Effects of Draconis Resina on the Collagenase Activities and the Procollagen Synthesis in Hs68 Human Fibroblasts, and Tyrosinase Activity

Kim, Tae Yeon,Leem, Kang-Hyun The Korea Association of Herbology 2015 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.30 No.6

Objectives : Draconis Resina (DR), the resin of Daemonorops draco Bl., is used to circulate the blood and to stop bleeding. It also has been used to generate flesh including ulceration. The present study investigated the effects of DR extract on collagen metabolism in human fibroblasts and tyrosinase activity in mushroom tyrosinase.Methods : The effect of DR extract on type I procollagen production (collagen type I synthesis) and collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, henceforth referred as MMP-1) activity in human normal fibroblasts cell line. Hs68 cells after ultraviolet B (UVB, 312 nm) irradiation was measured using the enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The tyrosinase activity was also measured to find out the whitening effects in mushroom tyrosinase by ELISA method.Results : There was no cytotoxicity at DR extract at concentrations of 10 μg/ml, 30 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml. DR extract significantly inhibited the increase of collagenase activity, whereas it did not show on the reduction of type I procollagen in UVB damaged Hs68 cells. DR extract did not reduce the L - DOPA oxidation. However, it significantly reduced the tyrosinase activity by DR extract at concentraions of 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml.Conclusions : In conclusion, DR showed the anti-wrinkle and whitening effects via the inhibition of collagenase production and the tyrosinase activity. These results suggest that DR may have potential as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetic herb markets.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Korean Medicinal Plants at Hwaak Mountain in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Kang, Yun-Mi,Jeon, Eun-jin,Chung, Kyung-Sook,Cheon, Se-Yun,Park, Jong Hyuk,Han, Yoo-Chang,An, Hyo-Jin The Korea Association of Herbology 2017 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.32 No.2

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate candidate materials as anti-inflammatory agent from extracts of Korean medicinal plants in Hwaak mountain. Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) is a Korea medicinal plants that commonly used for robustness and hemostasis. It has been reported that LO has exhibited anti-ischemic, anti-oxidative, anti-hypolipidemic, anti-tumor and hypoglycemic effects. However, LO has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of LO and its underlying molecular mechanisms in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by MTT assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric Oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 15 extracts of Korean medicinal plants tested, Ligustrum obtusifolium (LO) showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. LO reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these data, LO inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, LO attenuated the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages involving suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Conclusions : Taken together, these results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of LO is associated with regulation of inflammatory mediators via inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Protective Effect of Atractylodes macrocephala and Taraxacum spp. Combination Treatment in Balb/c Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis

Lee, Donghun,Kim, Hocheol The Korea Association of Herbology 2017 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.32 No.3

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of an herbal mixture of Atractylodes macrocephala and Taraxacum spp. (ATC) on ulcerative colitis. We have previously screened traditional medicinal herbs to discover the effective candidate by the animal model. A. macrocephala and T. spp were identified as one of the effective herbs in the screening process. Methods : Experimental colitis was induced in male Balb/c mice by administering drinking water containing dextran sulfate sodium, which mimics the clinical and histological features of ulcerative colitis in human. ATC at doses of 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg were orally administered to mice twice per day for 10 consecutive days. To evaluate the damage from experimentla ulcerative colitis, body weight, colon length, disease activity index, myeloperoxidase and histological changes were measured and analyzed. Results : The administration of dextran sulfate sodium with drinking water resulted in markedly reduced colon length, severe body weight loss, increased levels of myeloperoxidase activity and histological damages in mice. ATC treatment significantly ameliorated the colon shortening, histological damage, body weight loss and disease activity index score in a dose-dependent manner. ATC also attenuated the colonic myeloperoxidase activity which reflects the severity and extent of inflammatory damage of colon. Conclusions : ATC exerts protective effects against inflammatory colonic structural damage induced by epithelial barrier integrity impairment. ATC also inhibits weight loss and related symptoms of UC which can be considered as the functional recovery of colon.

