Anti-inflammatory effects of Nelumbo leaf extracts and identification of their metabolites

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nelumbo leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat bleeding, gastritis, hemorrhoids, and halitosis. However, their mechanisms have not been elucidated. MATERIALS/METHODS: The present study prepared two Nelumbo leaf extracts (NLEs) using water or 50% ethanol. Inflammatory response was induced with LPS treatment, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 and nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) productions were assessed. To determine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of NLEs, we measured nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. Major metabolites of NLEs were also analyzed and quantified. RESULTS: NLEs effectively reduced the expression and productions of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE₂, and NO. NLEs also reduced NF-κB activity by inhibiting inhibitor of NF-κB phosphorylation. Both extracts contained catechin and quercetin, bioactive compounds of NLEs. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that NLEs could be used to inhibit NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses. In addition, our data support the idea that NLEs can ameliorate disease conditions involving chronic inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Rubus coreanus Miquel through inhibition of NF-kappaB and MAP Kinase

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-1beta, and IL-6) and NO and PGE2 productions were assessed. To determine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of RCM, we measured NF-kappaB and MAPK activities. RESULTS: UE and UH treatment significantly reduced NF-kappaB activation and JNK and p38 phosphorylation and reduced transcriptional activities decreased iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines expressions, and NO and PGE2 productions. RE and RH treatments reduced IL-1beta 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-kappaB and MAPK activation. These findings suggest that unripe RCM might be used as a potential functional material to reduce chronic inflammatory responses.

Chamnamul Pimpinella brachycarpa (Kom.) Nakai ameliorates hyperglycemia and improves antioxidant status in mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet

Chronic consumption of a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet increases insulin resistance and results in type 2 diabetes mellitus in C57BL/6J mice. Hyperglycemia in diabetics increases oxidative stress, which is associated with a high risk of diabetic complications. The purpose of this study was to examine the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of chamnamul [Pimpinella brachycarpa (Kom.) Nakai] in an animal model of type 2 diabetes. The alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of a 70% ethanol extract of chamnamul was measured in vitro. Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a basal or HFHS diet with or without a 70% ethanol extract of chamnamul at a 0.5% level of the diet for 12 weeks after 1 week of adaptation. After sacrifice, serum glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and lipid profiles, and lipid peroxidation of the liver were determined. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. Chamnamul extract inhibited alpha-glucosidase by 26.7%, which was 78.3% the strength of inhibition by acarbose at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. Serum glucose, insulin, and cholesterol levels, as well as HOMA-IR values, were significantly lower in the chamnamul group than in the HFHS group. Chamnamul extract significantly decreased the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the liver compared with the HFHS group. These findings suggest that chamnamul may be useful in prevention of hyperglycemia and reduction of oxidative stress in mice fed a HFHS diet.

Effects of a Rubus coreanus Miquel supplement on plasma antioxidant capacity in healthy Korean men

Korean raspberry, Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM), contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds, which prevent oxidative stress. To determine the effect of RCM on antioxidant capacity in humans, we assessed in vivo lipid oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities from plasma in 15 healthy men. The subjects ingested 30 g of freeze-dried RCM daily for 4 weeks. Blood was taken at baseline and at the end of the study to determine blood lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, liver function, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities. RCM supplementation had no effect on blood lipid or fasting plasma glucose concentrations but decreased alkaline phosphatase activity. RCM supplementation increased glutathione peroxidase activities (P < 0.05) but had no effect on lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that short-term RCM supplementation may offer health benefits by enhancing antioxidant capacity in a healthy population.

Evaluation of a New Diagnostic Test for Invasive Fungal Infections Using Prophenoloxydase System to Measure (1->3)-beta-D-glucan Concentration

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of invasive fungal infection is supposed to be better when diagnosed earlier. (1->3)-beta-D-glucan (BDG) test is considered useful in early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections among high-risk patients. A new diagnostic test using prophenoloxydase system to measure BDG level is developed. A study was performed to evaluate clinical usefulness of this new diagnostic test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 patients of confirmed invasive fungal infections and 38 healthy normal volunteers were enrolled. Plasma or serum BDG concentrations were measured using prophenoloxydase system. Assays for intra-run variability and inter-run variability were performed. A cut-off value was determined and sensitivity and specificity of the test were evaluated. RESULTS: A cut-off value of 94.90 pg/mL was determined. Sensitivity and specificity of the test were 86.7% and 52.6%, respectively. Statistical analyses of inter-run variability and intra-run variability revealed the test is reliable (P< or =0.001). CONCLUSION: BDG test using prophenoloxydase system is a sensitive and reliable test in non-invasive detection of invasive fungal infection.

Evaluation of a New Diagnostic Test for Invasive Fungal Infections Using Prophenoloxydase System to Measure (1->3)-beta-D-glucan Concentration

BACKGROUND: Prognosis of invasive fungal infection is supposed to be better when diagnosed earlier. (1->3)-beta-D-glucan (BDG) test is considered useful in early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections among high-risk patients. A new diagnostic test using prophenoloxydase system to measure BDG level is developed. A study was performed to evaluate clinical usefulness of this new diagnostic test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 patients of confirmed invasive fungal infections and 38 healthy normal volunteers were enrolled. Plasma or serum BDG concentrations were measured using prophenoloxydase system. Assays for intra-run variability and inter-run variability were performed. A cut-off value was determined and sensitivity and specificity of the test were evaluated. RESULTS: A cut-off value of 94.90 pg/mL was determined. Sensitivity and specificity of the test were 86.7% and 52.6%, respectively. Statistical analyses of inter-run variability and intra-run variability revealed the test is reliable (P< or =0.001). CONCLUSION: BDG test using prophenoloxydase system is a sensitive and reliable test in non-invasive detection of invasive fungal infection.