Ginseng Berry Juice (GBJ) Regulates the Inflammation in Acute Ulcerative Mouse Models and the Major Bioactive Substances Are Ginsenosides Rb3, Rc, Rd, and Re.

Panax ginseng fruit is known to have various biological effects owing to its large amount of saponins such as ginsenosides. In the present study, ginseng berry juice was confirmed to be effective against acute inflammation. Ginseng berry juice was used for analysis of active constituents, antioxidant efficacy, and in vivo inflammation. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used for analysis of ginsenosides. In an HCl/ethanol-induced acute gastric injury model, microscopic, immunofluorescent, and immunohistochemical techniques were used for analysis of inhibition of gastric injury and mechanism study. In a mouse model of acute gastritis induced with HCl/ethanol, ginseng berry juice (GBJ, 250 mg/kg) showed similar gastric injury inhibitory effects as cabbage water extract (CB, 500 mg/kg, P.O). GBJ dose-dependently modulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin-13 (IL-13). GBJ inhibited the activation of Nuclear Factor kappa bB (NF-κB) and suppressed the expressions of cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin 2 (PGE2). The anti-inflammatory effect of GBJ is attributed to ginsenosides which have anti-inflammatory effects. Productivity as an effective food source for acute gastritis was analyzed and showed that GBJ was superior to CB. In addition, as a functional food for suppressing acute ulcerative symptoms, it was thought that the efficacy of gastric protection products would be higher if GBJ were produced in the form of juice rather than through various extraction methods.

Socheongryongtang suppresses COPD-related changes in the pulmonary system through both cytokines and chemokines in a LPS COPD model.

Context: Socheongryongtang is a traditional Korean medical prescription used to treat pulmonary diseases.Objective: This study investigated the therapeutic mechanism of socheongryongtang for pulmonary diseases.Materials and methods: Seventy BALB/c mice were used: control, 0.8 mg/kg/study LPS intranasal instillation, 1 mg/kg/day Spiriva oral administration for five days, two socheongryongtang groups (150 or 1500 mg/kg/day orally treatment for five days). To illuminate the anti-COPD mechanism, several factors were evaluated such as WBC and differential counts in BALF and IgE in serum, morphological changes, and changes of COPD-related cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-ß) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL-2, CCR2) in the lung. In order to confirm the statistical significance, all results were compared under p < 0.01 and p < 0.05.Results: LPS induced a high level of WBC, neutrophils and eosinophils in our in vivo study. Additionally, COPD related cytokines and chemokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-ß, CXCL1, CCL-2 and CCR2 were induced by LPS. Compared to the LPS treatment group, socheongryongtang significantly controlled the level of WBC, neutrophils and eosinophils as well as the level of IgE. It effectively down-regulated the morphological changes, such as fibrosis near bronchoalveolar spaces, small airway destruction (emphysema), etc. It also inhibited the levels of COPD-related cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-ß) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL-2, CCR2) compared to the LPS treatment group. In particular, socheongryongtang significantly down-regulated the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CCR2.Conclusions: Socheongryongtang controlled COPD, but as it has been used as a prescription for respiratory disease, we should additionally evaluate the therapeutic effects against various pulmonary diseases.

Herbal Medication, Macmoondong Decoction, Attenuates LPS-Induced COPD in Small Airways via TGF-ß, CCL-2, and CXCL1.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incurable disease related to the respiratory system. A 2017 report by the World Health Organization stated that it was the third most common cause of death in 2015. Macmoondong decoction is a prescription that has been used widely in Korea for the treatment of respiratory diseases, but there have been few investigations into the therapeutic mechanism. To investigate the anti-COPD effect of macmoondong decoction, the animals were divided into five treatment groups: control; COPD-induced control; Spiriva; 150 mg/kg macmoondong decoction; and 1500 mg/kg macmoondong decoction. Changes typically observed in COPD, such as the populations of WBC and neutrophils in BALF, the level of IgE in serum, morphological changes, the DNA levels, and the protein expression of cytokines and chemokines (TGF-ß, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11) in the pulmonary system, were evaluated. Macmoondong decoction inhibited the populations of WBC and neutrophils in BALF and the level of IgE in serum. Dose-dependent prevention of the pulmonary morphological changes, such as emphysema and airway fibrosis, was observed. Macmoondong decoction suppressed the expression of DNA and proteins related to the occurrence of COPD, such as TGF-ß, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11. In particular, the expression of TGF-ß, CCL-2, and CXCL1 was significantly suppressed by 1500 mg/kg macmoondong decoction treatment compared with Spiriva treatment. Macmoondong decoction exerted an anti-COPD effect, and the mechanism of its action may be the suppression of TGF-ß, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11 expression, which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of action of macmoondong decoction may be the dose-dependent suppression of TGF-ß, CCL-2, CXCL1, and CXCL11, with TGF-ß, CCL-2, and CXCL1 as the potential key factors involved in COPD suppression.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Curcuma longa and Allium hookeri Co-treatment via NF-κB and COX-2 Pathways.

