Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz against Human Gastric Cancer.

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is a traditional herbal medicine used for thousands of years in East Asia to improve a variety of illnesses and conditions, including cancers. This study explored the effect of AMK extract on apoptosis and tumor-grafted mice using AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. We investigated the compounds, target genes, and associated diseases of AMK using the Traditional Chinese Medical Systems Pharmacy (TCMSP) database platform. Cell viability assay, cell cycle and mitochondrial depolarization analysis, caspase activity assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and wound healing and spheroid formation assay were used to investigate the anti-cancer effects of AMK extract on AGS cells. Also, in vivo studies were conducted using subcutaneous xenografts. AMK extract reduced the viability of AGS cells and increased the sub-G1 cell fraction and the mitochondrial membrane potential. Also, AMK extract increased the production of ROS. AMK extract induced the increased caspase activities and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). In addition, AMK extract effectively inhibited AGS cell migration and led to a notable reduction in the growth of AGS spheroids. Moreover, AMK extract hindered the growth of AGS xenograft tumors in NSG mice. Our results suggest that AMK has anti-cancer effects by promoting cell cycle arrest and inhibiting the proliferation of AGS cancer cells and a xenograft model through apoptosis. This study could provide a novel approach to treat gastric cancer.

Alisma canaliculatum Extract Affects AGS Gastric Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis.

The anti-cancer effects of Alisma canaliculatum extracts (ACE) were identified in AGS gastric cancer cells. Our results showed that ACE inhibited the growth of AGS cells, increased the proportion of sub-G1 phase cells, and depolarized the membrane potential of mitochondria. ACE-induced gastric cancer cell death was associated with Bcl-2, survivin and Bax level changes, and it activated caspase-3 and -9. In addition, it was involved in the activation of MAPKs and increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results suggest that ACE induces apoptosis in AGS gastric cancer cells, and therefore, ACE may have the potential to treat gastric cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Asian Fawn Lily (Erythronium japonicum) Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice.

Neuroinflammation is associated with an increased risk of depression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment is known to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and a depressive-like phenotype in mice. Although Erythronium japonicum exhibits various health benefits, the role of E. japonicum extract (EJE) in inflammation-associated depression is unknown. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effect of EJE on LPS-induced depressive symptoms in mice using the open field test (OFT), passive avoidance test (PAT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST). LPS-treated mice had significantly increased immobility time in the TST and FST, decreased step-through latency time in the PAT, and decreased locomotor activity in the OFT. However, administration of 100 and 300 mg/kg of EJE significantly improved these depressive-like behaviors. EJE also prevented the increase in mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and the decrease in IL-10 levels by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65 phosphorylation. Additionally, LPS-treated mice showed markedly decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, while EJE treatment significantly increased these levels in the hippocampus. These results suggest that EJE ameliorated LPS-induced depressive-like behavior by reducing LPS-induced neuroinflammation and activating the BDNF-PI3K/Akt pathway.

Erythronium japonicum Alleviates Inflammatory Pain by Inhibiting MAPK Activation and by Suppressing NF-κB Activation via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Microglial activation-mediated neuroinflammation influences the development of inflammatory pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of aqueous Erythronium japonicum extract (EJE) in microglia activation-mediated inflammatory pain. EJE was found to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1), and pro-inflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells. In addition, LPS-induced c-Jun NH2 terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation were inhibited by EJE. Intriguingly, EJE also inhibited p65 phosphorylation by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling. Furthermore, the effects of EJE treatment, such as HO-1 induction and the reduction of NF-ĸB activation, were reversed by ERK1/2 inhibition. In an inflammatory pain mouse model, Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical allodynia and foot swelling were alleviated by the oral administration of EJE. Consistent with in vitro results, EJE increased HO-1, while decreasing CFA-induced COX-2, IBA-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Among the components of EJE, butanol most heavily suppressed LPS-induced microglial activation and increased HO-1 expression. These findings indicate that EJE can alleviate inflammatory pain by inhibiting p38 and JNK and by suppressing NF-ĸB via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Suppressive Effect of Arctium Lappa L. Leaves on Retinal Damage Against A2E-Induced ARPE-19 Cells and Mice.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible loss of vision with 80-90% of patients demonstrating dry type AMD. Dry AMD could possibly be prevented by polyphenol-rich medicinal foods by the inhibition of N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E)-induced oxidative stress and cell damage. Arctium lappa L. (AL) leaves are medicinal and have antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the protective effects of the extract of AL leaves (ALE) on dry AMD models, including in vitro A2E-induced damage in ARPE-19 cells, a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, and in vivo light-induced retinal damage in BALB/c mice. According to the total phenolic contents (TPCs), total flavonoid contents (TFCs) and antioxidant activities, ALE was rich in polyphenols and had antioxidant efficacies on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) assays. The effects of ALE on A2E accumulation and A2E-induced cell death were also monitored. Despite continued exposure to A2E (10 µM), ALE attenuated A2E accumulation in APRE-19 cells with levels similar to lutein. A2E-induced cell death at high concentration (25 µM) was also suppressed by ALE by inhibiting the apoptotic signaling pathway. Furthermore, ALE could protect the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in the retina from light-induced AMD in BALB/c mice. In conclusion, ALE could be considered a potentially valuable medicinal food for dry AMD.

