Enhancing the dispersibility of Gelidium amansii-derived microfibrillated cellulose through centrifugal fractionation.

Hydrothermal pretreatment is useful for microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) preparation due to its safety, but the remaining hemicellulose might affect MFC properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of centrifugation time on hemicellulose removal and the physicochemical properties of MFC obtained after hydrothermal pretreatment and micro-fibrillation. In this study, centrifugation was applied to the MFC suspension at varying duration times. Composition analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that fractionated MFC has no hemicellulose content after 10, 20, and 30 min centrifugation. It also showed an approximately 5 times higher than 0.5 % g/g of initial solid concentration, indicated by a lower gel concentration point, than unfractionated MFC. Scanning electron microscope images of the fractionated MFC for 30 min (MFC2C) presented thin, long cellulose fibrils of 517 nm in average diameter and 635-10,000 nm in length that induced a slower sedimentation rate. MFC2C dispersion was also improved by autoclave sterilization by regulating cellulose structure, rheology, and crystallinity. As a result, MFC dispersibility can be enhanced by removing hemicellulose through simple centrifugation.

In Vitro and In Vivo Models for the Development of Hair Growth Materials By Regulating the ß-Catenin Signaling Pathways.

Although hair loss contributes to various social and economic, research methods for material development are currently limited. In this study, we established a research model for developing materials for hair growth through the regulation of ß-catenin. We confirmed that 100 nM tegatrabetan (TG), a ß-catenin inhibitor, decreased the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) at 72 h. In addition, TG-induced apoptosis suppressed the phosphorylation of GSK-3ß and Akt, translocation of ß-catenin from the cytosol to the nucleus, and the expression of cyclin D1. Interestingly, TG significantly increased the G2/M arrest in HFDPCs. Subcutaneous injection of TG suppressed hair growth and the number of hair follicles in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, TG inhibited the expression of cyclin D1, ß-catenin, keratin 14, and Ki67. These results suggest that TG-induced inhibition of hair growth can be a promising model for developing new materials for enhancing ß-catenin-mediated hair growth.

Innate Immune-Enhancing Effect of Pinus densiflora Pollen Extract via NF-κB Pathway Activation.

Considering the emergence of various infectious diseases, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), people's attention has shifted towards immune health. Consequently, immune-enhancing functional foods have been increasingly consumed. Hence, developing new immune-enhancing functional food products is needed. Pinus densiflora pollen can be collected from the male red pine tree, which is commonly found in Korea. P. densiflora pollen extract (PDE), obtained by water extraction, contained polyphenols (216.29 ± 0.22 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (35.14 ± 0.04 mg CE/100 g). PDE significantly increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) but, did not exhibit cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. Western blot results indicated that PDE induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. PDE also significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of cytokines and the phosphorylation of IKKα/ß and p65, as well as the activation and degradation of IκBα. Additionally, western blot analysis of cytosolic and nuclear fractions and immunofluorescence assay confirmed that the translocation of p65 to the nucleus after PDE treatment. These results confirmed that PDE increases the production of cytokines, NO, and ROS by activating NF-κB. Therefore, PDE is a promising nutraceutical candidate for immune-enhancing functional foods.

Recovery Effects of Nephelium lappaceum var. pallens (Hiern) Leenh. Extract on Testosterone-Induced Inhibition of Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice and Human Follicular Dermal Papilla Cells.

Although various hair health medicines have been developed and are used today, additional safe and effective natural hair growth therapies still need to be developed. Nephelium lappaceum var. pallens (Hiern) Leenh. extract (NLE) reportedly exhibits anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects, which could be linked to androgenic processes; however, there are no reports of its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth. The present study investigated the effects of NLE on TS-induced inhibition of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice and human follicular dermal papilla cells. Oral administration of NLE restored hair growth that was suppressed following subcutaneous injection of TS more effectively than finasteride, a drug used for treating hair loss. Histological analysis demonstrated that oral NLE administration increased the number and diameter of hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, western blot and immunofluorescence assays showed that the oral NLE administration restored TS-induced suppression of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and loricrin expression in the skin cells of the mice. Finally, TS suppression of cell proliferation in human follicular dermal papilla cells was significantly reversed by NLE pretreatment. The results suggest that NLE is a promising nutraceutical for hair growth because it promotes hair growth in androgenetic alopecia-like models.

