Sea cucumber peptides positively regulate sexual hormones in male mice with acute exhaustive swimming: possibly through the Ca2+/PKA signaling pathway.

Sea cucumber peptides (SCPs) have been proven to have many active functions; however, their impact on testosterone synthesis and the corresponding mechanism are not yet clear. This study attempts to explore the effects of SCPs on sex hormone regulation in acute exhaustive swimming (AES) male mice and the possible mechanisms. In the present study, SCP intervention significantly prolonged exhaustive swimming time and reduced exercise metabolite accumulation. The reproductive ability-related parameters including penile index, mating ability, testicular morphology, and sperm storage were dramatically improved by SCP intervention. Notably, SCPs markedly reversed the AES-induced decrease in serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Moreover, treatment with a high dose of SCP (0.6 mg per g bw) significantly enhanced the expression of testosterone synthesis-related proteins in testis, meanwhile markedly increasing the gene expression of StAR, Hsd17b3, Hsd17b2, Ldlr, and Cyp19a1. Serum metabolomics results indicated that SCP intervention notably upregulated the expression of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol but downregulated the concentrations of succinate and DL-lactate. Furthermore, serum metabolomics combined with testicular transcriptome, western blot, and correlation analyses demonstrated that SCPs may regulate testosterone synthesis via the Ca2+/PKA signaling pathway. This study indicated that the SCP could be a potential dietary supplement to improve the symptoms of decreased sex hormones related to exercise fatigue.

Molecular cloning of the hepcidin gene from crescent sweetlips (Plectorhinchus cinctus) and characterization of its encoded antimicrobial peptide.

Hepcidin has been identified as an important antimicrobial peptide exerting important innate immunomodulatory activities in many fish species. In the present study, reverse transcription PCR coupled with the rapid amplification of cDNA ends was used to obtain the full-length cDNA of the crescent sweetlips hepcidin gene, which is 829 bp in length and includes an 273 bp ORF encoding a peptide with 90 amino acid residues. Sequence alignment showed a typical RXKR motif and eight conserved cysteine residues in the deduced amino acid sequences. Four disulfide bonds were predicted to form between these eight cysteines, which may stabilize the hairpin structure in hepcidin molecule. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that the deduced amino acid sequences of crescent sweetlips hepcidin had high sequence homology to hepcidins from fish species of Eupercaria. In addition, the crescent sweetlips hepcidin peptide demonstrated a strong antimicrobial activity in vitro against several types of pathogenic bacteria in fish. In conclusion, the obtained results suggested that crescent sweetlips hepcidin possessed the typical structure similar to other fish hepcidins and had strong antibacterial activity, which showed great potential in the prevention of fish diseases in aquaculture.

Prokaryotic Expression, Purification, and Antibacterial Activity of the Hepcidin Peptide of Crescent Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus cinctus).

The hepcidin peptide of crescent sweetlips (Plectorhinchus cinctus) is a cysteine-rich, cationic antimicrobial peptide that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system's defense against invading microbes. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal parameters for prokaryotic expression and purification of this hepcidin peptide and characterize its antibacterial activity. The recombinant hepcidin peptides were expressed in Escherichia coli strain Arctic Express (DE3), with culture and induction conditions optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The obtained hepcidin peptides were then purified before tag cleavage, and their antibacterial activity was determined. The obtained results revealed that induction temperature had the most significant impact on the production of soluble recombinant peptides. The optimum induction conditions were determined to be an isopropylthio-ß-galactoside (IPTG) concentration of 0.21 mmol/L, induction temperature of 18.81 °C, and an induction time of 16.01 h. Subsequently, the recombinant hepcidin peptide was successfully purified using Ni-IDA affinity chromatography followed by SUMO protease cleavage. The obtained hepcidin peptide (without His-SUMO tag) demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity in vitro against V. parahaemolyticus, E. coli, and S. aureus. The results showed prokaryotic (E. coli) expression is a feasible way to produce the hepcidin peptide of crescent sweetlips in a cost-effective way, which has great potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent in aquaculture.

