Production of Bioactive Substances to Alleviates Hangover and Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage through Fermentation of Oenanthe javanica Using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the bioconversion products of Oenanthe javanica extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (OEFL) on relieving hangovers and improving liver function. In addition, the bioactive substance of the OEFL, which alleviates hangover and ethanol-induced liver damage, was identified and its bioactive property was verified through in vivo experiments. In major substances analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography, OEFL produced 9.5-fold higher p-coumaric acid than the O. Javanica extract (OE). In addition, considering that quinic acid, which is not present in the OE, was produced in the OEFL it was confirmed that chlorogenic acid was decomposed into quinic acid by bioconversion. In the in vivo experiment using Sprague-Dawley rats, the OEFL and p-coumaric acid diets reduced blood ethanol, acetaldehyde, GPT, and ALP concentrations, increasing blood albumin concentrations compared to ethanol-administered groups, demonstrating that OEFL and p-coumaric acid, the main substance in the OEFL, improved ethanol-induced liver damage. Furthermore, the OEFL and its main bioactive substance, p-coumaric acid, alleviated liver fibrosis by downregulating TGF-ß, SMAD-2, SMAD-4, α-SMA, and upregulating MMP-1. Therefore, OEFL is expected to be used as a functional food or pharmaceutical material as it has been confirmed to effectively relieve hangovers, prevent liver damage, and delay liver fibrosis in ethanol-induced liver damages.

Oenanthe Javanica Extract Protects Mouse Skin from UVB Radiation via Attenuating Collagen Disruption and Inflammation.

In recent years, the use of botanical agents to prevent skin damage from solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has received considerable attention. Oenanthe javanica is known to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study investigated photoprotective properties of an Oenanthe javanica extract (OJE) against UVB-induced skin damage in ICR mice. The extent of skin damage was evaluated in three groups: control mice with no UVB, UVB-exposed mice treated with vehicle (saline), and UVB-exposed mice treated with 1% extract. Photoprotective properties were assessed in the dorsal skin using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting to analyze the epidermal thickness, collagen expression, and mRNA and protein levels of type I collagen, type III collagen, and interstitial collagenases, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. In addition, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein levels were also assessed. In the UVB-exposed mice treated with extract, UV-induced epidermal damage was significantly ameliorated. In this group, productions of collagen types I and III were increased, and expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were decreased. In addition, TNF-α and COX-2 expressions were reduced. Based on these findings, we conclude that OJE displays photoprotective effects against UVB-induced collagen disruption and inflammation and suggest that Oenanthe javanica can be used as a natural product for the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Isorhamnetin and hyperoside derived from water dropwort inhibits inflammasome activation.

BACKGROUND: Water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica), an umbelliferous plant, has been reported as hypolipidemic, antiplatelet, antitumor, or immune-stimulating agents and it has been suggested to cure cardiovascular disease and cancer. PURPOSE: Present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the extracts of water dropwort (EWD) and its pharmacological molecules, hyperoside and isorhamnetin, on inflammatory response, especially inflammasome activation. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: The anti-inflammasome properties of EWD, isorhamnetin, and hyperoside were elucidated by human and mouse macrophages. RESULTS: EWD attenuated secretion of interleukin (IL)-1ß and formation of Asc pyroptosome resulting from NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasome activation without interruption of cytokine transcription. Isorhamnetin selectively inhibited NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation and down-regulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hyperoside selectively interrupted NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasome activation but did not alter cytokine expression. In addition, EWD, isorhamnetin, and hyperoside inhibited caspase-1. CONCLUSION: Isorhamnetin and hyperoside, a key molecule of water dropwort, have been suggested as candidates to attenuate inflammasome inhibition.

The protective effect of total phenolics from Oenanthe Javanica on acute liver failure induced by D-galactosamine.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Water dropwort [Oenanthe javanica (O. javanica)] is an aquatic perennial herb cultivated in East Asian countries. It has been popularly used in traditional Chinese medicine which is beneficial for the treatment of many diseases, including jaundice and various types of chronic and acute hepatitis. In the present study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect of total phenolics from O. javanica (TPOJ) against D-galactosamine (D-GalN) induced liver injury in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hepatoprotective activity of TPOJ (125, 250 and 500mg/kg) was investigated on D-GalN (800mg/kg)-induced liver damages in mice. Blood and liver were collected for biochemical and microscopic analysis. RT-PCR was used to determine the changes in hepatic nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were determined by western blotting. RESULTS: In the animal studies, TPOJ could improve the survival of acute liver failure model significantly and prevente the D-GalN-induced elevation of the serum enzymatic markers and nonenzymatic markers levels significantly. Meanwhile, TPOJ-treatment decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and elevated the content of glutathione (GSH) in the liver as compared to those in the D-GalN group. Hepatic activities and protein expressions of antioxidative enzymes, including SOD, GPx, and CAT were enhanced dose dependently with TPOJ. At the same time, application of TPOJ effectively suppressed the D-GalN-induced proinflammatory mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Subsequently, the serum levels of proinflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were reduced. Additionally, histological analyses also showed that TPOJ reduced the extent of liver lesions induced by D-GalN. CONCLUSION: Our investigation demonstrated the hepatoprotective activity of TPOJ and revealed that TPOJ attributed its significance in the traditional use for treating liver diseases.