Hybrid nutraceutical of 2-ketoglutaric acid in improving inflammatory bowel disease: Role of prebiotics and TAK1 inhibitor.

The main cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is abnormal intestinal permeability due to the disruption of the tight junction of the intestinal barrier through a pathogen-mediated inflammatory mechanism and an imbalance of the gut microbiota. This study aimed to evaluate whether 2-ketoglutaric acid alleviated permeability dysfunction with tight junction localization, activated the transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) inflammation pathway, and regulated the homeostasis of the intestinal microbiome in vitro and in vivo IBD model. Our findings revealed that 2-ketoglutaric acid significantly suppressed abnormal intestinal permeability, delocalization of tight junction proteins from the intestinal cell, expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, both in vitro and in vivo. 2-Ketoglutaric acid was found to directly bind to TAK1 and inhibit the TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-TAK1 interaction, which is related to the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, thereby regulating the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Dietary 2-ketoglutaric acid also alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis and IBD symptoms, as demonstrated by improvements in the intestine length and the abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002, and Ruminococcaceae_unclassified in mice with colitis. This study indicated that 2-ketoglutaric acid binds to TAK1 for activity inhibition which is related to the NF-κB pathway and alleviates abnormal permeability by regulating tight junction localization and gut microbiome homeostasis. Therefore, 2-ketoglutaric acid is an effective nutraceutical agent and prebiotic for the treatment of IBD.

Correction to: Capsicum annuum L. cv. DANGJO ameliorated hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes animal model induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s10068-022-01068-1.].

Rice Bran Extract Suppresses High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia and Hepatosteatosis through Targeting AMPK and STAT3 Signaling.

Rice bran, a by-product of rice milling, is abundant in bioactive molecules and is highly recognized for its health-promoting properties, particularly in improving metabolic conditions. Building on this knowledge, we aimed to optimize the extraction conditions to maximize the functional efficacy of rice bran extract (RBE) and further validate its impact on lipid metabolism. We found that the optimized RBE (ORBE) significantly suppressed high-fat diet-induced weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and hepatosteatosis in mouse models. ORBE treatment not only suppressed lipid uptake in vivo, but also reduced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Importantly, we discovered that ORBE administration resulted in activation of AMPK and inhibition of STAT3, which are both crucial players in lipid metabolism in the liver. Collectively, ORBE potentially offers promise as a dietary intervention strategy against hyperlipidemia and hepatosteatosis. This study underlines the value of optimized extraction conditions in enhancing the functional efficacy of rice bran.

Sinapic acid alleviates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through localization of tight junction proteins by direct binding to TAK1 and improves intestinal microbiota.

Introduction: Although sinapic acid is found in various edible plants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties including colitis, its underlying mechanism and effects on the composition of the gut microbiota are largely unknown. We aimed to identify an early response kinase that regulates the localization of tight junction proteins, act at the onset of the inflammatory response, and is regulated by sinapic acid. Additionally, we analyzed the effects of sinapic acid on the homeostasis of the intestinal microbiome. Methods: We examined the aberrant alterations of early response genes such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activating transcription factor (ATF)-2 within 2 h of sinapic acid treatment in fully differentiated Caco-2 cells with or without lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulation. To confirm the effect of sinapic acid on stimulus-induced delocalization of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, and claudin-2, all tight junction proteins were investigated by analyzing a fraction of membrane and cytosol proteins extracted from Caco-2 cells and mice intestines. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice using 2% dextran sulfate sodium and sinapic acid (2 or 10 mg/kg/day) was administrated for 15 days. Furthermore, the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical activities of sinapic acid for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) evaluated. Results: We confirmed that sinapic acid significantly suppressed the stimulus-induced delocalization of tight junction proteins from the intestinal cell membrane and abnormal intestinal permeability as well as the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1ß and TNF-α in vitro and in vivo. Sinapic acid was found to bind directly to transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and inhibit the stimulus-induced activation of NF-κB as well as MAPK/ATF-2 pathways, which in turn regulated the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MLCK). Dietary sinapic acid also alleviated the imbalanced of gut microbiota and symptoms of IBD, evidenced by improvements in the length and morphology of the intestine in mice with colitis. Discussion: These findings indicate that sinapic acid may be an effective nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agent for IBD treatment as it targets TAK1 and inhibits subsequent NF-κB and ATF-2 signaling.

