Valorization of leftover green tea residues through conversion to bioactive peptides using probiotics-aided anaerobic digestion.

Bioactive peptides (BPs) are protein fragments that benefit human health. To assess whether leftover green tea residues (GTRs) can serve as a resource for new BPs, we performed in silico proteolysis of GTRs using the BIOPEP database, revealing a wide range of BPs embedded in GTRs. Comparative genomics and the percentage of conserved protein analyses enabled us to select a few probiotic strains for GTR hydrolysis. The selected probiotics digested GTRs anaerobically to yield GTR-derived peptide fractions. To examine whether green tea (GT) peptide fractions could be potential mediators of host-microbe interactions, we comprehensively screened agonistic and antagonistic activities of 168 human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). NanoLC-MS/MS analysis and thin-layer chromatography allowed the identification of peptide sequences and the composition of glycan moieties in the GTRs. Remarkably, GT peptide fractions produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum APsulloc 331261, a strain isolated from GT, showed a potent-binding activity for P2RY6, a GPCR involved in intestinal homeostasis. Therefore, this study suggests the potential use of probiotics-aided GTR hydrolysates as postbiotic BPs, providing a biological process for recycling GTRs from agro-waste into renewable resources as health-promoting BPs.

Impact of flavonol extracts derived from green tea or targeted flavonols as secondary ingredients on intestinal glucose transport.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of adding secondary ingredients such as green tea derived water-soluble polysaccharides (GTP) and flavonol aglycone rich fractions derived from cellulase treated green tea extract (FVN) into catechin rich green tea extracts (GTE) on wheat starch digestion and intestinal glucose transport using in vitro digestion with Caco-2 cells. Co-digestion of wheat starch with GTE (16.88 g L-1) or GTE + GTP + FVN (16.69 g L-1) appeared to promote starch hydrolysis compared to control (15.49 g L-1). In case of major flavonoids, addition of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), EGCG + myricetin (M) into wheat starch significantly increased the digestion of starch into glucose. Glucose transport rate decreased by 22.35% in wheat starch + GTE + GTP + FVN (1.39%), while the least amount of glucose (1.70%) was transported in EGCG mixed with M (1% of EGCG) as secondary ingredients among individual flavonoids formulation. It indicated that inhibitory effect on glucose transport was higher in addition of GTE, GTP, and FVN as excipients ingredients rather than targeted major flavonoids. Results from the current study suggest that whole green tea including flavonoid rich fractions could enhance hypoglycemic potential of GTE. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05140-2.

Effect of Characterized Green Tea Extraction Methods and Formulations on Enzymatic Starch Hydrolysis and Intestinal Glucose Transport.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of various characterized green tea extracts (GTEs) according to extraction methods on enzymatic starch hydrolysis and intestinal glucose transport. Codigestion of wheat starch with water extract (WGT) or ethanol extract formulated with green tea polysaccharides and flavonols (CATEPLUS) produced 3.4-3.5 times higher resistant starch (RS) than wheat starch only. Its microstructures were changed to spherical shapes and smooth surfaces as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. According to Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, the absorption peak of O-H stretching was red-shifted in WGT or CATEPLUS. The results confirmed that hydrogen bonds were formed between starch granules and polysaccharides in WGT or CATEPLUS. Intestinal glucose transport subsequently measured after in vitro digestion was mostly suppressed in CATEPLUS. Gene expression of the glucose transporter protein, particularly SGLT1, was significantly inhibited by addition of CATEPLUS (p < 0.05). Results from the current study suggest that co-intake of green tea extracts formulated with green tea polysaccharides and flavonols could be a potentially useful means to delay blood glucose absorption when consuming starchy foods.

Caragana rosea Turcz Methanol Extract Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/IRF3 Signaling Pathways.

