z), COX-2 (PDB ID: 4PH9) and TNF-α (PDB ID: 7JRA), proteins involved in inflammation in arthritis. Bakuchiol showed the maximum binding affinity for TNF-α with binding affinity score is -7.29 kcal/moland less affinity was observed for COX-1 and 2. In vivo antiarthritic effects were studied in arthritic female wistar rats model prepared by intradermal injection of freund's complete adjuvant. Bakuchiol was administered orally at dose of 10,20 and 40 mg/kg for 21 days. Our treatment showed that bakuchiol at 20 and 40 mg/kg exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects (p<0.001) showed by significant decrease in paw volume, paw diameter, spleen and thymus weight and increase in pain threshold and body weight in arthritic rat model. A significant decrease in hematological parameters such as total leukocyte count (TLC), platelet count, CRP and rheumatoid arthritis factor (RF) and increase in red blood cells count, ESR and hemoglobin further demonstrated that bakuchiol treatment suppresses the progression of adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) in arthritic rat model. Histological analysis further revealed that bakuchiol ameliorates the pathological manifestations of AIA and reverse the abnormality induced by AIA in rats shown by protection against bone necrosis involved with low influx of inflammatory cells. Therefore, in silico and in vivo results revealed that bakuchiol has the potential to be developed as potent antiarthritic agent.

Isolation and Characterization of Stigmasterol from Psidium guajava Leaves: A Promising Bioactive Compound with Therapeutic Potential

This study aimed to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds from the leaves of Psidium guajava Linn. The hydroethanolic extract yielded 32% (80 g) from the crude material, which was subjected to column chromatography for fractionation. Structural elucidation of the isolated compound was performed using 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, including COSY, HSQC, and HMBC experiments. The spectral data confirmed the presence of stigmasterol, characterized by its distinct chemical shifts and long-range correlations between carbon and proton atoms. Stigmasterol was isolated as a white, crystalline solid and identified by its unique physio-chemical properties, such as solubility in organic solvents, a melting point of 163-164°C, and molecular formula C29H48O. This compound is known for its significant biological activities, including antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. By employing advanced techniques like 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, the study provides precise structural elucidation of stigmasterol, contributing to natural product research and reinforcing the medicinal potential of guava leaves as a source of pharmacologically active compounds. This adds to the existing knowledge of the plant’s bioactive components and their applications in medicinal chemistry

Chemical Profiling of Polar Lipids and the Polyphenolic Fraction of Commercial Italian Phaseolus Seeds by UHPLC-HRMS and Biological Evaluation

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the oldest food crops in the world. In this study, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) technique was used to characterize the polar lipid composition and polyphenolic fraction of five bean varieties commonly consumed in Italy: Cannellino (PVCA), Controne (PVCO), Borlotti (PVBO), Stregoni (PVST), and Vellutina (PVVE). Lipid content represents a minor fraction of the whole metabolome in dry beans, and little is known about their polar lipids, which could be potentially bioactive components. Thirty-three compounds were detected through UHPLC-MS/MS, including oxylipins, phospholipids, N-acyl glycerolipids, and several fatty acids. The dichloromethane extracts were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), with the results showing greater differentiation for the Borlotti variety. Moreover, 27 components belonging to different polyphenol classes, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, anthocyanins and their glycosides, and some saponins, were identified in the hydroalcoholic seed extracts. In addition, the mineral content of the beans was determined. Considering the high number of compounds in the five apolar seed extracts, all samples were examined to determine their in vitro inhibitory activity against the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is inducible in inflammatory cells and mediates inflammatory responses. Only PVCO showed the best inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme with an IC50 = 31.15 ± 2.16 µg/mL. In light of these results, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of PVCO were evaluated in the LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cell line J774A.1. Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, that PVCO at 30 µg/mL can significantly reduce the release of TNF-α, with a less significant anti-inflammatory effect being observed in terms of IL-6 release.