The In Vivo and In Vitro Effects of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Fruit Extract on Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss.

Due to the continuous increase in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, the demand for hair loss treatment and effective hair growth materials has increased. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TBE) reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects, among others, but its effects on testosterone (TS)-inhibited hair growth remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TBE on TS-induced hair growth regression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of TBE increased TS-induced hair growth retardation. Interestingly, effects were greater when compared with finasteride, a commercial hair loss treatment product. Histological analyses revealed that oral TBE administration increased hair follicles in the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that oral TBE administration recovered the TS-induced inhibition of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67 expression in vivo. Using in vitro proliferation assays, TBE promoted HFDPC growth, which was suppressed by TS treatment. Thus, TBE may be a promising nutraceutical for hair health as it promoted hair growth in AGA-like in vitro and in vivo models.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Yeast-Fermented Cabbage.

Microbial fermentation is often used to improve the functionality of plant-based food materials. Herein, we investigated changes in the physicochemical and functional properties of cabbage during yeast fermentation to develop new products using fermented cabbage. Among the 8 types of food-grade yeast, both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardii fermented 10% cabbage powder solution (w/w) the most effectively, leaving no soluble sugars after 12 h of fermentation. In addition, the yeast fermentation of cabbage resulted in functionally positive outcomes in terms of sulforaphane content, antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, the yeast-fermented cabbages contained about 500% more sulforaphane. The soluble fraction (5 µg/ml) of yeast-fermented cabbage had no cytotoxicity in murine RAW 264.7 cells, and the radical-scavenging capacity was equivalent to 1 µg/ml of ascorbic acid. Moreover, cabbage fermented with S. boulardii significantly suppressed both lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production and LPS-induced reactive oxygen species production in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect. These results support the idea that yeast fermentation is promising for developing functionally improved cabbage products.

Dietary protocatechuic acid redistributes tight junction proteins by targeting Rho-associated protein kinase to improve intestinal barrier function.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is continuously increasing globally and caused by intestinal barrier dysfunction. Although protocatechuic acid (PCA) has a protective effect on colitis, the molecular mechanisms underlying its contribution to intestinal barrier function remain unknown. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran permeability measurements reveled that PCA suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced increase in intestinal permeability; zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and claudin-2 redistribution was also suppressed in the epithelial cell membranes of differentiated Caco-2 cells. PCA was found to directly bind Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK), subsequently suppressing myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. Notably, PCA binds ROCK to a similar degree as Y27632, a selective ROCK inhibitor. Orally administering PCA (5 or 25 mg per kg per day) to C57BL/6 mice alleviated the 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis symptoms including reduced colon length, disrupted intestinal barrier structure, and increased proinflammatory cytokines expressions, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, orally administering PCA suppressed DSS-induced ZO-1 and claudin-2/4 redistribution in mice colon membrane fractions. Therefore, PCA may serve as a promising nutraceutical to improve gut health and alleviate IBD by maintaining intestinal barrier function in vitro and in vivo.

Preventive Effect of Pharmaceutical Phytochemicals Targeting the Src Family of Protein Tyrosine Kinases and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor on Environmental Stress-Induced Skin Disease.

The skin protects our body; however, it is directly exposed to the environment and is stimulated by various external factors. Among the various environmental factors that can threaten skin health, the effects of ultraviolet (UV) and particulate matter (PM) are considered the most notable. Repetitive exposure to ultraviolet and particulate matter can cause chronic skin diseases such as skin inflammation, photoaging, and skin cancer. The abnormal activation of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in response to UV and/or PM exposure are involved in the development and aggravation of skin diseases. Phytochemicals, chemical compounds of natural plants, exert preventive effects on skin diseases through the regulation of various signaling pathways. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the efficacy of phytochemicals as potential nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical materials for the treatment of skin diseases, primarily by targeting SFK and AhR, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action. Future studies are essential to validate the clinical potential for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases.

Preparation of High-Solid Microfibrillated Cellulose from Gelidium amansii and Characterization of Its Physiochemical and Biological Properties.