Although inflammation is a host defense mechanism, chronic inflammation mediates several diseases, including cancer, allergy, asthma, and autoimmune diseases, and reportedly, it is associated with a 60% mortality rate. There are several reports on the anti-inflammatory effects of Curcuma longa and Allium hookeri. However, although they can be used as culinary materials and have biological effects, they are not effective anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, we evaluated the synergic effect of C. longa and A. hookeri in order to confirm the possibility of a new anti-inflammatory agent. Based on cell viability and cytokine analyses, the appropriate ratio of C. longa and A. hookeri was confirmed using an air pouch animal model. Then, the anti-inflammatory effect of C. longa and A. hookeri co-treatment was evaluated by measuring the immune cell count and cytokines in the exudate and by comparing the morphological changes and cytokines in inflamed skin samples. Additionally, we evaluated the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway and iNOS levels. The active constituents detected in C. longa were demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and that detected in A. hookeri was methylsulfonylmethane. An in vitro assessment determined the appropriate drug ratio as 3:7. In a carrageenan-induced inflammatory model, co-treatment effectively suppressed inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-17, and recovered inflammation-related morphological changes in the skin. The anti-inflammatory effect of the co-treatment was mediated through the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway and iNOS inhibition. We concluded that co-treatment with C. longa and A. hookeri synergistically inhibited inflammation via the NF-κB/COX-2/iNOS pathway.

Effects of Harvest Time on Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Panax ginseng Berry Extracts.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has long been used as a traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Generally, the harvest time and age of ginseng have been regarded as important factors determining the efficacy of ginseng. However, most studies have mainly focused on the root of ginseng, while studies on other parts of ginseng such as its berry have been relatively limited. Thus, the aim of this study iss to determine effects of harvest time on yields, phenolics/ginsenosides contents, and the antioxidant/anti-elastase activities of ethanol extracts of three- and four-year-old ginseng berry. In both three- and fourfour-year-old ginseng berry extracts, antioxidant and anti-elastase activities tended to increase as berries ripen from the first week to the last week of July. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis has revealed that contents of ginsenosides except Rg1 tend to be the highest in fourfour-year-old ginseng berries harvested in early July. These results indicate that biological activities and ginsenoside profiles of ginseng berry extracts depend on their age and harvest time in July, suggesting the importance of harvest time in the development of functional foods and medicinal products containing ginseng berry extracts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the influence of harvest time on the biological activity and ginsenoside contents of ginseng berry extracts.

Allium hookeri root extract regulates asthmatic changes through immunological modulation of Th1/Th2­related factors in an ovalbumin­induced asthma mouse model.

In 2013, WHO estimated that approximately 235 million people suffered from asthma worldwide. Asthma is a hyper responsive disorder, which is related to an imbalance between the T­helper type 1 and 2 cells (henceforth, Th1 and Th2, respectively). Allium hookeri is a plant that is widely used for culinary purposes and also in traditional Asian medicine. The present study was conducted to elucidate the anti­asthmatic effects and mechanism of action of A. hookeri root extracts (AHRE) in an ovalbumin (OVA)­induced asthma mouse model. The mice were divided into five groups, namely, the control, the OVA­treated group, the dexamethasone­treated group, the 30 mg/kg AHRE­treated group, and the 300 mg/kg AHRE­treated group. The total WBC count and the differential cell count in the bronchoalveolar fluid, the level of serum IgE, the histopathological changes in the lung, and changes in the cell surface molecules, the asthma­related cytokine levels, and Th cell transcription factors were evaluated. AHRE significantly ameliorated asthmatic changes, such as the total WBC count, eosinophil count, and the level of IgE; in addition, it reduced mucus hypersecretion, epithelial hyperplasia, and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs. AHRE significantly inhibited the expression of CD68+ cells and MHC class II+ molecules, Th1 cell transcription factor (T­bet) activation, Th2 cell transcription factor (GATA­3) activation, and TNF­α in the lung tissue. Furthermore, it suppressed cell surface molecules, such as CD4+and CD8+; Th1­related cytokines, such as IFN­Î³ and IL­12p40; Th2­related cytokines, such as IL­4 and IL­5; and Th17­related cytokines, such as IL­6 and TNF­α, in a dose­dependent manner. Thus, AHRE may be considered a promising anti­asthmatic drug.