Compositional differences of Bojungikgi-tang decoctions using pressurized or non-pressurized extraction methods with variable extraction times

Kim, Jung-Hoon,Seo, Chang-Seob,Kim, Seong-Sil,Shin, Hyeun-Kyoo The Korea Association of Herbology 2013 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.28 No.4

Objectives : In other to determine the optimal extraction conditions, the various Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT) decoctions prepared by different pressure levels and different extraction times were compared and evaluated in terms of the extract yield and the total soluble solid content. Methods : Decoctions were prepared by the pressure levels of 0 (non-pressurized) and 1 $kgf/cm^2$ (pressurized) for 60, 120 and 180 min. The extract yield and the total soluble solids content of decoctions were measured, and the amounts of the reference compounds in decoctions were investigated by the analysis using high performance liquid chromatography. Results : The extract yield and the total soluble solid content were higher in decoctions extracted by the pressurized method than those from decoction with non-pressurized method. The patterns of yield and contents showed a proportional increase to the extraction time. In analysis of the linear regression for four reference compounds such as liquiritin, nodakenin, hesperidin, and glycyrrhizin, the good linearity with the correlation coefficient more than 0.9999 was observed. The highest contents for four reference compounds were observed at 180 min of both the pressurized method and the non-pressurized method. Conclusions : This study suggests that the pressure in extraction method and the extraction time affect the compositional constituents in BJIGT decoctions. The extraction time of 180 min could be chosen in both pressurized and non-pressurized method as optimal extraction condition.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Attenuates Neuroinflammation Following Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Treatment in Mice

Shin, Jung-Won,Ma, Sun-Ho,Lee, Ju-Won,Kim, Dong-Kyu,Do, Kyuho,Sohn, Nak-Won The Korea Association of Herbology 2013 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.28 No.6

Objectives : Neuroinflammation is characterized by microglial activation and the expression of major inflammatory mediators. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg1 ($GRg_1$), a principle active ingredient in Panax ginseng, on pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation induced by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in the mouse brain tissue. Methods : Varying doses of $GRg_1$ was orally administered (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) 1 h before the LPS injection (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue was measured using the quantitative real-time PCR method at 4 h after the LPS injection, Microglial activation was evaluated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry against ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) in the brain tissue. Cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) expressions also observed using western blotting and immunohistochemistry at 4 h after the LPS injection, In addition, double-immunofluorescent labeling of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and COX-2 with microglia and neurons was processed in the brain tissue. Results : $GRg_1$ (30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the upregulation of TNF-${\alpha}$, interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 mRNA in the brain tissue at 4 h after LPS injection. Morphological activation and Iba1 protein expression of microglia induced by systemic LPS injection were reduced by the $GRg_1$ (30 mg/kg) treatment. Upregulation of COX-2 protein expression in the brain tissue was also attenuated by the $GRg_1$ (30 mg/kg) treatment. Conclusion : The results suggest that $GRg_1$ is effective in the early stage of neuroinflammation which causes neurodegenerative diseases.

Houttuynia cordata Thunberg exhibits anti-tumorigenic activity in human gastric cancer cells

Hong, Se Chul,Eo, Hyun-Ji,Song, Hoon-Min,Woo, So-Hee,Kim, Mi-Kyeong,Lee, Jin-Wook,Seo, Jeong-Min,Park, Su-Bin,Eom, Jung-Hye,Koo, JinSuk,Jeong, JinBoo The Korea Association of Herbology 2013 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.28 No.6

Objectives : Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, worldwide. Houttuynia cordata Thunberg (H. cordata) has been used as a medicinal plants and it has an anti-cancer activity in human colorectal cancer and leukemic cancer. However, the potential anti-cancer activity and mechanisms of H. cordata for human gastric cancer cells have not been tested so far. Thus, this study examined the biological effects of H. cordata on the human gastric cancer cell line SNU-1 and AGS. Methods : Inhibition of cell proliferation and cell cycle by H. cordata was carried out by MTT assay and Muse cell cycle analysis and the expressions of protein associated with apoptosis and cell cycle regulation were investigated with Western blot analysis. Results : In MTT assay, the proliferation of SNU-1 and AGS cells was significantly inhibited by H. cordata in a time and dose dependent manner, Inhibition of cell proliferation by H. cordata was in part associated with apoptotic cell death, as shown by changes in the expression ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 by H. cordata. Also, H. cordata regulated the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins such as pRb, cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4, CDK2, p21 and p15. Conclusion : The antiproliferative effect of H. cordata on SNU-1 and AGS gastric cancer cells revealed in this study suggests that H. cordata has intriguing potential as a chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Various Korean Compositae Herbs in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Seo, Min-gyu,Kang, Yun-Mi,Chung, Kyung-Sook,Cheon, Se-Yun,Park, Jong Hyuk,Lee, Young-Cheol,An, Hyo-Jin The Korea Association of Herbology 2017 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.32 No.2