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a valuable material with wide industrial applications, particularly for the food and cosmetics industries, owing to its excellent physiochemical properties. Here, we prepared high-solid microfibrillated cellulose (HMFC) from the centrifugation of Gelidium amansii-derived MFC right after fibrillation. Dispersion properties, morphology, and structural changes were monitored during processing. HMFC has a five-fold higher solid concentration than MFC without significant changes to dispersion properties. SEM images and FTIR spectra of HMFC revealed a stable surface and structure against centrifugal forces. HMFC exhibited 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, although it could not scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Moreover, HMFC inhibited the generation of LPS-induced excessive nitrite and radial oxygen species in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, HMFC suppressed LPS-induced Keap-1 expression in the cytosol but did not alter iNOS expression. HMFC also attenuated the UVB-induced phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2, and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, as well as the phosphorylation of c-Jun in the immortalized human skin keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Therefore, the application of centrifugation is suitable for producing high-solid MFC as a candidate material for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative marine cosmeceuticals.

Capsicum annuum L. cv. DANGJO ameliorated hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes animal model induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin.

In this study, it was evaluated the effect of freeze-dried powder of Capsicum annuum L. cv. DANGJO (DJ) on ameliorating hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes rat model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). Oral administration of DJ significantly reduced non-fasting blood glucose (NFBG) and insulin levels, as well as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, a representative marker for diabetes, in HFD/STZ treated rats whereas the administration of green hot pepper (GHP) and green sweet pepper (GSP) did not show the significant effect. Quercitrin was quantified (40.97 mg/100 g of DJ) by HPLC, and administration of the same amount of quercitrin with DJ exerted the significant reduction of blood glucose level, strongly supporting that quercitrin is the key component in ameliorating the hyperglycemia of DJ in HFD/STZ treated rats. These results suggest that DJ can be considered as a potent functional food in preventing hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Methyl Gallate on 1-Nitropyrene-Induced Keratinocyte Toxicity in a Human and Canine Skin Model.

The skin, which is the largest organ of the human body, is in direct contact with pollutants in the surrounding atmosphere. Meanwhile, 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), the most abundant nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in particulate matter, is known to have carcinogenic effects; however, studies on its toxicity in human and canine skin are still needed. In this study, we investigated 1-NP-induced apoptosis and inflammatory pathways in HaCaT cells. In addition, we also measured the cytoprotective effect of methyl gallate (MG), which is widely distributed in medicinal and edible plants and is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. MG inhibited 1-NP-induced cell death and apoptosis pathways, including the cleavage of PARP and activation of caspase-3, -7, and -9. MG also suppressed 1-NP-induced COX-2 expression and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and MAPK kinases (MAPKKs). Our findings suggest that 1-NP induces skin toxicity in human and canine through apoptosis and inflammatory responses, and moreover, that this can be prevented by treatment with MG.

4-phenylpyridine suppresses UVB-induced skin inflammation by targeting c-Src in vitro and in vivo.

Acute or repetitive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) cause disruptions to the skin barrier and subsequent inflammatory skin disease. 4-phenylpyridine (4-PP) is a constituent of Brassica campestris L. ssp. Pekinensis and its effect on skin inflammation and molecular target remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to confirm the anti-inflammatory efficacy of 4-PP on UVB-induced skin inflammation in human keratinocytes HaCaT and mouse skin and validation of its molecular target. 4-PP also attenuated UVB-induced phosphorylation of p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 3/6, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2, MKK 4/7, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2. Additionally, 4-PP inhibited UVB-induced phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Y1068, Y1045 and 854 residues but not the proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase c-Src. Drug affinity responsive target stability assay revealed that 4-PP directly binds to c-Src and inhibits pronase c-proteolysis. Knockdown of c-Src inhibited UVB-induced COX-2 expression and phosphorylation of MAPKs and EGFR in HaCaT cells. Dorsal treatment of 4-PP prevented UVB (0.5 J/cm2 )-induced skin thickness, phosphorylation of EGFR and COX-2 expression in mouse skin. Our findings suggest that 4-PP can be used as anti-inflammatory agent with an effect of skin inflammation by inhibiting the COX-2 expression via suppressing the c-Src/EGFR/MAPKs signalling pathway.

NADPH Oxidase and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Are Promising Targets of Phytochemicals for Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis.