Memory-enhancing effects of Ishige foliacea extract: In vitro and in vivo study.

Ishige foliacea is used as a functional food in East-Asian countries. We evaluated the memory-enhancing effect of an ethanol extract of I. foliacea (EEI) using in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro acetylcholinesterase and ß-secretase inhibitory activities, antioxidant properties, and neuroprotective effects against human neuronal cell death by H2 O2 and ß-amyloid (Aß) were investigated. We explored the memory-enhancing effect and its underlying mechanism in a mouse model of scopolamine (SCO)-induced memory deficits. EEI showed free radical scavenging and acetylcholinesterase and ß-secretase inhibition activities. Additionally, EEI significantly decreased neuronal cell death induced by H2 O2 or Aß in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In behavior tests, SCO-induced memory deficits was improved by EEI administration. EEI increased the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, which are related to synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. EEI may ameliorate memory deficits and prevent neurodegenerative disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As the population ages, dementia, a neurodegenerative disease, is becoming an important problem. Various Alzheimer's drugs have been developed based on the disease mechanism, but alternative treatments are required because of the low bioavailability and hepatotoxicity of current medications. Ishige foliacea is a type of brown algae containing various bioactive substances. Phlorotannins, known as brown algae polyphenols, have been studied for their various functionalities such as, anticancer, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and sleep improvement effects, and have attracted attention as raw materials for developing new natural products. We found that the EEI mitigates SCO-induced damage by protecting neurons from oxidative stress-induced cell damage, controlling synthesis mechanisms of the causative agents of AD, and activating BDNF-TrkB-ERK signaling to promote memory function in the hippocampus. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for further research. Additionally, I. foliacea may be useful for treating and improving AD.

Administration of Asian Herb Bennet (Geum japonicum) Extract Reverses Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mouse Model of Depression Induced by Corticosterone.

Geum japonicum, commonly known as Asian herb bennet, has been used as a diuretic, astringent, anti-dizziness, and anti-headache agent in traditional medicine. Since the antidepressant-like effects of G. japonicum extract have not been well studied, we examined the antidepressant-like effects of G. japonicum extract using depressive-like behavior induced in mice through daily injection of corticosterone (CORT). ICR mice (male, 8 weeks old) were treated with CORT (40 mg/kg, i.p.) and orally administered using oral gavage needles with G. japonicum extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Behavioral experiments were performed 1 h after administration. The control mice exhibited a significant increase in the immobility times in the tail suspension and forced swim tests as well as the step-through latency time in the passive avoidance test. Further, the control group showed a significant decrease in their sucrose consumption. However, treatment with G. japonicum extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved these depression-like behaviors without altering the locomotor activity. Moreover, treatment with G. japonicum extract significantly prevented the decrease in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. In addition, G. japonicum extract had neuroprotective effects against CORT-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Our study indicates that G. japonicum extract exhibits antidepressant-like activity in CORT-induced depressive mice, which might be as a result of increased BDNF expression.

Analgesic Effects of Cnidium officinale Extracts on Postoperative, Neuropathic, and Menopausal Pain in Rat Models.

Cnidium officinale, widely cultivated in East Asia, has been reported to exhibit pharmacological efficacy in various disorders. However, little has been reported on its role as a pain killer. In this study, we reveal that the C. officinale extract (COE) has great efficacy as a novel analgesic in various in vivo pain models. Administration of COE attenuated hypersensitivity in all postoperative, neuropathic, and menopausal pain models. Decreased hyperalgesia was confirmed by a mechanical withdrawal threshold assay and ultrasonic vocalization call analysis. In addition, application of COE inhibited the induction of the proinflammatory cytokines and calpain-3 on dorsal root ganglion neurons in a spared nerve injury rat model. Treatment with ferulic acid, which was identified as one of the components of COE by HPLC analysis, alleviated nociceptive behaviors. Our findings suggest that ferulic acid is an active compound from COE, and COE is a potential phytomedical source for pain relief by inhibiting the process of inflammation.

