RESUMEN
Suaeda glauca, a halophyte in the Amaranthaceae family, exhibits remarkable resilience to high salt and alkali stresses despite the absence of salt glands or vesicles in its leaves. While there is growing pharmacological interest in S. glauca, research on its secondary metabolites remains limited. In this study, chemical constituents of the aerial parts of S. glauca were identified using 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, and its biological activity concerning hair loss was newly reported. Eight compounds, including alkaloids (1~3), flavonoids (4~6), and phenolics (7 and 8), were isolated. The compounds, except the flavonoids, were isolated for the first time from S. glauca. In the HPLC chromatogram, quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-glucoside, and kaempferol were identified as major constituents in the extract of S. glauca. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of the extract of S. glauca and the isolated compounds 1~8 on the expressions of VEGF and IGF-1, as well as the regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, were evaluated in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Among the eight compounds, compound 4 was the most potent in terms of increasing the expression of VEGF and IGF-1 and the regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin. These findings suggest that S. glauca extract and its compounds are potential new candidates for preventing or treating hair loss.
Asunto(s)
Chenopodiaceae , Factor I del Crecimiento Similar a la Insulina , Humanos , Animales , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal , beta Catenina , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Alopecia , Flavonoides/farmacología , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana , Extractos Vegetales/farmacologíaRESUMEN
There were five sesquiterpene lactones, belonging to the eudesmanolide class, isolated from the halophyte Sonchus brachyotus DC. The structures of the compounds were determined using spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectra, MS data, and optical rotation values. Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized by the position of p-hydroxyphenylacetyl group in the sugar moiety. In the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages, compound 1, 5α,6ßH-eudesma-3,11(13)-dien-12,6α-olide, potently suppressed the expression of iNOS and COS-2, as well as the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Treatment of 1 regulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Asunto(s)
Sesquiterpenos , Sonchus , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal , Sesquiterpenos/química , Extractos Vegetales/química , Lactonas/químicaRESUMEN
Three voratin compounds (1-3) were isolated from the symbiotic marine dinoflagellate Effrenium voratum. The planar structures of 1-3 were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS, and the relative and absolute configurations were established using ROESY correlations, Mosher's method, and quantum calculations. All of the compounds are zwitterionic and contain a dihydroindolizinium ring and a spiroketal moiety. Compounds 1-3 were found to exhibit therapeutic effects against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as evaluated using testosterone propionate-treated LNCap and RWPE-1 human prostate cells. This excellent activity suggests that 1-3 are promising for the development of BPH treatments.
Asunto(s)
Alcaloides , Dinoflagelados , Hiperplasia Prostática , Alcaloides/farmacología , Alcaloides/uso terapéutico , Animales , Biomarcadores , Humanos , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Hiperplasia Prostática/tratamiento farmacológico , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-DawleyRESUMEN
This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of A. melanocarpa on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Wistar rats. Moreover, the bioactive constituents in the extract were determined using LC/MS and HPLC analyses. The dried fruits of A. melanocarpa were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) under different extract conditions (temperature, 30 C or 100 C; extract solvent, 60% or 100% ethanol) to yield four extracts (T1~T4). Of the four A. melanocarpa extracts, T1 extracted under the condition of 100% ethanol/low temperature (30 C) exhibited the greatest inhibitory activity on TP-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. The administration of T1 (100 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) for six weeks attenuated TP-induced prostate enlargement and reduced the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5α-reductase in both serum and prostate tissue. The suppression of PCNA mRNA expression in prostate tissue was remarkable in T1-treated rats. In LC/MS analysis, the levels of main anthocyanins and phenolics were significantly higher in T1 than in the other extracts. Furthermore, the quantitative study showed that the contents of cyanidin-3-glucose and cyanidin-3-xylose in T1 exhibited 1.27~1.67 and 1.10~1.26 folds higher compared to those in the other extracts. These findings demonstrated that A. melanocarpa extract containing anthocyanins as bioactive constituents attenuated the development of testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia, and suggested that this extract has therapeutic potential to treat prostate enlargement and BPH.