Research on the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Hawthorn Polyphenols

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) polyphenols are important natural plant chemicals with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to systematically explore the chemical components of hawthorn polyphenols and their impact on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Hawthorn polyphenols mainly include hawthorn acid, flavonoids, and tannins, which exhibit notable antioxidant properties, effectively scavenge free radicals, and reduce oxidative damage. Additionally, hawthorn polyphenols show significant inhibitory effects on inflammation by modulating relevant signaling pathways and inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating inflammatory symptoms. This paper summarizes the extraction and separation techniques of hawthorn polyphenols, analyzes their biochemical mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and validates their bioactivity through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The findings provide scientific evidence for the application of hawthorn polyphenols in health fields and offer directions for their future functional development and clinical applications.

The research on the efficacy and safety of natural active ingredients in pharmaceutical cosmetics

In recent years, pharmaceutical cosmetics have experienced rapid development in fields such as skincare and anti-aging, particularly due to the multifunctionality and safety of natural active ingredients. These natural components, including plant extracts, marine bioextracts, and animal-derived ingredients, exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, reparative, and anti-aging effects, making them widely used in pharmaceutical cosmetics. However, despite being considered a safe choice, potential safety issues such as allergic reactions and photosensitivity still exist. Therefore, systematically studying the efficacy and safety evaluation of natural active ingredients, especially their applications in pharmaceutical cosmetics, is of great importance for driving industry innovation and ensuring product safety. This paper analyzes common natural active ingredients, explores their efficacy and safety evaluation standards, and proposes strategies to optimize their application.

Research Progress on the Quality, Extraction Technology, Food Application, and Physiological Function of Rice Bran Oil.

Rice bran oil is recommended by the World Health Organization as one of the three major healthy edible oils (along with corn and sesame oils), owing to its unique fatty acid composition and functional components. This study screened, organized, and analyzed a large number of studies retrieved through keyword searches, and investigated the nutritional value and safety of rice bran oil. It reviews the stability of raw rice bran materials and the extraction and refining process of rice bran oil and discusses food applications and sub-health regulations. Research has found that a delayed stabilization treatment of rice bran seriously affects the overall quality of rice bran oil. Compared with traditional solvent extraction, the new extraction technologies have improved the yield and nutritional value of rice bran oil, but most of them are still in the research stage. Owing to the lack of economical and applicable supporting production equipment, extraction is difficult to industrialize, which is a challenging research area for the future. Rice bran oil has stronger antioxidant stability than other edible oils and is more beneficial to human health; however, its application scope and consumption are limited owing to the product price and lack of understanding. Rice bran oil has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and neuroprotective effects. Further exploratory research on other unknown functions is required to lay a scientific basis for the application and development of rice bran oil.

Spermidine attenuates chondrocyte inflammation and cellular pyroptosis through the AhR/NF-κB axis and the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic degenerative disease, marked by a complex interplay of mechanical stress, inflammation, and metabolic imbalances. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of spermidine (SPD), a naturally occurring polyamine known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as a promising therapeutic agent for OA. This study delves into the therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic pathways of SPD in mitigating OA symptoms. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups, including the CG (sham operation), model (anterior cruciate ligament transection [ACLT], and treatment (ACLT + two different doses of SPD) groups. In vivo, correlations between OA severity and different interventions were assessed by ELISA, X-rays, CT imaging, histological staining, and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, IL-1β was used to trigger chondrocyte inflammation, and SPD's cytotoxicity was assessed in primary rat chondrocytes. Next, inflammatory markers, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and pathway marker proteins were detected in chondrocytes administered IL-1β alone, SPD, or aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) silencing, by qRT-PCR, Griess reaction, ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Morphological alterations and pyroptosis in chondrocytes were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry. Our research reveals that SPD exerts significant anti-inflammatory and antipyroptotic effects on IL-1β-treated chondrocytes and in anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) rat models of OA, primarily through interaction with the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Specifically, SPD's binding to AhR plays a crucial role in modulating the inflammatory response and cellular pyroptosis by inhibiting both the AhR/NF-κB and NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathways. Furthermore, the knockdown of AhR was found to negate the beneficial effects of SPD, underscoring the centrality of the AhR pathway in SPD's action mechanism. Additionally, SPD was observed to promote the preservation of cartilage integrity and suppress ECM degradation, further supporting its potential as an effective intervention for OA. Collectively, our findings propose SPD as a novel therapeutic approach for OA treatment, targeting the AhR pathway to counteract the disease's progression and highlighting the need for further clinical evaluation to fully establish its therapeutic utility.