Radix Sophorae Flavescentis inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of AGS human gastric cancer cells.

Traditional herbal medicines are being increasingly used worldwide to treat cancer. Radix Sophorae Flavescentis (RSF) is a Chinese herb, which has numerous pharmacological properties, including anti­tumour effects. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying RSF­induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells (AGS cells). We found that RSF treatment (20­200 µg/ml) inhibited the proliferation of AGS cells and increased the sub­G1 phase ratio. RSF­induced cell death was associated with the downregulation of BCl­2 and upregulation of Bax. In addition to increasing the expression levels of apoptosis­mediating surface antigen FAS and Fas ligand, RSF also activated caspase­3; however, mitogen­activated protein kinase appeared to inhibit RSF­induced cell death. RSF also led to an increased production of reactive oxygen species. Based on these results, we propose that RSF could be a potential therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.

Standardized Citrus unshiu peel extract ameliorates dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity and depressive-like behaviors in mice.

Dried Citrus unshiu peel, also known as Chinpi, have been commonly used as a traditional medicine to improve for allergy, inflammation and hepatopathy. Many previously studies have reported that citrus flavonoids show neuroprotective activities. However, the antidepressant-related effects of C. unshiu peels have not been well characterized. Here, the antidepressant-like effects of standardized C. unshiu peel extract (SCP) were evaluated in in vivo and in vitro depression models induced by dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid. Male ICR mice (9-week-old) were injected the DEX (40 mg/kg) and were orally given SCP daily (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. The depressive-like behaviors were determined by use of open filed test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST). We show that treatment with SCP significantly alleviated DEX-induced depressive-like behaviors and reduced neurotoxicity in a concentration dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, repeated DEX injection markedly decreased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), while SCP treatment improved these levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions. Our findings suggest that SCP exhibits significant antidepressant-like effects in the DEX-induced depressive animal model, and this activity may be mediated by preventing corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity.

Antihyperalgesic effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera root extract) in rat models of postoperative and neuropathic pain.

The root of Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, is a traditional herb in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine and is used as a tonic. Here, we investigated whether W. somnifera root extract exhibits analgesic effects in plantar incision (PI) and spared nerve injury (SNI) rat models. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured by von Frey filaments, and pain-related behavior was determined after operation by ultrasonic vocalization (USV) measurements. Indeed, we examined interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the isolated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following SNI in rats using an ELISA cytokine assay. MWT significantly increased 6 and 24 h after PI in rats receiving W. somnifera root extracts (100 and 300 mg/kg). Furthermore, the number of 22-27-kHz USV, which are a distress response, was significantly reduced at 6 and 24 h after PI in W. somnifera-treated rats (100 and 300 mg/kg). SNI-induced hyperalgesia and cytokine levels were significantly alleviated after treating with W. somnifera root extracts (100 and 300 mg/kg) for 15 continuous days. The main active compound, withaferin A, from the W. somnifera root extract has shown the CC chemokine family Receptor 2 (CCR2) antagonistic effects on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)-induced Ca2+ response in CCR2 stable cell line. These results indicate that W. somnifera root extract has a potential analgesic effect in rat models for both postoperative and neuropathic pain and shows potential as a drug or supplement for the treatment of pain.

Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract Induces Depolarization of Pacemaker Potentials Through M2 and M3 Muscarinic Receptors in Cultured Murine Small Intestine Interstitial Cells of Cajal.

BACKGROUND: Magnolia officinalis Rehder and EH Wilson (M. officinalis) are traditional Chinese medicines widely used for gastrointestinal (GI) tract motility disorder in Asian countries. We investigated the effects of an ethanol extract of M. officinalis (MOE) on the pacemaker potentials of cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in vitro and its effects on GI motor functions in vivo. METHODS: We isolated ICCs from small intestines, and the whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record the pacemaker potentials in cultured ICCs in vitro. Both gastric emptying (GE) and intestinal transit rates (ITRs) were investigated in normal and GI motility dysfunction (GMD) mice models in vivo. RESULTS: MOE depolarized ICC pacemaker potentials dose-dependently. Pretreatment with methoctramine (a muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist) and 4-DAMP (a muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist) inhibited the effects of MOE on the pacemaker potential relative to treatment with MOE alone. In addition, MOE depolarized pacemaker potentials after pretreatment with Y25130 (a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist), GR113808 (a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist) or SB269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist). However, pretreatment with RS39604 (a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist) blocked MOE-induced pacemaker potential depolarizations. Intracellular GDPßS inhibited MOE-induced pacemaker potential depolarization, as did pretreatment with Ca2+ free solution or thapsigargin. In normal mice, the GE and ITR values were significantly and dose-dependently increased by MOE. In loperamide-and cisplatin-induced GE delay models, MOE administration reversed the GE deficits. The ITRs of the GMD mice were significantly reduced relative to those of normal mice, which were significantly and dose-dependently reversed by MOE. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MOE dose-dependently depolarizes ICCs pacemaker potentials through M2 and M3 receptors via internal and external Ca2+ regulation through G protein pathways in vitro. Moreover, MOE increased GE and ITRs in vivo in normal and GMD mouse models. Taken together, the results of this study show that MOE have the potential for development as a gastroprokinetic agent in GI motility function.