Camellia japonica oil suppressed asthma occurrence via GATA-3 & IL-4 pathway and its effective and major component is oleic acid.

BACKGROUND: In December 2016, WHO released a report stating that in 2015 there were 383,000 deaths caused by asthma and 235 million people suffering from asthma. As there are many adverse effects associated with the currently-used asthma drugs, new anti-asthmatic drugs need to be developed. PURPOSE: In order to find new drug candidates with safe and low side effects, the anti-asthmatic function and mechanism of C. japonica oil were evaluated, and its active ingredients were analyzed for use in an ovalbumin asthma murine model. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study consisted of six groups: control; ovalbumin group; and dexamethasone group as a positive control; and 10, 100, and 500 mg/kg C. japonica oil treatment groups. In order to measure the anti-asthmatic effect of C. japonica oil, WBC and differential cell count in BALF, IgE in serum, morphological changes in pulmonary system, and gene and protein levels such as IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-6 were all evaluated. RESULTS: C. japonica oil had an anti-asthmatic effect and significantly controlled eosinophil in BALF, Th2-related factors such as GATA-3 that is Th2 cell transcription factor, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and TNF-α in the lung. It also dose-dependently modulated inflammatory cells, T-bet, IL-12p40, and IL-6. Oleci acid was the major gradient (52.89%) in C. japonica oil and also had anti-asthmatic effects such as the downregulation of inflammatory cells, WBC, and eosinophil in BALF, IgE in serum, and morphological changes in the lung. CONCLUSION: We concluded that C. japonica oil is a new anti-asthmatic drug candidate and that oleic acid is the major anti-asthmatic ingredient in C. japonica oil.

Analysis of the Active Constituents and Evaluation of the Biological Effects of Quercus acuta Thunb. (Fagaceae) Extracts.

We evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of hexnane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, ethanol, and water extracts of the Quercus acuta leaf. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and total phenolic content. Antibacterial activity was assessed against general infectious pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates. The methanolic extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content, while the reducing power was the highest in the water extract. The ethyl acetate extract showed the best antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. Additionally, it displayed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus KCTC1928, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Salmonella typhimurium KCTC 1925, Escherichia coli KCTC 1923, and eight MRSA strains. These results present basic information for the possible uses of the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts from Q. acuta leaf in the treatment of diseases that are caused by oxidative imbalance and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Six active compounds, including vitamin E, which are known to possess antioxidant and antibacterial activity, were identified from the extracts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that reports the chemical profiling and antibacterial effects of the various QA leaf extracts, suggesting their potential use in food therapy or alternative medicine.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Allium hookeri on carrageenan-induced air pouch mouse model.

Inflammation is a commonly observed immune reaction, and rheumatoid arthritis is a particularly severe inflammatory disease. In this study, we used an air pouch mouse model to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Allium hookeri, which has both been used as a culinary material and a traditional medicine in south-eastern Asia for many years. Allium hookeri suppressed typical symptoms of inflammation, such as condensation of the air pouch membrane, and inhibited the expression of several inducible proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α. In order to determine the molecules modulating the inflammatory effect of carrageenan treatment, the components in Allium hookeri were analyzed by GC-MS, and linoleic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effect, was detected. From the results, we concluded that the anti-inflammatory effect of Allium hookeri might be attributed to linoleic acid, which could be promising candidates for anti-inflammatory drugs that have no adverse effects.

Opuntia humifusa modulates morphological changes characteristic of asthma via IL-4 and IL-13 in an asthma murine model.