Objective : This study was designed to evaluate candidate materials as anti-inflammation agent from extracts of various Korean Compositae herbs in Hwaak mountain. Among Korea medicinal herbs, Ainsliaea acerifolia (AA) belongs to the Compositae family, has been used for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis. However, AA has not been previously reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of AA and its underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods : Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Nitric oxide (NO) was measured with Griess reagent and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and p65 subunit of nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) were determined by Western blot analysis. Results : Among 8 extracts of Korean Compositae herbs tested, AA showed the inhibition of NO production without cytotoxicity. Consistent with the observation, AA reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in dose-dependent manner. In addition, AA inhibited the productions of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. However, AA did not inhibit activation of p65 $NF-{\kappa}B$ in LPS-simulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion : These results suggest that down-regulation of iNOS, COX-2 protein expression and $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 production by AA are responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Effects of Polygoni Multiflori Radix on the Elastase, and Collagenase Activities and the Procollagen Synthesis in Hs68 Human Fibroblasts

Kim, Myung-Gyou,Leem, Kang-Hyun The Korea Association of Herbology 2014 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.29 No.1

Objectives : Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR), the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg, is used to nourish the blood and yin and used for preventing premature greying of the hair. There are some articles on its preventing effects on the melanogenesis. However, there is no report about its effects on the collagen and elastin. The present study was designed to investigate its effects on collagen metabolism and elastase activity. Methods : The effects of PMR on type I procollagen production and collagenase activity in human normal fibroblasts Hs68 after UVB (312 nm) irradiation were measured by ELISA method. Cells were pretreated with the PMR for 24 hours prior to UVB irradiation. After UVB irradiation, cells were retreated with the sample and incubated for additional 24 hours. The amount of collagen type I was measured with a procollagen type I C-peptide assay kit. The activity of collagenase was measured with a MMP-1 human biotrak ELISA system. The elastase activities after treatment of PMR were measured as well. Results : In the present study, the collagen production was not increased. However, the increased collagenase activity after UVB damage was significantly recovered to $50.2{\pm}14.5%$, $8.2{\pm}3.1%$, and $10.0{\pm}3.3%$ (10, 30, and $100{\mu}g/ml$). The elastase activities (10, 100, and $1000{\mu}g/ml$) significantly reduced to $75.2{\pm}5.2%$, $40.3{\pm}1.2%$, and $27.0{\pm}1.9%$, respectively. Conclusion : PMR showed the inhibitory effects on collagenase and elastase activity. These results suggest that PMR may have potential as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetic herbal treatment.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Co-treatment of Jingyoganghwaltang and Cheongsimhwan on Croton Oil Induced Hemorrhoid Model in Rats

Jo, Nayoung,Mou, Jong-Cheng,Leem, Kanghyun,Kim, Taeyeon The Korea Association of Herbology 2018 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.33 No.6

Objectives : Hemorrhoids are one of the most common diseases in humans. Jingyoganghwaltang (JG) and Cheongsimhwan (CS) have been used for treating hemorrhoids in Korean traditional clinical practice. The present study was designed to evaluate the traditional effects of JG and CS on the experimental hemorrhoid model in rats. Methods : Hemorrhoids are closely related to inflammation. Accordingly, we examined the nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage cell line in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect. The expression levels of inflammation related genes including IL-1 beta, IL-6, INOS, and TNF-alpha were examined via a real-time quantitative PCR. Croton oil-induced hemorrhagic animal model was used to test the in vivo efficacy against hemorrhoids. The rectal tissues were weighed and the inflammatory proteins were measured to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects. Results : JG and CS have a statistically significant effect on inhibition of NO production and on the reduction of inflammatory gene expression such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, INOS, and TNF-alpha. The synergistic effects of co-treatment of JG and CS were found out in the IL-6 gene expression. The in vivo study using croton oil-induced hemorrhoid model in rat was performed to check the co-treatment effects. As a result, the co-treatment reduced the inflammation of the rectal tissue and decrease the inflammation related protein productions including ICAM1, MMP2 and MMP9. Conclusions : These results suggest that JG and CS co-treatment demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in croton oil-induced hemorrhoid model in rat.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Methanol Extract from the Stem of Coriandrum Sativum in RAW 264.7 Cells

Jung, Ji Yun,Park, Chung A The Korea Association of Herbology 2018 大韓本草學會誌 Vol.33 No.5

Objectives : Coriandrum sativum is a medicinal herb that is used to enhance organoleptic quality and food flavor and as source of natural antioxidants. This research investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of Coriandrum sativum stem methanol extract (CSSE) using RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : Production of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$(TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and nitric oxide (NO) in the culture supernatant, protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) in the extract were assayed. Results : Treatment with CSSE ($100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) resulted in inhibited levels of protein expression of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced iNOS, COX-2, and NF-${\kappa}B$ as well as production of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and NO induced by LPS. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that CSSE exhibits anti-inflammatory activities via decreasing production of pro-inflammatory mediators through suppression of the pathways of NF-${\kappa}B$ in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Thus, CSSE may have therapeutic potential for a variety of inflammation-mediated diseases.