Microwave-Induced Behavior and Digestive Properties of the Lotus Seed Starch-Chlorogenic Acid Complex.

The effect of chlorogenic acid (CA) on the dielectric response of lotus seed starch (LS) after microwave treatment, the behavior and digestive characteristics of the resulting starch/chlorogenic acid complex (LS-CA) at different degrees of gelatinization and the inhibition of α-amylase by chlorogenic acid were investigated. The variation in dielectric loss factor, ε″, and dielectric loss tangent, tanδε, of the microwave thermal conversion indicated that LS-CA had a more efficient microwave-energy-to-thermal-energy conversion efficiency than LS. This gelatinized LS-CA to a greater extent at any given temperature between 65 and 85 °C than LS, and it accelerated the degradation of the starch crystalline structure. The greater disruption of the crystal structure decreased the bound water content and increased the thermal stability of LS-CA compared to LS. The simulated in vitro digestion found that the presence of the LS-CA complex improved the slow-digestion property of lotus seed starch by increasing its content of resistant and slowly digested starch. In addition, the release of chlorogenic acid during α-amylase hydrolysis further slowed starch digestion by inhibiting α-amylase activity. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the correlation between the complex behavior and digestive properties of naturally polyphenol-rich, starch-based foods, such as LS, under microwave treatment, which will facilitate the development of starch-based foods with tailored digestion rates, lower final degrees of hydrolysis and glycemic indices.

Marine glycoproteins: a mine of their structures, functions and potential applications.

Many bioactive compounds are reported from marine organisms, which are significantly different from those found in terrestrial organisms regarding their chemical structures and pharmacological activities. Marine glycoproteins (MGs) have aroused increasing attention as a good nutrient source owing to their potential applications in medicine, cosmetics and food. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive study on MGs to help readers understand the current state of research on marine-derived glycoproteins. The current review compiles the recent progress made on the structures and functions of MGs with future perspectives to maximize their value and applications via bibliometric analysis methods for the first time. The current research on MGs appears mostly limited to the laboratory, with no large-scale production of marine glycoproteins developed. The sugar chains are bound to proteins through covalent bonds that can readily be cleaved leading to difficultly in their separation and purification. Health effects attributed to MGs include treatment of inflammatory diseases, as well as anti-oxidant, immune modulation, anti-tumor, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, anti-bacterial and anti-freeze activities. This review can not only deepen the understanding of the functions of MGs, but also lay an important foundation for the further development and utilization of marine resources.

Overview on isolation, structural and functional properties of marine glycoproteins (MGs) via bibliometric analysis methods for the first time.Marine glycoproteins (MGs) have various biological activities and potential health applications.glycoproteins from marine organisms (MGs) significantly enhanced anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effect of DHA-Enriched Phospholipids from Fish Roe on Rat Fecal Metabolites: Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis.

Lipid metabolism disorder has become an important hidden danger threatening human health, and various supplements to treat lipid metabolism disorder have been studied. Our previous studies have shown that DHA-enriched phospholipids from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys Crocea) roe (LYCRPLs) have lipid-regulating effects. To better explain the effect of LYCRPLs on lipid regulation in rats, the fecal metabolites of rats were analyzed from the level of metabolomics in this study, and GC/MS metabolomics measurements were performed to figure out the effect of LYCRPLs on fecal metabolites in rats. Compared with the control (K) group, 101 metabolites were identified in the model (M) group. There were 54, 47, and 57 metabolites in the low-dose (GA), medium-dose (GB), and high-dose (GC) groups that were significantly different from that of group M, respectively. Eighteen potential biomarkers closely related to lipid metabolism were screened after intervention with different doses of LYCRPLs on rats, which were classified into several metabolic pathways in rats, including pyrimidine metabolism, the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle), the metabolism of L-cysteine, carnitine synthesis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, glycolysis, and bile secretion. L-cysteine was speculated to be a useful biomarker of LYCRPLs acting on rat fecal metabolites. Our findings indicated that LYCRPLs may regulate lipid metabolism disorders in SD rats by activating these metabolic pathways.