Caragana rosea Turcz, which belongs to the Leguminosae family, is a small shrub found in Northern and Eastern China that is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat fever, asthma, and cough. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory effects are unknown. Therefore, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol extract of Caragana rosea (Cr-ME). We showed that Cr-ME reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA levels of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner. We also found that Cr-ME blocked MyD88- and TBK1-induced NF-κB and IRF3 promoter activity, suggesting that it affects multiple targets. Moreover, Cr-ME reduced the phosphorylation levels of IκBα, IKKα/ß and IRF3 in a time-dependent manner and regulated the upstream NF-κB proteins Syk and Src, and the IRF3 protein TBK1. Upon overexpression of Src and TBK1, Cr-ME stimulation attenuated the phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunits p50 and p65 and IRF3 signaling. Together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of Cr-ME occurs by inhibiting the NF-κB and IRF3 signaling pathways.

Characterized Polysaccharides from Green Tea Inhibited Starch Hydrolysis and Glucose Intestinal Uptake by Inducing Microstructural Changes of Wheat Starch.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of green tea ethanol extract (GTE) and polysaccharide fractions from green tea (PFGs) on the hydrolysis of wheat starch, microstructural changes, and intestinal transport of glucose. The amount of resistant starch (RS) was significantly lowered in the water-soluble polysaccharide (WSP), water-soluble polysaccharide-pectinase (WSP-P), and water-insoluble polysaccharide-alkali soluble (WISP-Alk-Soluble; p < 0.05). The microstructures of gelatinized wheat starch granules with WSP, WSP-P, and WISP-Alk-Soluble were spherical with small cracks. The amount of intestinal transported glucose from digested wheat starch was 2.12-3.50 times lower than the control group. The results from the current study suggest that water- and alkali-soluble PFGs could be potential ingredients to lower starch hydrolysis as well as to control the postprandial blood glucose level when foods that contain starch are consumed.

Cissus subtetragona Planch. Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses in LPS-induced Macrophages, HCl/EtOH-induced Gastritis, and LPS-induced Lung Injury via Attenuation of Src and TAK1.

Several Cissus species have been used and reported to possess medicinal benefits. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Cissus subtetragona have not been described. In this study, we examined the potential anti-inflammatory effects of C. subtetragona ethanol extract (Cs-EE) in vitro and in vivo, and investigated its molecular mechanism as well as its flavonoid content. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells and primary macrophages as well as LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and HCl/EtOH-induced acute gastritis mouse models were utilized. Luciferase assays, immunoblotting analyses, overexpression strategies, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were performed to identify the molecular mechanisms and targets of Cs-EE. Cs-EE concentration-dependently reduced the secretion of NO and PGE2, inhibited the expression of inflammation-related cytokines in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and decreased NF-κB- and AP-1-luciferase activity. Subsequently, we determined that Cs-EE decreased the phosphorylation events of NF-κB and AP-1 pathways. Cs-EE treatment also significantly ameliorated the inflammatory symptoms of HCl/EtOH-induced acute gastritis and LPS-induced ALI mouse models. Overexpression of HA-Src and HA-TAK1 along with CETSA experiments validated that inhibited inflammatory responses are the outcome of attenuation of Src and TAK1 activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that Cs-EE could be utilized as an anti-inflammatory remedy especially targeting against gastritis and acute lung injury by attenuating the activities of Src and TAK1.

Cocculus hirsutus ameliorates gastric and lung injuries by suppressing Src/Syk.