Bioactive Compounds in Citrus Species with Potential for the Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease: A Review.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) significantly impacts global health, presenting a complex challenge in medical management. Despite its prevalence and the burden it places on healthcare systems, CVD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the bioactive compounds in the Citrus genus, exploring their therapeutic potential in CVD treatment and addressing the gap in current treatment modalities. A narrative review methodology was adopted, focusing on the pharmacological effects of Citrus-derived bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenes. Additionally, the review introduced the DBsimilarity method for analyzing the chemical space and structural similarities among Citrus compounds. The review highlights the Citrus genus as a rich source of pharmacologically active compounds, notably flavonoids and terpenes, which exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and veno-protective properties. Some of these compounds have been integrated into existing therapies, underscoring their potential for CVD management. The DBsimilarity analysis further identified many clusters of compounds with more than 85% structural similarity. Citrus-derived bioactive compounds offer promising therapeutic potential for managing CVD, showcasing significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and veno-protective effects. The need for further comparative studies, as well as safety and efficacy investigations specific to CVD treatment, is evident. This review underlines the importance of advancing our understanding of these natural compounds and encouraging the development of novel treatments and formulations for effective CVD management. The DBsimilarity method's introduction provides a novel approach to exploring the chemical diversity within the Citrus genus, opening new pathways for pharmacological research.

Green synthesis of bimetallic Ag-ZnO nanocomposite using polyherbal extract for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

The current research has involved to develop nanoparticles (NPs) of zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with silver (Ag) through an eco-friendly method. Eclipta prostrate (EP), Eclipta alba (EA), and Tridax procumbans (TP) are subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethyl acetate. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols were quantified using standard methods. Polyherbal extract was used to synthesize silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag-ZnO NCs) via the sol-gel method. The reduction of metal ions was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Polyherbal plants are found to have higher concentrations of phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids than indigenous plants. Ag-ZnO NCs functional group has been identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of silver nanoparticles at 463–477 nm and zinc oxide nanoparticles at 266–267 nm. For Ag-ZnO NCs, the SPR peak was observed at 450 nm. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the spherical morphology of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The anti-microbial activity of the formulated Ag-ZnO NCs was more effective than the extract against all tested pathogens. The most effective antimicrobial activities are achieved for Ag-ZnO NCs at 50 µg and 200 µg for extract. Biosynthesized nanoparticles exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory effect of 68% at a low concentration of 500 µg/mL, greater than the efficacy of diclofenac sodium. Additionally, the synthesized Ag-ZnO nanoparticle demonstrated its stability for 90 days and showed strong antimicrobial properties.

Active Components and Skin Care Mechanism of Sea Grape (Caulerpa lentillifera) Extract

This study successfully obtained sea grape extract through mechanical extraction methods, which is rich in active components. These primary active ingredients include high concentrations of crude polysaccharides, total phenolics, and flavonoids. Using two zebrafish models, we observed significant skin moisturizing and repair effects of this extract. Further experiments demonstrated its remarkable anti-aging and skin tightening effects through the DPPH method and elastase inhibition assay. Additionally, the extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in a model built on 3 dpf (days post fertilization) Tg (corola: EGFP) transgenic zebrafish. The extract’s safety and reliability were confirmed through a final dermal application test on rabbits. Furthermore, we also analyzed the possible mechanism of Caulerpa lentillifera extract skin care. Overall, our research indicates that sea grapes hold tremendous potential as a novel natural ingredient for skincare. It is foreseeable that sea grapes will become an indispensable component in the future medical skincare market.