Inhibitory effect of acylated anthocyanins on heterocyclic amines in grilled chicken breast patty and its mechanism.

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are a group of carcinogenic substances produced in protein-rich poultry meat under high-temperature. Enzymatic acylation of anthocyanins (ACNs) is a reliable way to improve their stability, and we recently found the acylated cyaniding-3-O-glucose (cyanidin-3-6-cinnamoyl-glucoside, C3(6C)G) could effective inhibit the HCAs formation, but the underline mechanism was still obscure. Thus, the present study investigated the inhibitory effect ofC3(6C)G on HCAs formation in the food system (chicken breast) and to explore the potential mechanism. The results showed that C3(6C)G with different concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL) could significantly inhibit lipid oxidation and decrease the total HCAs content (P<0.05) in chicken breast meat patty after roasting. The samples with 0.1 mg/mL C3(6C)G had the best inhibition effect on total HCAs, with an inhibition rate of 28%, and the inhibition rates for IQ, Harman, TRP-P-2, PhIP and AαC were 34%, 46%, 100%, 54% and 41%, respectively.

Rhoifolin from Plumula Nelumbinis exhibits anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer via AKT/JNK signaling pathways.

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of flavonoids in Plumula Nelumbinis. High-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed that apiin, rhoifolin, and vitexin were three principal components in total flavonoids derived from Plumula Nelumbinis, with vitexin being the most abundant component. Cell viability assay revealed that apiin, rhoifolin, and vitexin could inhibit proliferation of PANC-1 and ASPC-1, with rhoifolin showing the maximum inhibitory effect. Rhoifolin inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells, which was associated with up-regulated JNK and p-JNK as well as down-regulated p-AKT. Rhoifolin also inhibited cell migration and invasion, and increased the antioxidant capacity in PANC-1 and ASPC-1. Besides, AKT activator (SC79) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125) effectively reversed the anticancer effects of rhoifolin in pancreatic cancer. Quantitative proteomics analysis showed that rhoifolin altered proteomic profiles in pancreatic cancer cells. Western blot analysis showed that rhoifolin down-regulated transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-ß2), the regulator of proteoglycan synthesis, with the concomitant down-regulation of phosphorylated SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2), the downstream effector of TGF-ß2. In conclusion, rhoifolin regulates the AKT/JNK/caspase-3 and TGF-ß2/SMAD2 signaling pathways, which may contribute to its anti-pancreatic cancer effects.

MCT/LCT Mixed Oil Phase Enhances the Rheological Property and Freeze-Thawing Stability of Emulsion.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different oil phase compositions (medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) and long-chain triglyceride (LCT), the proportion of MCT is 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, respectively) on the rheological properties and freeze-thaw stability of emulsions. The emulsions were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometer, stability analyzer, Malvern particle size meter and confocal microscope. Results showed that all emulsions exhibited a gel-like characteristic with a storage modulus higher than the loss modulus. The elastic modulus and complex viscosity of the emulsions increased with the increase of MCT proportions. During the heating from 4 °C to 80 °C, the complex viscosity of all emulsions decreased first and then remained unchanged at a continuous high temperature, indicating that the emulsions had good stability and internal structural integrity during the cooling and high-temperature processes. With the increase of MCT proportions, the freeze-thaw stability of the emulsions increased first and then decreased, and showed the optimum with 10% MCT. That could be referred for the production of a product with better freeze-thaw stability and rheological property in the food and cosmetic industries.

Structural and physicochemical properties of lotus seed starch-chlorogenic acid complexes prepared by microwave irradiation.