Sleep-Promoting Effects and Possible Mechanisms of Action Associated with a Standardized Rice Bran Supplement.

Natural sleep aids are becoming more popular due to the widespread occurrence of sleep disorders. The objective of this study was to assess the sleep-promoting effects of rice bran-a product that is considered as a functional ingredient. To evaluate the sleep-promoting effects of a standardized rice bran supplement (RBS), we employed a pentobarbital-induced sleep test and conducted analyses of sleep architecture. In addition, the effect of RBS on a caffeine-induced sleep disturbance was investigated. Oral administration of RBS (500 and 1000 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in sleep latency and increase in sleep duration in pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice. Moreover, both RBS (1000 mg/kg) and doxepin hydrochloride (histamine H1 receptor antagonist, 30 mg/kg) counteracted a caffeine-induced sleep disturbance in mice. In terms of sleep phases, RBS (500 mg/kg) promoted non-rapid eye movement sleep for the first 3 h following its administration. Lastly, we unveiled a possible mechanism for RBS action as the hypnotic effect of RBS was blocked by a histamine H1 receptor agonist. The present study revealed sleep-promoting effects of RBS using various animal assays. Such effects seem to be mediated through the histaminergic system. Our findings suggest that RBS may be a promising natural aid for relieving sleep problems.

Analgesic Effect of Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Fruit) Extracts on Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain in Rats.

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis fruit), also known as "Amla" is one of the oldest edible fruits known in India. It has also traditionally been used to treat inflammation, and as an analgesic to treat wounds. However, experimental evidence for the analgesic effects of E. officinalis has been lacking. The present study investigated whether E. officinalis extracts exhibit analgesic effects in the plantar incision (PI) and spared nerve injury (SNI) pain-model rats. We evaluated the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) using von Frey filaments, and pain-related behavior was determined after surgery based on ultrasonic vocalization (USV). The group treated with E. officinalis extracts at 300 mg/kg had significantly increased MWT values at 6 h and 24 h after the PI, and had a significantly reduced number of 22-27-kHz USVs at 6 h and 24 h after PI. Moreover, after 15 days of continuous treatment with E. officinalis extracts, the treated group showed significantly alleviated SNI-induced hypersensitivity and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Thus, E. officinalis extracts have potential analgesic effects in both postoperative and neuropathic pain models in vivo.

Regulation of the pacemaker activities in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal by Citrus unshiu peel extracts.

The Citrus unshiu peel has been widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in Eastern traditional medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Citrus unshiu peel extract (CPE) on the pacemaker activity of the GI tract in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) derived from the mouse small intestine. The whole­cell patch­clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potentials. In current clamp mode, exposure to CPE caused membrane pacemaker depolarization in a concentration­dependent manner. In the presence of the muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist, methoctramine, CPE induced membrane pacemaker depolarization, whereas treatment with the muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide, inhibited CPE­induced responses. When the pipette solution contained guanosine 5'-(ß-thio) diphosphate trilithium salt (1 mM), CPE marginally induced membrane pacemaker depolarization. In addition, CPE­induced membrane pacemaker depolarization was inhibited following exposure to the active phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U­73122, but not the inactive PLC inhibitor U­73343. In the presence of a p42/p44 mitogen­activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (PD98059), a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) or a c­jun NH2­terminal kinase (JNK) II inhibitor, CPE failed to induce membrane pacemaker depolarization. These results suggest that CPE may affect GI motility through modulating ICC pacemaker activity by activating the muscarinic M3 receptor and inducing the G­protein dependent PLC and MAPK signaling pathways.