The skin acts as the primary defense organ that protects the body from the external environment. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Skin carcinogenesis is usually caused by cell degeneration due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes changes in various signaling networks, disrupting the homeostasis of single skin cells. In this review, we summarize the roles of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we describe the crosstalk that exists between NOX, EGFR, and protein tyrosine phosphatase κ and its oncogenic downstream signaling pathways. Chemoprevention is the use of chemical compounds to recover the healthy status of the skin or delay cancer development. Current evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on chemopreventive phytochemicals that target NOX, EGFR, or both, as major regulators of skin carcinogenesis will also be discussed.

l-Lactic Acid Production Using Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Improved Organic Acid Tolerance.

Lactic acid is mainly used to produce bio-based, bio-degradable polylactic acid. For industrial production of lactic acid, engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be used. To avoid cellular toxicity caused by lactic acid accumulation, pH-neutralizing agents are used, leading to increased production costs. In this study, lactic acid-producing S. cerevisiae BK01 was developed with improved lactic acid tolerance through adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) on 8% lactic acid. The genetic basis of BK01 could not be determined, suggesting complex mechanisms associated with lactic acid tolerance. However, BK01 had distinctive metabolomic traits clearly separated from the parental strain, and lactic acid production was improved by 17% (from 102 g/L to 119 g/L). To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest lactic acid titer produced by engineered S. cerevisiae without the use of pH neutralizers. Moreover, cellulosic lactic acid production by BK01 was demonstrated using acetate-rich buckwheat husk hydrolysates. Particularly, BK01 revealed improved tolerance against acetic acid of the hydrolysates, a major fermentation inhibitor of lignocellulosic biomass. In short, ALE with a high concentration of lactic acid improved lactic acid production as well as acetic acid tolerance of BK01, suggesting a potential for economically viable cellulosic lactic acid production.

Overexpression of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Deaminase (acdS) Gene in Petunia hybrida Improves Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses.

Abiotic stress induces the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in plants, which consequently enhances ethylene production and inhibits plant growth. The bacterial ACC deaminase enzyme encoded by the acdS gene reduces stress-induced ethylene production and improves plant growth in response to stress. In this study, overexpression of acdS in Petunia hybrida ('Mirage Rose') significantly reduced expression of the ethylene biosynthesis gene ACC oxidase 1 (ACO1) and ethylene production relative to those in wild type (WT) under various abiotic stresses (cold, drought, and salt). The higher reduction of stress-induced ethylene in the transgenic plants, which was due to the overexpression of acdS, led to a greater tolerance to the stresses compared to that in the WT plants. The greater stress tolerances were proven based on better plant growth and physiological performance, which were linked to stress tolerance. Moreover, expression analysis of the genes involved in stress tolerance also supported the increased tolerance of transgenics relative to that with the WT. These results suggest the possibility that acdS is overexpressed in ornamental plants, particularly in bedding plants normally growing outside the environment, to overcome the deleterious effect of ethylene on plant growth under different abiotic stresses. The development of stress-tolerant plants will be helpful to advance the floricultural industry.

Paeonia lactiflora Root Extract and Its Components Reduce Biomarkers of Early Atherosclerosis via Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects In Vitro and In Vivo.

Although various physiological activities of compounds obtained from Paeonia lactiflora have been reported, the effects of P. lactiflora extract (PLE) on early atherosclerosis remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antiatherosclerosis and in vitro antioxidant effects of PLE and its compounds. PLE suppresses the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced capacity of THP-1 cells to adhere to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling in HUVECs. PLE also suppresses TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 from cytosol as well as the enhanced TNFA and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) mRNA expression in HUVECs. We identified and quantified the following PLE compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection: methyl gallate, oxypaeoniflorin, catechin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeonol. Among these, methyl gallate had the strongest inhibitory effect on monocyte adherence to TNF-α-induced HUVECs and the VCAM-1 expression. Reverse transcriptase real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that PLE compounds had a dissimilar inhibition effect on TNF-α-induced mRNA expression levels of CCL2, TNFA, and IL6 in HUVECs. Except for paeonol, the compounds inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species production in RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, oral administration of PLE improved TNF-α-induced macrophage infiltration to the vascular endothelium and expression of VCAM-1, as well as IL6 and TNFA gene expression in the main artery of mice. PLE could be useful as a nutraceutical material against early atherosclerosis via the combined effects of its components.