Oenanthe Javanica Extract Protects Against Experimentally Induced Ischemic Neuronal Damage via its Antioxidant Effects.

BACKGROUND: Water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) as a popular traditional medicine in Asia shows various biological properties including antioxidant activity. In this study, we firstly examined the neuroprotective effect of Oenanthe javanica extract (OJE) in the hippocampal cornus ammonis 1 region (CA1 region) of the gerbil subjected to transient cerebral ischemia. METHODS: Gerbils were established by the occlusion of common carotid arteries for 5 min. The neuroprotective effect of OJE was estimated by cresyl violet staining. In addition, 4 antioxidants (copper, zinc superoxide dismutase [SOD], manganese SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) immunoreactivities were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region showed neuronal death at 5 days postischemia; at this point in time, all antioxidants immunoreactivities disappeared in CA1 pyramidal neurons and showed in many nonpyramidal cells. Treatment with 200 mg/kg, not 100 mg/kg, OJE protected CA1 pyramidal neurons from ischemic damage. In addition, 200 mg/kg OJE treatment increased or maintained antioxidants immunoreactivities. Especially, among the antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase immunoreactivity was effectively increased in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of the OJE-treated sham-operated and ischemia-operated groups. CONCLUSION: Our present results indicate that treatment with OJE can protect neurons from transient ischemic damage and that the neuroprotective effect may be closely associated with increased or maintained intracellular antioxidant enzymes by OJE.

Effect of Oenanthe Javanica Extract on Antioxidant Enzyme in the Rat Liver.

BACKGROUND: Oenanthe javanica (O. javanica) has been known to have high antioxidant properties via scavenging reactive oxygen species. We examined the effect of O. javanica extract (OJE) on antioxidant enzymes in the rat liver. METHODS: We examined the effect of the OJE on copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rat liver using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups; (1) normal diet fed group (normal-group), (2) diet containing ascorbic acid (AA)-fed group (AA-group) as a positive control, (3) diet containing OJE-fed group (OJE-group). RESULTS: In this study, no histopathological finding in the rat liver was found in all the experimental groups. Numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells and their protein levels were significantly increased in the AA-fed group compared with those in the normal-group. On the other hand, in the OJE-group, numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells in the liver were significantly increased by about 190%, 478%, 685%, and 346%, respectively, compared with those in the AA-group. In addition, protein levels of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the OJE-group were also significantly much higher than those in the AA-group. CONCLUSION: OJE significantly increased expressions of SOD1 and SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the liver cells of the rat, and these suggests that significant enhancements of endogenous enzymatic antioxidants by OJE might be a legitimate strategy for decreasing oxidative stresses in the liver.

Oenanthe javanica extract increases immunoreactivities of antioxidant enzymes in the rat kidney.

BACKGROUND: Oenanthe javanica is an aquatic perennial herb originated from East Asia. Nowadays, the effects of Oenanthe javanica have been proven in various disease models. Studies regarding the antioxidant effect of Oenanthe javanica in the kidney are still unclear. METHODS: This study was therefore performed to investigate the effect of the Oenanthe javanica extract (OJE) in the rat kidney using immunohistochemistry for antioxidant enzymes, copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) normal diet fed-group (normal-group), (2) diet containing ascorbic acid (AA)-fed group (AA-group) as a positive control, (3) diet containing OJE-fed group (OJE-group). AA and OJE were supplied during 28 days. RESULTS: The side-effects were not observed in all the groups. Immunoreactivities of SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GPx were easily detected in the distal tubules of the kidney, and their immunoreactivities in the AA-and OJE-groups were increased to about 1.4-1.5 times and 2 times, respectively, compared with those in the normal-group. CONCLUSION: OJE significantly increased expressions of SOD1 & 2, CAT and GPx immunoreactivities in the distal tubules of the rat kidney, and this finding suggests that significant enhancements of endogenous enzymatic antioxidants by OJE treatment may be a legitimate strategy for decreasing oxidative stresses in the kidney.