BACKGROUND: Cocculus hirsutus (L.) W. Thedo., a traditionally well-known plant, has confirmed antitumor properties as well as acute and chronic diuretic effects. However, little is known about its inflammatory activities and the potential effect on inflammatory disease treatment. PURPOSE: Our aim in this study was to explore additional beneficial properties of C. hirsutus ethanol extract (Ch-EE) such as anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo as well as its underlying mechanisms and to provide a theoretical basis for its role as a candidate natural drug in clinical gastritis and lung disease therapy. STUDY DESIGN: RAW264.7 cells, HEK293T cells, peritoneal macrophages, and mouse models of acute gastritis and acute lung injury were used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of Ch-EE. METHODS: Decreases in LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine expression by RAW264.7 cells after Ch-EE treatment were evaluated by Griess assays and PCR, respectively. Transcription factor activity was assessed through luciferase reporter gene assay, and protein expression was determined by Western blotting analysis. Overexpression assays and cellular thermal shift assays were executed in HEK293T cells. Our two in vivo models were an HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis model and an LPS-induced lung injury model. Changes in stomach lesions, lung edema, and lung histology were examined upon treatment with Ch-EE. Components of Ch-EE were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: LPS-induced nitric oxide production and Pam3CSK4- and L-NAME-induced NO production were inhibited by Ch-EE treatment of RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, LPS-induced increases in transcript levels of iNOS, COX2, CCL12, and IL-1ß were reduced by Ch-EE treatment. Ch-EE decreased both MyD88- and TRIF-induced NF-κB promotor activity. Proteins upstream of NF-κB, namely p-p50, p-p65, p-IκBα, p-AKT1, p-Src, and p-Syk, were all downregulated by Ch-EE. Moreover, Src and Syk were targets of Ch-EE. Ch-EE treatment reduced the size of inflammatory stomach lesions induced by HCl/EtOH, lung edema, and accumulation of activated neutrophils caused by LPS. CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly suggest that Cocculus hirsutus can be developed as a promising anti-inflammatory remedy with Src- and Syk-inhibitory functions targeting diseases related to gastritis and lung injury.

Profiling of In Vitro Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Uptake of Flavonoids after Consumption of Commonly Available Green Tea Types.

The aim of this study was to profile the bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of epicatechins and flavonols in different forms of green tea and its formulation: loose leaf tea, powdered tea, 35% catechins containing GTE, and GTE formulated with green tea-derived polysaccharide and flavonols (CATEPLUS™). The bioaccessibillity and intestinal absorption of epicatechins and flavonols was investigated by using an in vitro digestion model system with Caco-2 cells. The bioaccessibility of total epicatechins in loose leaf tea, powdered tea, GTE, and CATEPLUS™ was 1.27%, 2.30%, 22.05%, and 18.72%, respectively, showing that GTE and CATEPLUS™ had significantly higher bioaccessibility than powdered tea and loose leaf tea. None of the flavonols were detected in powdered tea and loose leaf tea, but the bioaccessibility of the total flavonols in GTE and CATEPLUS™ was 85.74% and 66.98%, respectively. The highest intestinal absorption of epicatechins was found in CATEPLUS™ (171.39 ± 5.39 ng/mg protein) followed by GTE (57.38 ± 9.31), powdered tea (3.60 ± 0.67), and loose leaf tea (2.94 ± 1.03). The results from the study suggest that formulating green tea extracts rich in catechins with second components obtained from green tea processing could enhance the bioavailability of epicatechins.

Syk/NF-κB-targeted anti-inflammatory activity of Melicope accedens (Blume) T.G. Hartley methanol extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Melicope accedens (Blume) Thomas G. Hartley is a plant included in the family Rutaceae and genus Melicope. It is a native plant from Vietnam that has been used for ethnopharmacology. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the leaves of M. accedens are applied externally to decrease fever. AIM OF THE STUDY: The molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory properties of M. accedens are not yet understood. Therefore, we examined those mechanisms using a methanol extract of M. accedens (Ma-ME) and determined the target molecule in macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of Ma-ME in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and in an HCl/EtOH-triggered gastritis model in mice. To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity, we performed a nitric oxide (NO) production assay and ELISA assay for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). RT-PCR, luciferase gene reporter assays, western blotting analyses, and a cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were conducted to identify the mechanism and target molecule of Ma-ME. The phytochemical composition of Ma-ME was analyzed by HPLC and LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Ma-ME suppressed the production of NO and PGE2 and the mRNA expression of proinflammatory genes (iNOS, IL-1ß, and COX-2) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. Ma-ME inhibited NF-κB activation by suppressing signaling molecules such as IκBα, Akt, Src, and Syk. Moreover, the CETSA assay revealed that Ma-ME binds to Syk, the most upstream molecule in the NF-κB signal pathway. Oral administration of Ma-ME not only alleviated inflammatory lesions, but also reduced the gene expression of IL-1ß and p-Syk in mice with HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis. HPLC and LC-MS/MS analyses confirmed that Ma-ME contains various anti-inflammatory flavonoids, including quercetin, daidzein, and nevadensin. CONCLUSIONS: Ma-ME exhibited anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo by targeting Syk in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, we propose that Ma-ME could be used to treat inflammatory diseases such as gastritis.