Lotus seed (LS) has a high starch content and possesses many useful functional properties, which are mainly attributed to its phenolic compound content. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of microwave irradiation (MW) treatment on the structural and physicochemical properties of a lotus seed starch-chlorogenic acid (CA) blend. MW treatment appeared to promote the formation of LS-CA complexes and the modified starch displayed more rougher structures than native starch. The particle size distribution of starch remained approximately constant when the microwave power was 200 W, but increased sharply with further increases in microwave power; a similar trend was observed in the swelling and solubility of starch. XRD and FT-IR spectra show that MW treatment degraded the ordered crystalline structure of starch, facilitating exposure of the starch chains originally buried in the crystalline and amorphous regions within the grains. During this treatment, CA interacted with starch molecules by hydrogen bonding and form a LS-CA complex, which inhibited the self-assembly process of starch chains. These findings demonstrated the potential use of MW treatment in controlling the storage and processing quality of lotus seed, or other starchy foods rich in polyphenols.

Application of X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy in the isolation of sulfated polysaccharide from Porphyra haitanensis and its antioxidant capacity under in vitro digestion.

BACKGROUND: The separation and purification of Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide (PHP), and the determination of changes in molecular weight (Mw) and antioxidant capacity after in vitro digestion, were undertaken. RESULTS: Analysis of two polysaccharide fractions (PHP0.5-1-UF and PHP1.0-1-UF) by various techniques showed that they were very pure sulfated polysaccharides without pigment or protein. PHP0.5-1-UF was filamentous or 'tape-like' sheets, whereas PHP1.0-1-UF had some filaments and large numbers of rounded aggregates. The Mw of PHP, PHP0.5-1-UF and PHP1.0-1-UF was 2.06 × 106 (±2.02%), 6.68 × 106 (±3.17%), and 1.14 × 106 (±3.44%) (g mol-1 ), respectively. After in vitro digestion, the Mw of PHP, PHP0.5-1-UF, and PHP1.0-1-UF decreased. Their antioxidant capacities were markedly higher than before digestion, especially PHP0.5-1-UF and its digestion products, which might be related to the reductions in Mw. CONCLUSION: These findings provide a greater understanding of the separation and purification of sulfated polysaccharides and the influence of digestion on biological activity. They also contribute to the practical application of sulfated polysaccharides in functional foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Folium nelumbinis (Lotus leaf) volatile-rich fraction and its mechanisms of action against melanogenesis in B16 cells.

This study was aimed at determining the influence of Folium nelumbinis (Lotus leaf) extracts on melanogenesis in vitro models of melanoma cell line. The anticancer activity of four fractions, including petroleum ether (PEE), n-hexane (HE), ethanol (EE), and ethyl acetate (EAE) from F. nelumbinis on B16 cell lines (C57BL/6J melanoma cell), were evaluated after 24 and 48 h treatment. Results showed that PEE as well as volatile-rich fractions of linolenic acid and linolenic acid ethyl ester significantly (p < 0.05) reduced tyrosinase activity and melanin content in B16 melanoma cells model. Meanwhile, PEE and its primarily contained compound triggered apoptosis of B16 cells in a dose-dependent way. These results demonstrated that PEE possessed effective activities against melanin and tyrosinase generations through the induction of apoptosis. Moreover, a relation between the volatile-rich fractions of F. nelumbinis and the anticancer effects was demonstrated as well.

Effect of two-step microwave heating on the gelation properties of golden threadfin bream (Nemipterus virgatus) myosin.

The effects of different microwave heating (MH) methods on gelation properties of golden threadfin bream myosin and related mechanism were investigated in this study. Compared with conventional heating and one-step MH methods, myosin gel developed by 100 W coupled with 300 W MH method (MH100 + MH300) had stronger gel strength (p < 0.05) with more immobilized water (p < 0.05). Raman analysis suggested that this two-step method promoted the suitable unfolding of myosin before aggregation formation, and contributed to stabilizing the ordered secondary structure. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images revealed that 100 W microwave followed by 300 W MH produced a compact networked structure with small cavities and a thick cross-linked gel wall. Furthermore, from a perspective of molecular forces, the improvement of gelation properties by the MH100 + MH300 method were mainly involved in the enhancement of regular hydrophobic interaction and stabilization of weak protein-water hydrogenbonds.