Hepatoprotective effects of fermented field water-dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) extract and its major constituents.

Dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) has been used for many years for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, including hepatitis. We investigated the protective effects of fermented field water-dropwort extract (FDE) on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. Pretreatment with FDE prior to the t-BHP treatment of HepG2 cells inhibited cell death and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage in a dose-dependent manner. In addition FDE significantly prevented the increase of hepatic enzyme markers (ALT, AST) in vivo. Moreover, FDE administration for 7 days significantly affected CYP2E1, CYP4A2, and PPARγ gene expressions. CYP2E1 and CYP4A2 gene expression in the liver, increased 2 and 22-fold by CCl4 administration, respectively, was attenuated to normal levels by pretreatment with FDE. PPARγ gene expression, completely blocked by CCl4 treatment, was increased by FDE pretreatment compared to normal control group. Histopathological examination of the livers also revealed that FDE reduced the incidence of liver lesions. Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid were identified as major constituents of FDE. These results demonstrate the protective effects of FDE against hepatocytotoxicity induced by CCl4 and t-BHP in rats and HepG2 cells, thus indicating the potential of FDE as a therapeutic for acute liver diseases.

Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil.

The present study reports the chemical composition, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as the cytotoxicity of Oenanthe crocata essential oil and one of its main compounds. The essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of the plant by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC and GC/MS. The oil was predominantly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons (85.8%), being the main compounds trans-ß-ocimene (31.3%), sabinene (29.0%) and cis-ß-ocimene (12.3%). For the antifungal activity, the minimal inhibitory and minimal lethal concentrations (MICs and MLCs) were determined. The oil was particularly active against dermatophytes and Cryptococcus neoformans, with MIC values ranging from 0.08 to 0.16 µL/mL. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity, both the oil and sabinene demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity through nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-triggered macrophages. Furthermore, the essential oil showed a potent NO scavenging effect and inhibited inducible NO synthase expression. Interestingly, and although we detected a cytotoxic effect in macrophages and keratinocytes for the highest concentrations tested of the oil and sabinene, we also disclosed bioactive and safe concentrations to be further explored for therapeutic proposes. Taking together, these results support the use of the oil and sabinene for the management of dermatophytosis and/or inflammatory-related diseases.

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß by falcarindiol isolated from Japanese Parsley (Oenanthe javanica).

A new biological activity of falcarindiol isolated from Japanese parsley (Oenanthe javanica) using the mutant yeast YNS17 strain (zds1Δ erg3Δ pdr1Δ pdr3Δ) was discovered as an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß). Falcarindiol inhibited GSK-3ß in an ATP noncompetitive manner with a Ki value of 86.9 µM using a human enzyme and luminescent kinase assay platform. Falcarindiol also both suppressed gene expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) in rat hepatoma H4IIE cells and protected mouse neuroblastoma HT22 cells from glutamate-induced oxidative cell death at 10 µM. During an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the blood glucose level was significantly decreased in the rats treated with oral administration of O. javanica extract containing falcarindiol (15 mg/kg). These findings indicate that Japanese parsley could be a useful food ingredient against type-2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Selective inhibition of the cytochrome P450 isoform by hyperoside and its potent inhibition of CYP2D6.

Hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, is a flavonoid isolated from Oenanthe javanica. In the present study, we investigated potential herb-drug inhibitory effects of hyperoside on nine cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms in pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) and human recombinant cDNA expressed CYP using a cocktail probe assay. Hyperoside strongly inhibited CYP2D6-catalyzed dextromethorphan O-demethylation, with IC50 values of 1.2 and 0.81 µM after 0 and 15 min of preincubation, and a Ki value of 2.01 µM in HLMs, respectively. Hyperoside strongly decreased CYP2D6 activity dose-, but not time-, dependently in HLMs. In addition, the Lineweaver-Burk and Secondary plots for the inhibition of CYP2D6 in HLMs fitted a competitive inhibition mode. Furthermore, hyperoside decreased CYP2D6-catalyzed dextromethorphan O-demethylation activity of human recombinant cDNA-expressed CYP2D6, with an IC50 value of 3.87 µM. However, other CYPs were not inhibited significantly by hyperoside. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that hyperoside is a potent selective CYP2D6 inhibitor in HLMs, and suggest that hyperoside might cause herb-drug interactions when co-administrated with CYP2D substrates.