Hypoglycemic effect of soluble polysaccharide and catechins from green tea on inhibiting intestinal transport of glucose.

BACKGROUND: Water soluble polysaccharide derived from green tea (WSP) is produced as byproducts when catechins were extracted from green tea. Although inhibitory effect of green tea catechins on the glucose transport in small intestine has been studied, the hypoglycemic efficacy of the WSP or its combinational effect has not been studied. In order to investigate hypoglycemic efficacy of the WSP or its combinational effect with green tea extract (GTE), co-consumption of GTE and WSP with wheat starch was investigated using in vitro digestion coupled with Caco-2 cells. The mechanism of the intestinal glucose transport was elucidated throughout the gene expression of the intestinal glucose transporters, which included sodium dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The co-digestion of wheat starch with GTE during the small intestinal phase was the most rapidly digested into reducing sugar (73.96 g L-1 ) compared to itself (48.44 g L-1 ), WSP (60.35 g L-1 ), and GTE + WSP (61.81 g L-1 ). Intestinal glucose transport was 11.82, 7.59, 4.49, and 2.40% for wheat starch, wheat starch with GTE, WSP, and GTE + WSP, respectively. The highest decreased expression pattern in SGLT1 was observed when cells treated with wheat starch + GTE + WSP (0.66-fold) compared to GTE or WSP treatment. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that co-consumption of green tea derived products with wheat starch could delay the intestinal absorption of glucose. Results from the current study suggested that GTE and WSP could be the useful supplements of dietary therapy for hyperglycemia to delay glucose absorption. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of a novel triterpene saponin from Panax ginseng seeds, pseudoginsenoside RT8, and its antiinflammatory activity.

BACKGROUND: Panax ginseng Meyer (Araliaceae) is a highly valued medicinal plant in Asian regions, especially in Korea, China, and Japan. Chemical and biological studies on P. ginseng have focused primarily on its roots, whereas the seeds remain poorly understood. This study explores the phytochemical and biological properties of compounds from P. ginseng seeds. METHODS: P. ginseng seeds were extracted with methanol, and 16 compounds were isolated using various chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of the isolates were determined by spectroscopic data. Antiinflammatory activities were evaluated for triterpene and steroidal saponins using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and THP-1 monocyte leukemia cells. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of P. ginseng seeds led to the isolation of a novel triterpene saponin, pseudoginsenoside RT8, along with 15 known compounds. Pseudoginsenoside RT8 exhibited more potent antiinflammatory activity than the other saponins, attenuating lipopolysaccharide-mediated induction of proinflammatory genes such as interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, and suppressed reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide generation in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that pseudoginsenoside RT8 has a pharmaceutical potential as an antiinflammatory agent and that P. ginseng seeds are a good natural source for discovering novel bioactive molecules.

Addition of flavonols and polysaccharides as excipient ingredients into epicatechin rich green tea extract inhibited free radical formation and glucose uptake.