Preparation of recombinant type I collagen (PF-I-80) and its functional characterization and biomedical applications in wound healing

This study evaluates the potential applications of recombinant PF-I-80 protein in regenerative medicine and the treatment of inflammatory diseases, focusing on its effects on cell migration, differentiation, and anti-inflammatory properties. Various in vitro assays were conducted, including scratch assays, Transwell experiments, RT-PCR and Western Blot to analyze gene and protein expression related to differentiation and inflammation, and immunofluorescence staining to observe cellular changes. The results indicated that PF-I-80 significantly promoted cell migration, highlighting its potential in tissue repair and regeneration. It also enhanced cell differentiation, demonstrating its applicability in tissue repair, and showed significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In animal models, PF-I-80 notably reduced levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α, shortened the inflammatory phase, and accelerated wound healing. Additionally, PF-I-80 increased FGF-2 levels, which promoted the proliferation of endothelial and fibroblast cells and enhanced collagen synthesis. These in vitro and in vivo findings position PF-I-80 as a promising biomaterial for applications in regenerative medicine and inflammatory disease treatment.

Supplementation with Citrus Low-Methoxy Pectin Reduces Levels of Inflammation and Anxiety in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Controlled Dietary Intervention Study.

Background/Objective: Although low-methoxy (LM) pectin (polysaccharides extracted from citrus peels) can reduce inflammation by binding to and inhibiting the TLR-2 pathway in animal models and in vitro studies, the anti-inflammatory effects of LM pectin in humans and mood have not been explored to date. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of dietary supplementation with LM pectin in healthy volunteers on inflammatory markers and on mood, specifically anxiety and depression. Methods: We carried out a 4-week dietary intervention with LM citrus pectin on healthy volunteers (N = 14, age 40 ± 16 y, BMI 24.7 ± 3.0 kg/m2, sex F 57%) comparing the effects of daily supplementation with 20 g of LM citrus pectin versus 10 g of maltodextrin as the control (N = 15 age 43.2 ± 11 y, BMI 25.18 ± 2.0 kg/m2, sex F 66%). The effects on mood and inflammation were also tested with LM pectin at 5 g, 10 g and 15 g (2 weeks each) in an independent cohort of n = 15 healthy volunteers (age 36 ± 21 y, BMI 23.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2, sex F 80%). We assessed serum levels of TNF-alpha (downstream from TLR-2 activation), IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, INF-gamma, CRP, zonulin and TLR-2 concentration which were measured using ELISA in blood samples collected at both the baseline and follow-up visits. Validated measures of anxiety and depression were collected at baseline and follow-up. Results: Supplementation with 20 g of LM pectin resulted in decreases in the pro-inflammatory markers TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and INF-gamma (all p < 0.05) and an increase in anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 (p = 0.01) at the end of the 4 weeks. No such effects were observed in the control group. In addition, a significant drop in anxiety scores (from 8.38 to 4.46, p < 0.006) was found with the 20 g/day intervention but not in the control arm. In the dose-response study, anti-inflammatory effects were seen only at 15 g for TNFα (p < 0.003) and a suggestive increase in IL-10 (p = 0.08), alongside a drop in TLR-2 (p < 0.027). No significant anti-inflammatory effects were observed at 5 g and 10 g doses of LM pectin supplementation. Significant dose-dependent drops in both anxiety and depression scores were found with 10 g (p < 0.001) and 15 g per day (p < 0.0002). Conclusions: The current study identifies anxiety-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects of supplementation with 15 g/day LM pectin in healthy humans. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanism and to validate the efficient dose and minimum duration of supplementation.

Natural products for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: focus on cellular signaling pathways and pharmacological targets.