O-Methylated flavonol isorhamnetin prevents acute inflammation through blocking of NF-κB activation.

Here, we isolated isorhamnetin, a natural 3'-O-methylated flavonoid, from water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica, Umbelliferae) and investigated its ability to protect against acute inflammation in vivo and in vitro. To induce paw swelling, the hind paw of each rat was injected with a carrageenan 1h after vehicle or isorhamnetin treatment. In vitro effect and mechanism studies were performed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. Administration of isorhamnetin markedly inhibited the swelling volume and the thickness of hind paws. Moreover, isorhamnetin significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory gene expression in rats. Isorhamnetin pretreatment inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO release in LPS-stimulated cells. Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activating protein-1 (AP-1) is the key step in the iNOS gene induction. Isorhamnetin specifically inhibited NF-κB luciferase activity, but not AP-1. Pretreatment with isorhamnetin suppressed NF-κB nuclear translocation in accordance with decreased phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory-κB. Consistently, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 expression, representative NF-κB target genes, were almost completely prohibited by isorhamnetin. Furthermore, isorhamnetin inhibited LPS-induced JNK and AKT/IKKα/ß phosphorylation. Our results suggest that isorhamnetin inhibited JNK, and AKT/IKKα/ß activation, leading to NF-κB inactivation, which might contribute to the inhibition of the acute inflammatory response.

Persicarin from water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) protects primary cultured rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.

The n-BuOH fraction of O. javanica significantly protected the primary cultures of rat cortical cells exposed to glutamate. Four flavonoids yielded from this fraction through bioactivity-guidance. The isolated compounds, identified as isorhamnetin (1), afzelin (2), hyperoside (3) and persicarin (4), were evaluated in vitro for their neuroprotective activity. Persicarin (4), the main constituent of O. javanica, showed significant neuroprotective activities in glutamate-injured rat cortical cells. Persicarin diminished calcium influx and inhibited the subsequent overproduction of nitric oxide and intracellular peroxide. In addition, persicarin significantly restored the reduced activities of glutathione (GSH) reductase and glutathione peroxidase, and the contents of GSH induced by glutamate. These results support a conclusion that persicarin greatly contributes to the neuroprotective activities of O. javanica.

Poisoning due to water hemlock.

INTRODUCTION: Water hemlock, which encompasses a range of species divided across two genera (Cicuta and Oenanthe), are regarded as being among the most poisonous plants both in North America and in the United Kingdom. Despite their toxicity, the literature consists almost entirely of case reports. AIM: The aim of this review is to summarize this literature by covering all aspects of taxonomy and botanical characterization, principal toxins, basic pharmacology including mechanisms of toxicity, and the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of poisoning. MECHANISMS OF TOXICITY: The principal toxins, cicutoxin and oenanthotoxin, belong to a group of C17 conjugated polyacetylenes. They act as (noncompetitive) gamma-aminobutyric acid antagonists in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in unabated neuronal depolarization that can lead to seizures. Ingestion of even a small amount of plant matter may result in severe intoxication. FEATURES: After ingestion, the patient is most likely to experience CNS stimulatory effects including seizures that, in the absence of aggressive supportive care, can result in death. Other features include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, mydriasis, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, coma, respiratory impairment, and cardiac dysrhythmias. MANAGEMENT: Treatment consists mainly of prompt airway management and seizure control, plus decontamination if achieved early and after stabilization. In the event of renal failure, the use of hemodialysis has been employed successfully. CONCLUSIONS: The ingestion of water hemlock can lead to serious complications that may be fatal. Prognosis is good, however, if prompt supportive care is provided.

HIV-1-inhibiting activity of the essential oil of Ridolfia segetum and Oenanthe crocata.

The essential oils of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris and Oenanthe crocata L. (Apiaceae), collected in Sardinia (Italy), have been assayed for two enzyme-associated activities of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT): RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) activity and ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity. In biochemical assays, the essential oils inhibited HIV-1 RT RDDP activity in a dose-dependent manner, while they were inactive towards RNase H activity. Furthermore, the oils were cytotoxic towards K (562) cell replication. GC-MS analysis of the essential oils obtained by steam distillation of the aerial parts showed that the main components of R. segetum were alpha-phellandrene, alpha-terpinolene, beta-phellandrene, and dillapiol and those of O. crocata were sabinene, TRANS-beta-ocimene, CIS-beta-ocimene, and beta-pinene.