Asunto(s)
Antocianinas/farmacología , Extracción Líquido-Líquido/métodos , Photinia/química , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Hiperplasia Prostática/tratamiento farmacológico , Testosterona/efectos adversos , Animales , Antocianinas/aislamiento & purificación , Colestenona 5 alfa-Reductasa/sangre , Colestenona 5 alfa-Reductasa/metabolismo , Dihidrotestosterona/sangre , Dihidrotestosterona/metabolismo , Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/aislamiento & purificación , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/genética , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/metabolismo , Próstata/metabolismo , Hiperplasia Prostática/inducido químicamente , Hiperplasia Prostática/metabolismo , ARN Mensajero/genética , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , Ratas Wistar , TemperaturaRESUMEN
Black-fruited chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), growing mainly in the Central and Eastern European countries, have health benefits due to the high concentrations of polyphenolic compounds. However, a strong bitter taste of chokeberries limits its usage as functional food. We hypothesized that the fermented A. melanocarpa with a reduced bitter taste would improve insulin sensitivity and/or ameliorate weight gain induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in male C57BL/6J mice. The mice were administered with HFD together with the 100 mg/kg of natural A. melanocarpa (T1) or the fermented A. melanocarpa (T2) for 8 weeks. The treatment with T2 (100 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) markedly attenuated the weight gain and the increase in serum triglyceride level induced by HFD. The T2-treated group had better glucose tolerance and higher insulin sensitivity as measured by oral glucose tolerance test and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test in comparison to the T1-treated group. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the main constituents of T2 were cyanidin-3-xyloside and 1-(3',4'-dihydroxycinnamoyl)cyclopenta-2,3-diol, and the content of cyanidin glycosides (3-glucoside, 3-xyloside) was significantly reduced during the fermentation process. From the above results, we postulated that antiobesity effect of black chokeberry was not closely correlated with the cyanidin content. Fermented chokeberry might be a viable dietary supplement rich in bioactive compounds useful in preventing obesity.
Asunto(s)
Acetobacter/metabolismo , Fármacos Antiobesidad/metabolismo , Alimentos Fermentados/análisis , Obesidad/dietoterapia , Photinia/microbiología , Extractos Vegetales/metabolismo , Saccharomyces/metabolismo , Animales , Antocianinas/administración & dosificación , Antocianinas/química , Antocianinas/metabolismo , Fármacos Antiobesidad/química , Dieta Alta en Grasa/efectos adversos , Fermentación , Alimentos Fermentados/microbiología , Frutas/química , Frutas/metabolismo , Frutas/microbiología , Humanos , Insulina/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Obesos , Obesidad/etiología , Obesidad/metabolismo , Photinia/química , Photinia/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/químicaRESUMEN
Berries of Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) are known to be a rich source of biologically active polyphenols. In the present study, the effects of seven anti-adipogenic polyphenolic phytochemicals isolated from A. melanocarpa methanol extract on adipogenic transcription factors were investigated. Amygdalin and prunasin were found to inhibit 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by suppressing the expressions of PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ), C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α), SREBP1c (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c), FAS (fatty acid synthase), and aP2 (adipocyte fatty-acidâ»binding protein). A. melanocarpa extract-treated (100 or 200 mg/kg/day on body weight) high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice showed significant decreases in body weight, serum triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels and improved insulin sensitivity as compared with HFD controls. This research shows A. melanocarpa extract is potentially beneficial for the suppression of HFD-induced obesity.
Asunto(s)
Adipogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Tejido Adiposo/metabolismo , Dieta Alta en Grasa/efectos adversos , Resistencia a la Insulina , Obesidad/tratamiento farmacológico , Photinia/química , Polifenoles/uso terapéutico , Células 3T3-L1 , Adipocitos/fisiología , Tejido Adiposo/citología , Animales , Peso Corporal , LDL-Colesterol/sangre , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Obesos , Obesidad/etiología , Obesidad/metabolismo , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Polifenoles/farmacología , Triglicéridos/sangreRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In traditional folk medicine, Limonium tetragonum is used in the treatment of uterine hemorrhage, tinnitus, and oligomenorrhea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the therapeutic effect of L. tetragonum EtOAc extract (EALT) on liver of mice with chronic alcohol poisoning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were administered 100 mg/kg of EALT with a single binge ethanol/Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The chronic-binge ethanol diet induced a significant increase in liver marker enzyme activities. Coadministration of EALT reversed the elevation of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride as well as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase due to chronic alcohol consumption. Histologic findings including markedly attenuated fat accumulation in hepatocytes were observed in EALT-treated mice. EALT supplementation prevented alcoholic liver injury through attenuation of inflammatory mediators such as toll-like receptor-4, cytochrome P4502E1, and cyclooxygenase-2, and inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. CONCLUSION: Results provided direct experimental evidence for the hepatoprotective effect of EALT in the NIAAA mouse model. Therapeutic attempts with the L. tetragonum extract might be useful in the management of alcoholic liver disease. SUMMARY: Halophyte Limonium tetragonum has recently been of interest in Korea for its nutritional value and salty taste which made it an ideal vegetablePhytochemical analysis of L. tetragonum EtOAc extract (EALT) resulted in nine compounds including catechins and myricetin glycosides as main componentsAdministration of EALT for 8 weeks showed hepatoprotective effect on Lieber-DeCarli diet-fed mouse modelA significant decrease in liver marker enzymes and inflammatory mediators was also detected. Abbreviations used: EALT: L. tetragonum EtOAc extract; TC: Total cholesterol; TG: Triglyceride; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; CYP2E1: Cytochrome P4502E1; TLR-4: Toll-like receptor-4; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2.