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease dependent on immunoglobulin E and causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa, leading to decreased quality of life for affected patients. Since common treatments, including corticosteroids and antihistamines, have temporary therapeutic effects and numerous side effects, investigating natural compounds effective in improving allergic rhinitis with low complications and high efficacy can be significant and necessary. This study aims to present a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the effect of natural compounds in improving allergic rhinitis. Studies were identified through systematic searches of ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases. Eligibility checks were conducted based on predefined selection criteria. Forty-six articles were included in this study. Phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic effects. These compounds alleviate allergic rhinitis symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and key signaling pathways such as MAPK/NFκB and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB. Phytochemicals exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effect from Decoction of Itchy Leaves (Laportea decumana (Roxb.) Wedd.)

Itchy leaves have the ability as analgesics, anti-inflammatory, asthma, antimalaria and antihypertension. Empirically in Maluku and Papua, itchy leaves are used topically to treat pain and inflammation. This study aims to examine the antiinflammatory and analgetic effects orally of an Itchy leaves decoction. Anti-inflammatory testing using the Winter method, rats were divided 5 groups negative control given aquadest, positive control given sodium diclofenac 1.8 mg/200 g BW rats, the test group given an infusion of itchy leaves dose 0.3 g/Kg BW (I), 0.6 g/Kg BW (I) and 1.2 g/Kg BW (III). Analgesics testing using Siegmund method, mice were divided 5 groups, negative control given aquadest, positive control given sodium diclofenac 0.26 mg/20 g BW mice, the test group given decoction of itchy leaves dose 0.4 g/Kg BW (I), 0.8 g/Kg BW (II) and 1.6 g/Kg BW (III). Results of Mann-whitney test, infusion of itchy leaves had a significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect on the negative control group, p value &lt;0.05. Precentage of positive control edema inhibition and the test group dosage I, II, III was obtained by 27.94%; 15.97%; 25.89%; and 26.86%, percentage inhibition of positive control and the test group dosage I, II, III was obtained by 59.42%; 43.93%; 45.70% and 80.22%. Itchy leaves decoction has a lower anti-inflammatory effect than diclofenac sodium. The analgesics effect of decoction of Itchy leaves at doses of 0.4 g/Kg BW and 0.8 g/Kg BW was lower, dose of 1.6 g/Kg BW was higher than diclofenac sodium.

In Vitro And In Silico Studies Of Lawsone On Inflammation-Induced Skin Cells For Development Of Skin Anti-Inflammatory Treatment

Lawsone, an active phytoconstituent of Lawsonia inermis sp., is proposed as a safer alternative for the current skin anti-inflammatory treatments that are mainly steroidal with unwanted side effects which does not conform to the concept of halalan toyyiban in medicine. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of lawsone on pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-α through in silico and in vitro methods. The inhibitory mechanism of lawsone were investigated via molecular docking and molecular dynamics which were performed via AutoDock Vina and GROMACS softwares, respectively. The results were then analysed via PyMol, Proteins Plus, RMSD and RMSF graphs. Subsequently, cytotoxicity of lawsone towards A431 skin epidermoid and 3T3 fibroblast cells, was determined via MTT assay. Lawsone was further tested on A431 cells stimulated with ethanol (200 mM) or hydrogen peroxide (250 µM) for 24 hours (acute) and 48 hours (chronic) to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) release. Cell viabilities were determined via MTT assay and expression of TNF-α were measured via ELISA. In silico works predicted lawsone’s ability to bind to TNF-α with good binding affinity without disruption to the protein’s structure stability.Lawsone is proven to be safe towards non-pathological cells. Lawsone exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect on inflammation induced A431 epidermoid cells. ELISA results were not as expected as compared to previous in silico study, but an anti-inflammatory pattern can be observed in the chronic ethanol-induced treatment groups. In conclusion, lawsone is shown to have potential to be developed as a halalan-toyyiban alternative for skin anti-inflammatory treatment.