Protective effect of Tremella fuciformis Berk extract on LPS-induced acute inflammation via inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Tremella fuciformis Berk (TFB) has long been used as a traditional medicine in Asia. Although TFB exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, the mechanisms of action responsible have remained unknown. We confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of Tremella fuciformis Berk extract (TFE) in RAW 264.7 cells and observed significantly suppressed LPS-induced iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 production. TFE also suppressed LPS-induced IKK, IkB, and p65 phosphorylation, as well as LPS-induced translocation of p65 from the cytosol. Additionally, TFE inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs. In an acute inflammation study, oral administration of TFE significantly inhibited LPS-induced IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α production and iNOS and COX-2 expression. The major bioactive compounds from TFB extract were identified as gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and coumaric acid. Among these compounds, protocatechuic acid showed the strongest inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. Overall, these results suggest that TFE is a promising anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 expression, as well as the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Enhanced anti-immobility effects of Sanggenon G isolated from the root bark of Morus alba combined with the α2-antagonist yohimbine in the rat forced swim test.

In this study, we aimed to determine whether Sanggenon G, an active compound isolated from the root bark of Morus alba, exhibited enhanced anti-immobility activity with the addition of the α2-antagonist yohimbine in rats subjected to forced swim test (FST)-induced depression. Fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) treatment in rats reduced the immobility time, and pretreatment with yohimbine significantly enhanced the antidepressant-like behavior of fluoxetine at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg. Similarly, Sanggenon G significantly decreased the immobility time, reducing immobility by a maximum of 43.9 % when treated at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Furthermore, pretreatment with yohimbine significantly enhanced the antidepressant-like behavior of Sanggenon G at 5 and 10 mg/kg. Our findings suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of Sanggenon G could be facilitated by concomitant use of the α2-antagonist. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of Sanggenon G as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of depression.

Analgesic Effect of Ilex paraguariensis Extract on Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain in Rats.

Ilex paraguariensis, known as "Yerba Mate," is an herb used in a beverage that is widely consumed in southern Latin American countries. Furthermore, it has been traditionally used to treat depression, and as an analgesic to manage both nerve pain and headache. The pain-related experimental evidence regarding the analgesic effects of Mate is unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether Mate extract exhibits analgesic effects in both the plantar incision and spared nerve injury (SNI) models in rats. We tested the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) using von Frey filaments. We also tested pain-related behavior using ultrasonic vocalization (USV). Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pain-related cytokines were also determined in the dorsal root ganglia in a rat model of SNI. Our results showed that oral administration of Mate extract significantly increased MWT values, and reduced the number of 22-27 kHz USVs 24 h after the plantar incision operation. Moreover, after 15 d of continuous treatment with Mate extract, the SNI-induced hypersensitivity, cytokine levels, and NPY expression were significantly reduced compared to the corresponding findings in the control group. These results suggest that the intake of Mate extract has potential as a treatment for both postoperative pain and neuropathic pain.

Enhancing Effect of Trachelogenin from Trachelospermi caulis Extract on Intestinal Barrier Function.

Trachelospermi caulis is used widely as an herbal medicine in oriental countries to attenuate fever and pain. We wished to reveal the novel function of this herb and its active component on barrier function in intestinal epithelial cells. Monolayers of intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) were used to evaluate the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and quantity of permeated ovalbumin (OVA) as indices of barrier function. T. caulis increased TEER values on cell monolayers and decreased OVA permeation across cell monolayers. To ascertain the active component of T. caulis, the extract was isolated to five fractions, and the effect of each of these fractions on intestinal barrier function examined. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed increased TEER values and decreased OVA flux. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions contained mainly trachelogenin and its glycoside, tracheloside. Trachelogenin increased TEER values and decreased OVA flux by enhancing the tight-junction protein occludin (but not tracheloside) in Caco-2 monolayers. These findings demonstrated that trachelogenin, an active component of T. caulis, might help to attenuate food allergy or inflammatory bowel disease through inhibition of allergen permeation or enhancement of the intestinal barrier.

Antidepressant-Like Effects of Sanggenon G, Isolated from the Root Bark of Morus alba, in Rats: Involvement of the Serotonergic System.

The root bark of Morus alba is commonly used as an alternative medicine due to its numerous health benefits in humans. However, the antidepressant effects of various active components from M. alba have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to determine whether sanggenon G, an active compound isolated from the root bark of M. alba, exhibited antidepressant-like activity in rats subjected to forced swim test (FST)-induced depression. Acute treatment of rats with sanggenon G (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) significantly reduced immobility time and increased swimming time without any significant change in climbing. Rats treated with sanggenon G also exhibited a decrease in the limbic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to the FST, as indicated by attenuation of the corticosterone response and decreased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In addition, the antidepressant-like effects of sanggenon G were significantly inhibited by WAY100635 (1 mg/kg, i.p.; a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor antagonist), but not SCH23390 (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.; a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist). Our findings suggested that the antidepressant-like effects of sanggenon G were mediated by an interaction with the serotonergic system. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of sanggenon G as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of depression.