RESUMEN
Halophyte Limonium tetragonum has recently been of interest in Korea for its nutritional value and salty taste which made it an ideal vegetable. In this study, the potential of L. tetragonum preventing excess weight gain, obesity and the related health problem has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The treatment with 100 mg/kg of L. tetragonum EtOAc soluble fraction (EALT) apparently prevented the body weight gain, adipose tissue weight gain, and the increase of triglyceride and total cholesterol level in mice fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. In addition, both glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in dietary obese mice were improved by EALT administration. A marked decrease in adipocyte differentiation was observed in the EALT (50 µg/mL)-treated 3T3-L1 cells, which was mediated by the suppression of adipogenesis-related transcription factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, and Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and adipocyte-specific proteins such as fatty acid synthase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (aP2). The major components contained in EALT were identified as (-)-epigallocatechin-3-(3â³-O-methyl) gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and myricetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside based on its phytochemical analysis. Results suggested that EALT might be available as functional crop and bioactive diet supplement for the prevention and/or treatment of obesity.
Asunto(s)
Adipogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Fármacos Antiobesidad/uso terapéutico , Obesidad/prevención & control , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Plumbaginaceae/química , Células 3T3-L1 , Adipocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Adipocitos/metabolismo , Animales , Fármacos Antiobesidad/farmacología , Glucemia , Dieta Alta en Grasa/efectos adversos , Suplementos Dietéticos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Prueba de Tolerancia a la Glucosa , Humanos , Resistencia a la Insulina , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Obesos , Obesidad/sangre , Obesidad/etiología , Fitoquímicos/farmacología , Fitoquímicos/uso terapéutico , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , República de Corea , Triglicéridos/sangre , Aumento de Peso/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Despite the nutritional and medicinal values of Allium hookeri, its unique flavor (onion or garlic taste and smell) coming from sulfur containing compounds limits its usage as functional food. For comparative study, A. hookeri roots were prepared under two different drying conditions, namely, low-temperature drying that minimizes the volatilization of sulfur components and hot-air drying that minimizes the garlic odor and spicy taste of A. hookeri. In GC/MS olfactory system, the odorous chemicals and organosulfur compounds such as diallyl trisulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, and dipropyl trisulfide were significantly decreased in hot-air drying compared to low-temperature drying. The spiciness and saltiness taste were noticeably reduced, while sourness, sweetness, and umami taste were significantly increased in hot-air dried A. hookeri according to electronic tongue. Although the content of volatile sulfur components was present at lower level, the administration of hot-air dried A. hookeri extract (100 mg/kg p.o.) apparently prevented the body weight gain and improved insulin resistance in C57BL/6J obese mice receiving high fat diet. Results suggested that the hot-air dried A. hookeri possessing better taste and odor might be available as functional crop and bioactive diet supplement for the prevention and/or treatment of obesity.
RESUMEN
Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a potent toxic material that can cause necrosis and subsequent fibrosis in the liver. Based on the previously reported hepatoprotective effect of Limonium tetragonum against the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, we tested the EtOAc soluble fraction of L. tetragonum extract (EALT) in a DEN-induced hepatotoxic rat model. The development of hepatotoxicity including mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis induced by intraperitoneal injections of DEN (70 mg/2 mL/kg body weight (b.w.) per week) was observed at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the first DEN treatment. Administration of EALT (200 mg/kg body weight, per os (p.o.)) induced significant reductions in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and triglycerides (TG) in DEN-injected rats. Increased oxidative stress in DEN-induced liver fibrosis rats was diminished by EALT treatment through a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD). Histologic findings that included markedly attenuated mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis could be observed in liver samples from the EALT-treated groups. An extract of Hovenia dulcis fruit and Sylimarin were used as positive controls. The present study provides direct experimental evidence for EALT attenuated hepatic injury and fibrosis in DEN-treated mice. The L. tetragonum EtOAc fraction might be useful in treating fibrotic liver diseases.