Antihypertensive effects of Trichiurus lepturus myosin hydrolysate in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

In this study, the blood pressure-lowering effects of Trichiurus lepturus myosin hydrolysate (TMH) and its possible mechanism were investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). After gavage administration of TMH for 4 h, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly decreased in SHRs. Furthermore, the SBP of SHRs remained low at 1 month after daily TMH treatment at 400 mg kg-1. Meanwhile, plasma levels of angiotensin II, bradykinin and nitric oxide in SHRs were ameliorated by TMH. Western blotting also suggested that TMH down-regulated the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, indicating a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, nitrotyrosine and collagen I were down-regulated, revealing a significant anti-oxidant effect of TMH. No obvious side effects or toxicity were observed in normal Wistar rats given TMH. Various pathogenic factors related to hypertension were improved by TMH, which may explain the underlying mechanism by which TMH synergistically reduces blood pressure.

Impact of combined ultrasound-microwave treatment on structural and functional properties of golden threadfin bream (Nemipterus virgatus) myofibrillar proteins and hydrolysates.

The effects of microwave, ultrasound and combined ultrasound-microwave (UM) treatment with different intensities on structural and hydrolysis properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) were investigated. Freeradical scavenging ability, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, and cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of the related bioactive peptides were also evaluated. Raman spectroscopic analysis indicated that MP molecule tended to unfold and stretch with increasing in ß-turn and random coil content under mild microwave (100 W), ultrasound (100-200 W) and combined UM treatments. Meanwhile, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed these treatments could also improve the thermal stability against heat-induced denaturation and degeneration. The 200 W ultrasound treatment clearly increased MP solubility by disrupting the highly-ordered aggregates into smaller filament and fragment structures. The 300 W ultrasound coupled with 100 W microwave treatment further enhanced these effects. The resulting partially denatured structure induced by suitable ultrasound and combined UM treatments increased the susceptibility of MP to exogenous enzymes, thereby accelerating hydrolytic process and yielding a high peptide concentration in MP hydrolysates. MP peptides could effectively inhibit free radical and ACE activity, which also improved the ability of antioxidant defence system, and suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by H2O2. The combination of 100 W microwave and 300 W ultrasound treatment was optimal method for generating bioactive MP peptides with the strongest multi-activity effects against H2O2-induced cell damage.

Preparation of "Ion-Imprinting" Difunctional Magnetic Fluorescent Nanohybrid and Its Application to Detect Cadmium Ions.

In this work, we have fabricated a novel difunctional magnetic fluorescent nanohybrid (DMFN) for the determination of cadmium ions (Cd2+) in water samples, where the "off-on" model and "ion-imprinting" technique were incorporated simultaneously. The DMFN were composed of CdTe/CdS core-shell quantum dots (QD) covalently linked onto the surface of polystyrene magnetic microspheres (PMM) and characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on the favorable magnetic and fluorescent properties of the DMFN, the chemical etching of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) at the surface produced specific Cd2+ recognition sites and quenched the red fluorescence of outer CdTe/CdS QD. Under optimal determination conditions, such as EDTA concentration, pH, and interfering ions, the working curve of determining Cd2+ was obtained; the equation was obtained Y = 34,759X + 254,894 (R = 0.9863) with a line range 0.05-8 µM, and the detection limit was 0.01 µM. Results showed that synthesized magnetic fluorescent microspheres had high sensitivity, selectivity, and reusability in detection. Moreover, they have significant potential value in fields such as biomedicine, analytical chemistry, ion detection, and fluorescence labeling.