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that affects an estimated 235 million people worldwide, but asthma drugs have many adverse effects. Opuntia humifusa (eastern prickly pear) has been used as a food and traditional medicine worldwide; however, its anti-asthmatic effects have not been reported. We evaluated O. humifusa as a potential therapeutic or preventive component of anti-asthmatic drugs. We divided ovalbumin-sensitized mice into the following groups: normal control, asthma-induced control, dexamethasone-treated group (positive control), 50 mg/kg O. humifusa-treated group, 100 mg/kg O. humifusa-treated group, and 500 mg/kg O. humifusa-treated group. Levels of Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokines were evaluated using RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. O. humifusa dose-dependently suppressed the morphological changes typically observed in asthma, such as goblet cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, mucous hypersecretion, and relative basement membrane thickening in the respiratory system. These results may be attributable to regulation of Th1-/Th2-/Th17-related factors, especially interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. We conclude that O. humifusa is a potential anti-asthmatic functional food. Abbreviations: O. humifusa: Opuntia humifusa; Th: helper T; RT-PCR: real-time polymerase chain reaction; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IL: interleukin; WHO: World Health Organization; IFN-γ: interferon gamma; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-alpha; IgE: immunoglobulin E; CD: cluster of differentiation; OVA: ovalbumin; DEX: dexamethasone; BALF: bronchoalveolar fluid; H&E: hematoxylin and eosin; PAS: periodic acid-schiff; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; BM: basement membrane; cDNA: complementary deoxyribonucleic acid; RNA: ribo nucleic acid; RIPA: radioimmunoprecipitation assay; IHC: immunohistochemistry; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; SD: standard deviation; WBC: white blood cells; APCs: antigen-presenting cells.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Corylopsis coreana Uyeki Flos.

BACKGROUND: Corylopsis coreana Uyeki (Hamamelidaceae) is a medicinal plant cultivated in Northeast Asia. Previously, we have reported that an ethanol extract of Corylopsis coreana Uyeki flos (ECCF) contains four active compounds with antioxidant activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial spectrum against infectious bacteria and anti-inflammatory effect of ECCF in a mouse model of acute local inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using standard plate assay technique. Antimicrobial activities (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC; µg/mL) were determined with the serial dilution method. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was studied using a mouse model of carrageenan-induced air pouch inflammation. RESULTS: The ECCF showed antimicrobial activities against general bacteria and drug-resistant bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Mycrobacterium smegmatis ATCC 9341, Mycrobacterium smegmatis ATCC 9341, Salmonella typhimrium KCTC 1925, and nine methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, with MIC values ranging from 250 to 1000 µg/mL. In in vivo mouse model, inflammatory morphologic changes observed in the air pouch membrane were restored to its normal condition by the ECCF treatment. Moreover, the ECCF significantly reduced exudate volumes, protein contents, inflammatory cell counts, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the exudates recovered from air pouches of the mouse model. Flavonoids in the ECCF were found to contain bergenin, quercitrin, and quercetin with reported anti-inflammatory activity via suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α production. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of ECCF. Our results suggest that the ECCF might potentially serve as an alternative or complementary medicine for treating inflammatory diseases caused by microbial infection. SUMMARY: ECCF showed antimicrobial activity against infectious bacteria and multidrug-resistant strains.ECCF exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan-induced air pouch mouse model.ECCF contained several active constituents such as bergenin, quercitrin, and quercetin. Abbreviations used:Corylopsis coreana CCF: Uyeki flos, ECCF: ethanol extract of CCF.

Antimicrobial Constituents from Allium hookeri Root.

In this study, we partially purified the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the ethanol extract of the root of Allum hookeri. We identified seven compounds, benzoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, octadecanoic acid and hexanedioic acid, that have antimicrobial activity using GC-MS, and evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility and MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Effects of Oriental Medicine Kyung-Ok-Ko on Uterine Abnormality in Hyperandrogenized Rats.