Asunto(s)
Cirrosis Hepática/tratamiento farmacológico , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Plumbaginaceae , Sustancias Protectoras/uso terapéutico , Acetatos/química , Alanina Transaminasa/sangre , Fosfatasa Alcalina/sangre , Animales , Aspartato Aminotransferasas/sangre , Dietilnitrosamina , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Cirrosis Hepática/inducido químicamente , Cirrosis Hepática/metabolismo , Cirrosis Hepática/patología , Masculino , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Fitoterapia , Componentes Aéreos de las Plantas , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Sustancias Protectoras/farmacología , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Solventes/química , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Triglicéridos/sangre , gamma-Glutamiltransferasa/sangreRESUMEN
The inhibition of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation has been considered as an effective therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis. The methanolic extract of Liriodendron tulipifera showed significant inhibitory activity against the proliferation of HSCs. Bioactivity-guided isolation afforded twelve compounds including (-)-sesamin (1), (-)-syringaresinol (2), (+)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (3), salvinal (4), (+)-guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4'-dihydroconiferyl ether (5), (±)-guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4'-sinapyl alcohol ether (6), tanegool (7), (+)-5,5'-dimethoxy-7-oxolariciresinol (8), 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone (9), 4-acetoxymethylphenol (10), (-)-paramicholide (11), and blumenol A (12). Among the compounds isolated, 2, 3 and 4 significantly attenuated the proliferation of the activated HSC-T6 cells. The maximal dose of these compounds, however, showed no cytotoxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Collagen deposition in the activated HSC-T6 cells was reduced by 2, 3 and 4. Also, the increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced by lipopolysaccharide was decreased by 3 and 4 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Collectively, (-)-syringaresinol (2), (+)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (3), and salvinal (4) isolated from L. tulipifera leaves and twigs exhibited selective antifibrotic activities toward the activated HSCs and suppressed TNF-α production in RAW264.7 macrophages. These compounds may be useful candidates for developing therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Asunto(s)
Colágeno/metabolismo , Liriodendron , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Animales , Línea Celular , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Lipopolisacáridos , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Ratones , Hojas de la Planta , Tallos de la Planta , Ratas , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Cheongseoikki-tang (CIT, Korean), also called Qingshu Yiqi decoction () and Seisho-ekki-to (Japanese), is well known as an effective traditional combination of herbs for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study was to research its effects on bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC)-mediated allergy and inflammation mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, the biological effect of Cheongseoikki-tang ethanol extract (CITE) was evaluated, focusing on its effects on the production of allergic mediators by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187)-stimulated BMMCs. These allergic mediators included interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and ß-hexosaminidase (ß-hex). RESULTS: Our data revealed that CITE inhibited the production of IL-6, PGD2, LTC4, and ß-hex induced by PMA plus A23187 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that CITE has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Células de la Médula Ósea/patología , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/uso terapéutico , Hipersensibilidad/tratamiento farmacológico , Mastocitos/patología , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Calcimicina/farmacología , Degranulación de la Célula/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/farmacología , Hipersensibilidad/patología , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Leucotrieno C4/farmacología , Masculino , Mastocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Mastocitos/fisiología , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Prostaglandina D2/biosíntesis , Acetato de Tetradecanoilforbol/farmacología , beta-N-Acetilhexosaminidasas/metabolismoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of Danggui Liuhuang Decoction () or Dangkwiyughwang-tang (DGLHT) water extract. METHODS: Effect of DGLHT on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of several pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined by using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. To determine the underlying mechanism of the inhibitory effects of DGLHT, the expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein, as well as iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6 mRNA levels were examined by Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were also examined by Western blot. RESULTS: DGLHT inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, PGE(2), and IL-6 productions and the expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Furthermore, DGLHT suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). CONCLUSIONS: DGLHT has inhibitory effects on the LPSinduced production of PGE(2), NO, and IL-6 and on the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in murine macrophages. These anti-inflammatory effects occur through inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation.
RESUMEN
Punica granatum is commonly used in Korea as a traditional medicine for the treatment of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of P. granatum peel EtOH extract (PGPE) against 16 strains of Salmonella. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of PGPE were in the range of 62.5-1000 x03BCg mL(-1). In addition, the in vivo antibacterial activity of the PGPE extract was examined in a S. typhimurium infection mouse model. Mice were initially infected with S. typhimurium and then with PGPE. The extract was found to have significant effects on mortality and the numbers of viable S. typhimurium recovered from feces. Although clinical signs and histological damage were rarely observed in the treated mice, the untreated controls showed signs of lethargy and histological damage in the liver and spleen. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that PGPE has the potential to provide an effective treatment for salmonellosis.
RESUMEN
For centuries, Corydalis Rhizoma has been used in Korean traditional medicine. Tetrahydropalmatine is an alkaloid compound and a prominent anti-inflammatory agent found in plants, including Corydalis yanhusuo. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of tetrahydropalmatine are still not well understood. To provide insight into the biological effects of tetrahydropalmatine, we examined its influence on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin (IL)-8 production in the human monocytic cell line THP-1. In the present study, IL-8 production was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, as determined by western blot analysis. Tetrahydropalmatine inhibited LPS-induced IL-8 production in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, tetrahydropalmatine inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, which suggests that tetrahydropalmatine inhibits IL-8 secretion by blocking MAPK phosphorylation. Taken together, these findings may help elucidate the mechanism by which tetrahydropalmatine modulates THP-1 cell activation under inflammatory conditions.