Inhibition Effect of Triglyceride Accumulation by Large Yellow Croaker Roe DHA-PC in HepG2 Cells.

The phospholipids (PLs) of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea, P. crocea) roe contain a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can lower blood lipid levels. In previous research, PLs of P. crocea roe were found able to regulate the accumulation of triglycerides. However, none of these involve the function of DHA-containing phosphatidylcholine (DHA-PC), which is the main component of PLs derived from P. crocea roe. The function by which DHA-PC from P. crocea roe exerts its effects has not yet been clarified. Herein, we used purified DHA-PC and oleic acid (OA) induced HepG2 cells to establish a high-fat model, and the cell activity and intracellular lipid levels were then measured. The mRNA and protein expression of Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS), Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase 1A (CPT1A) and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα) in HepG2 cells were detected via RT-qPCR and western blot as well. It was found that DHA-PC can significantly regulate triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells, the effect of which was related to the activation of PPARα receptor activity, upregulation of CPT1A, and downregulation of FAS expression. These results can improve the understanding of the biofunction of hyperlipidemia mediated by DHA-PC from P. crocea roe, as well as provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of DHA-PC from P. crocea roe as a functional food additive.

Insight into the characterization and digestion of lotus seed starch-tea polyphenol complexes prepared under high hydrostatic pressure.

Complex starch is gaining research attention due to its unique physicochemical and functional properties. In this study, the effects of green tea polyphenols on the properties and digestion of lotus seed starch under high hydrostatic pressure were investigated. The particle size, swelling power, solubility, crystallization, morphology and thermal properties of lotus seed starch were affected by green tea polyphenols. These may be due to the formation of non-inclusive complexes between lotus seed starch and green tea polyphenols. The morphology and green tea polyphenols distribution of the complexes were determined by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, slow digestion properties of starch were realized under a dynamic in vitro rat stomach-duodenum model and the erosion of granules by amylase gradually decreased by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, green tea polyphenols were shown to be able to form V-type inclusion complex with amylose via high hydrostatic pressure.

Effects of high pressure processing on gelation properties and molecular forces of myosin containing deacetylated konjac glucomannan.

This study investigated the gelation properties of composite gels prepared with golden threadfin bream myosin and 2% (w/v) deacetylated konjac glucomannan under different high pressure processing (HPP). Deacetylated konjac glucomannan increased the immobilized water and increased the gel strength of myosin gel, which were further increased under moderate pressure level (0.1-300 MPa) but decreased under strong pressure level (400-500 MPa). HPP induced unfolding of myosin and the partial transformation of α-helix into other structures (ß-sheet, ß-turn and random coil). Dynamic rheological tests indicated that storage modulus of the pressurised myosin was increased to maximum under 100 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that HPP at 300 MPa produced a compact networked microstructure. Moreover, the molecular forces analysis proved that the increase in immobilized water of pressurised gels was mainly attributed to enhanced hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions, while the HPP-induced hydrophobic interactions were dominating mechanism to improve gel strength.

Sonchus oleraceus Linn protects against LPS-induced sepsis and inhibits inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sonchus oleraceus Linn (SOL) belongs to family of Asteraceae, is a traditional medicinal plant, which has been used to treat tumor, inflammatory diseases, infection and so on in Chinese folk culture. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work investigated the influence of aqueous ethanol extract of whole plant of SOL and contribution of its main components on inflammation METHODS AND RESULTS: Oral administration of SOL (10 mg/kg) to mice reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, in the LPS-induced sepsis mouse model. Major phenolics in SOL were isolated and determined by HPLC. Results indicate that SOL at the concentration range from 25 to 100 µg/mL and its main components, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid (25-100 µM) significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, attenuated iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated Macrophages. In addition, western blot analysis showed SOL suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). CONCLUSION: The underlying mechanism of anti-inflammation might be in according with the inhibition of MAPKs activation as well as down regulation of iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).