A traditional herbal prescription Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK), composed of Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz var. purpurae, Lycium chinense, Aquilaria agallocha, Poria cocos, Panax ginseng, and honey, has been widely used in Oriental medicine as an invigorant for age-related diseases, such as amnesia and stroke. However, the beneficial value of KOK on uterine dysfunction related to hyperandrogenism is largely unknown. We investigated the effect of KOK (2.0 g/kg/day, per os) on endometrial abnormalities in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, subcutaneous)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model. Preadministration of KOK significantly (p<0.05) decreased the elevated body weight, uterus weight, and endometrial thickness by PCOS induction, corresponding to reduced apoptosis and the infiltration of immune cells (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and macrophages) in the endometrium. These results were associated with reduced mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 and increased mRNA expression of IGF-ß1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, TGF-ß1, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the uterus after DHEA injection. These multiple effects of KOK may synergistically prevent the development of endometrial abnormalities in DHEA-induced hyperandrogenism via anti-inflammatory action, indicating that KOK has preventive and therapeutic potential for suppressing PCOS.

HPLC Analysis, Optimization of Extraction Conditions and Biological Evaluation of Corylopsis coreana Uyeki Flos.

A method for the separation and quantification of three flavonoids and one isocoumarin by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed and validated. Four constituents present in a crude ethanolic extract of the flowers of Coryloposis coreana Uyeki, were analyzed. Bergenin, quercetin, quercitrin and isosalipurposide were used as calibration standards. In the present study, an excellent linearity was obtained with an r² higher than 0.999. The chromatographic peaks showed good resolution. In combination with other validation data, including precision, specificity, and accuracy, this method demonstrated good reliability and sensitivity, and can be conveniently used for the quantification of bergenin, quercetin, quercitrin and isosalipurposide in the crude ethanolic extract of C. coreana Uyeki flos. Furthermore, the plant extracts were analyzed with HPLC to determine the four constituents and compositional differences in the extracts obtained under different extraction conditions. Several extracts of them which was dependent on the ethanol percentage of solvent were also analyzed for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. One hundred % ethanolic extract from C. coreana Uyeki flos showed the best antimicrobial activity against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain. Eighty % ethanolic extract showed the best antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Taken of all, these results suggest that the flower of C. coreana Uyeki flos may be a useful source for the cure and/or prevention of septic arthritis, and the validated method was useful for the quality control of C. coreana Uyeki.

Selenium supplementation restores the decreased albumin level of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Previously, it has been suggested that the phenotypic level of albumin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) decreased in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Concomitantly, the production of oxidative stresses was also elevated in the diabetic PBMC compared to that of normal control. These results suggest the close relationship between PBMC-albumin and its antioxidant roles. Here, we expanded the previous studies and investigated the effect of selenium supplementation as inorganic (sodium selenate) forms on the levels of albumin expression and oxidative stress in PBMC of STZ-induced diabetic mice. Selenium intake recovered the decreased albumin levels to those of normal mice and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results support that selenium intake may alleviate the etiology and pathology of PBMC in type 1 diabetic mice by restoring the decrease in albumin contents and the production of ROS.

Gintonin enhances performance of mice in rotarod test: Involvement of lysophosphatidic acid receptors and catecholamine release.

Ginseng has a long history of use as a tonic for restoration of vigor. One example of ginseng-derived tonic effect is that it can improve physical stamina under conditions of stress. However, the active ingredient and the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the ergogenic effect are unknown. Recent studies show that ginseng contains a novel ingredient, gintonin, which consists of a unique class of herbal-medicine lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs). Gintonin activates G protein-coupled LPA receptors to produce a transient [Ca(2+)]i signal, which is coupled to diverse intra- and inter-cellular signal transduction pathways that stimulate hormone or neurotransmitter release. However, relatively little is known about how gintonin-mediated cellular modulation is linked to physical endurance. In the present study, systemic administration of gintonin, but not ginsenosides, in fasted mice increased blood glucose concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Gintonin treatment elevated blood glucose to a maximum level after 30min. This elevation in blood glucose level could be abrogated by the LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, Ki16425, or the ß-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol. Furthermore, gintonin-dependent enhanced performance of fasted mice in rotarod test was likewise abrogated by Ki16425. Gintonin also elevated plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The present study shows that gintonin mediates catecholamine release through activation of the LPA receptor and that activation of the ß-adrenergic receptor is coupled to liver glycogenolysis, thereby increasing the supply of glucose and enhancing performance in the rotarod test. Thus, gintonin acts via the LPA-catecholamine-glycogenolysis axis, representing a candidate mechanism that can explain how ginseng treatment enhances physical stamina.