In vivo and in vitro anti-hepatitis B virus activity of total phenolics from Oenanthe javanica.

The traditional Chinese medicine Oenanthe javanica (OJ) has been used for many years, mainly for the treatment of inflammatory conditions including hepatitis. In this study, human hepatoma Hep G2.2.15 cells culture system and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection model were used as in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate the anti-HBV effects of total phenolics from Oenanthe javanica (OJTP). The HBeAg and HBsAg concentrations in cell culture medium were determined by using the enzyme immunoassay kit after Hep G2.2.15 cells were treated with OJTP for 9 d. DHBV-DNA in duck serum was analyzed by dot blot hybridization assay. In the cell model, OJTP could dose-dependently inhibit the production of the HBeAg and HBsAg, and the inhibition rates of OJTP on HBeAg and HBsAg in the Hep G2.2.15 cells were 70.12% and 72.61% on day 9, respectively. In the DHBV infection model, OJTP also reduced HBV DNA level in a dose-dependent manner. The DHBV-DNA levels decreased significantly after the treatment with 0.10 g kg(-1)d(-1) and 0.20 g kg(-1)d(-1) OJTP. The inhibition of the peak of viremia was at the maximum at the dose of 0.20 g kg(-1)d(-1) and reached 64.10% on day 5 and 66.48% on day 10, respectively. Histopathological evaluation of the liver revealed significant improvement by OJTP. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that OJTP can efficiently inhibit HBV replication in Hep G2.2.15 cells line in vitro and inhibit DHBV replication in ducks in vivo. OJTP therefore warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for HBV infections.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities of Angelica keiskei, Oenanthe javanica and Brassica oleracea in the Salmonella mutagenicity assay and in HCT116 human colon cancer cells.

Epidemiological studies indicate that consumption of green-yellow vegetables rich in chlorophyll, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids reduce the risk of cancer. We sought to examine the antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties of chlorophyll-rich methanol extracts of Angelica keiskei, Oenanthe javanica, and Brassica oleracea (kale). In the Salmonella mutagenicity assay, A. keiskei caused dose-dependent inhibition against three heterocyclic amine mutagens in the presence of S9, O. javanica was antimutagenic only at the highest concentration in the assay (2 mg/plate), and B. oleracea showed no consistent inhibitory activity at non-toxic levels. None of the extracts were effective against three direct-acting mutagens in the absence of S9. Extracts of A. keiskei and, to a lesser extent O. javanica, inhibited two of the major enzymes that play a role in the metabolic activation of heterocyclic amines, based on ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and methoxyresorufin-O-demethylase assays in vitro. All three plant extracts were highly effective in assays which measured ferric reducing/antioxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and Fe2+/H2O2-mediated DNA nicking. Finally, using the 'comet' assay, all three plant extracts protected against H2O2-induced genotoxic damage in human HCT116 colon cancer cells. These findings provide support for the antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties of chlorophyll-rich extracts of A. keiskei, O. javanica, and B. oleracea, through mechanisms that include inhibition of carcinogen activation and scavenging of reactive oxygen species.

Effect of Oenanthe javanica flavone on human and duck hepatitis B virus infection.

AIM: To study the antiviral effect of Oenanthe javanica flavones (OjF) on human hepatoma HepG2.2.15 culture system and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection. METHODS: (1) After incubation for 24 h, the 2.2.15 cells were treated with different concentrations of OjF for 12 d. The cell alteration was observed by microscope. The presence of HBsAg and HBeAg were measured using the enzyme immunoassay kit after 2.2.15 cells were treated with OjF for 9 d. (2) Ducklings infected with DHBV intravenously were divided into 5 groups and treated with OjF, acyclovir (ACV), and normal saline respectively for 10 d. All the ducklings were bled before, during, and after treatments at different times, and serum levels of DHBV-DNA were detected by a dot-blot hybridization assay. RESULTS: (1) The 50% toxic concentration (TC50) of OjF was 2.28 g/L. The maximum nontoxic concentration (TC0) was 1.00 g/L. In nontoxic concentrations, OjF significantly inhibited HBsAg and HBeAg in 2.2.15 cells after 9 d of treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). (2) The DHBV-DNA levels decreased significantly after the treatment with 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg of OjF (P<0.01). The inhibition of the peak of viremia was maximum at a dose of 1.00 g/kg and reached 54.3% on d 5 and 64.5% on d 10, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that OjF is a strong inhibitor of HBsAg and HBeAg secretion in 2.2.15 cells and DHBV-DNA levels in the HBV-infected duck model.