Neuropharmacological Potential of Gastrodia elata Blume and Its Components.

Research has been conducted in various fields in an attempt to develop new therapeutic agents for incurable neurodegenerative diseases. Gastrodia elata Blume (GE), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used in neurological disorders as an anticonvulsant, analgesic, and sedative medication. Several neurodegenerative models are characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which lead to cell death via multiple extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways. The blockade of certain signaling cascades may represent a compensatory therapy for injured brain tissue. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory compounds isolated from natural resources have been investigated, as have various synthetic chemicals. Specifically, GE rhizome extract and its components have been shown to protect neuronal cells and recover brain function in various preclinical brain injury models by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The present review discusses the neuroprotective potential of GE and its components and the related mechanisms; we also provide possible preventive and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders using herbal resources.

Oriental medicine Kyung-Ok-Ko prevents and alleviates dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats.

Kyung-Ok-Ko (KOK), a traditional herbal prescription composed of Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz var. purpurae, Lycium chinense, Aquillaria agallocha, Poria cocos, Panax ginseng, and honey, has been widely used in traditional Oriental medicine as a vitalizing medicine or as the prescription for patients with age-associated disorders such as amnesia and stroke. However, the potential protective value of KOK for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is largely unknown. We investigated whether pre-administration (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) and post-administration (daily after induction of PCOS) of KOK (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg/day, p.o.) could have a protective effect in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, s.c.)-induced PCOS rat model. Pre-administration of KOK significantly decreased the elevated body weight and ovary weight, elevated size and number of follicular cysts, elevated level of serum glucose, and estradiol after DHEA injection. KOK reduced the elevated percentage of CD8 (+) T lymphocytes in lymph nodes, the elevated mRNA expression of CD11b and CD3 in ovaries, and infiltration of macrophages in ovarian tissue with PCOS. KOK diminished the increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α), chemokines (IL-8, MCP-1), and iNOS in the ovaries, and increased the reduced mRNA expression of growth factors (EGF, TGF-ß) by DHEA injection. Post-administration of KOK also improved the DHEA-induced PCOS-like symptoms, generally similar to those evident from pre-administration of KOK. KOK may effectively prevent and improve DHEA-induced PCOS via anti-inflammatory action, indicating its preventive and therapeutic potential for suppressing PCOS.

Ameliorative effects of pine bark extract on spermatotoxicity by α-chlorohydrin in rats.

We investigated the protective effects of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®, PYC, Horphag Research Ltd., Route de Belis, France) against α-chlorohydrin (ACH)-induced spermatotoxicity in rats. Rats were orally administered ACH (30 mg/kg/day) with or without PYC (20 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Administration of ACH significantly decreased sperm motility. α-Chlorohydrin also caused histopathological alterations and apoptotic changes in caput epididymides. An increased malondialdehyde concentration and decreased glutathione content, as well as catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were also found. In contrast, PYC treatment significantly prevented ACH-induced spermatotoxicity, including decreased sperm motility, histopathological lesions, and apoptotic changes in the caput epididymis. Pycnogenol® also had an antioxidant benefit by decreasing malondialdehyde and increasing levels of the antioxidant glutathione and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and peroxidase in epididymal tissues. These results indicate that PYC treatment attenuated ACH-induced spermatotoxicity through antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects.

Protective effects of pine bark extract on developmental toxicity of cyclophosphamide in rats.

This study investigated the protective effects of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®, PYC) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced developmental toxicity in rats. A total of 44 mated females were randomly assigned to the following four experimental groups: (1) vehicle control, (2) CP, (3) CP&PYC, or (4) PYC. All dams were subjected to a Caesarean section on day 20 of gestation, and fetuses were examined for morphological abnormalities. Oxidative stress analysis was performed on maternal hepatic tissues. CP treatment caused decreased fetal and placental weights and increased embryonic resorptions and fetal malformations. In addition, an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) content and catalase activity were observed in the hepatic tissues. On the contrary, PYC treatment during pregnancy significantly ameliorated the CP-induced embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rats. Moreover, MDA and GSH concentrations and catalase activity in hepatic tissues were not affected when PYC was administered in conjunction with CP. These results suggest that repeated administration of PYC has beneficial effects against CP-induced embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rats, and that the protective effects of PYC may be due to both inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant activity.