It was revealed that excipient ingredients such as flavonols (FVN) or polysaccharides (GTP) which could be derived from green tea enhanced catechin absorption. We hypothesized that the addition of FVN or GTP as excipient ingredients into epicatechin rich green tea extracts (GTE) may improve the health benefits that accompany its consumption. When FVN8.7 (8.7% of GTE, w/w) was added to the GTE (20 mg) as an excipient ingredient, the bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of total epicatechins was 1.2 and 1.5 times higher than that of only GTE, respectively. This was due to the free radical scavenging capacity of flavonols, showing 114.23 ± 3.07 µmol TE per g for GTE 100 + FVN8.7 and 113.64 ± 1.61 µmol TE per g for GTE 100 + FVN2, respectively. This was significantly higher than the GTE or GTE 100 + OW2 (onion peel and whangchil extracts, 2% of GTE, w/w) which have the same amount of total flavonols. Regarding potential hypoglycemic effects, co-digestion of GTE (20 mg) + green tea polysaccharides (2 mg) + FVN (5 mg) with wheat starch significantly reduced glucose intestinal absorption by 41.85 ± 1.75% compared to only the wheat starch. The results from the current study suggest that whole green tea components rich in flavonols and polysaccharides could be potential hypoglycemic excipient ingredients for green tea catechins.

Gallocatechin Gallate-Containing Fermented Green Tea Extract Ameliorates Obesity and Hypertriglyceridemia Through the Modulation of Lipid Metabolism in Adipocytes and Myocytes.

Green tea is reported to exert beneficial effects on metabolic disorders through the regulation of lipid metabolism. On the contrary, fermented food products have been introduced to improve human health by modulating immune response and energy metabolism. To maximize health benefit, we applied fermentation processing to green tea. Fermented green tea extract (FGT) inhibited adipogenesis and lipogenesis in cultured adipocytes, whereas it augmented mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in differentiated myocytes. In diet-induced obese mice, FGT blunted body weight and fat mass gain by 69.7% and 56.7%, respectively. FGT also improved circulating triglyceride concentrations by 32.6%. Similar to in vitro results, FGT suppressed lipogenesis and promoted lipid catabolism in peripheral tissues. In addition, FGT administration modulated the composition of certain gut microbiota which are associated with obesity and related metabolic disorders. Among the various components of FGT, gallocatechin gallate is suggested to mediate the effect of FGT on lipid metabolism. Taken together, we propose FGT as a novel functional food to benefit human health by controlling adiposity and lipid metabolism.

Identification of fermented tea (Camellia sinensis) polyphenols and their inhibitory activities against amyloid-beta aggregation.

Thirty-three phenolic compounds were identified from the extract of fermented tea (Camellia sinensis L.), including three undescribed flavonoids, namely quamoreokchaside I-II and kamoreokchaside I, along with thirty known compounds. All isolates were tested to evaluate their inhibitory effects against amyloid-beta (Aß) aggregation through thioflavin-T (ThT) fluorescence-based assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Among the isolates, three tea polyphenols, including (-)-catechin gallate (CG), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), significantly decreased Aß aggregation at a concentration of 10 µg ml-1, compared to the positive control, Aß alone. The anti-Aß aggregation effects of CG, ECG, and EGCG were confirmed again via TEM, which were consistent with the ThT fluorescence-based assay. Moreover, CG and ECG provided stronger protection on SH-SY5Y cells against Aß-induced cytotoxicity than EGCG. Remarkably, CG showed more potent inhibitory activity than EGCG, the best-known anti-Aß aggregation agent from tea products.

Panax ginseng extract antagonizes the effect of DKK­1-induced catagen-like changes of hair follicles.

It is well known that Panax ginseng (PG) has various pharmacological effects such as anti-aging and anti-inflammation. In a previous study, the authors identified that PG extract induced hair growth by means of a mechanism similar to that of minoxidil. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of PG extract on Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1)-induced catagen-like changes in hair follicles (HFs) was investigated in addition to the underlying mechanism of action. The effects of PG extract on cell proliferation, anti-apoptotic effect, and hair growth were observed using cultured outer root sheath (ORS) keratinocytes and human HFs with or without DKK-1 treatment. The PG extract significantly stimulated proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, respectively, in ORS keratinocytes. PG extract treatment affected the expression of apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2 and Bax. DKK-1 inhibited hair growth, and PG extract dramatically reversed the effect of DKK-1 on ex vivo human hair organ culture. PG extract antagonizes DKK-1-induced catagen-like changes, in part, through the regulation of apoptosis-related gene expression in HFs. These findings suggested that PG extract may reduce hair loss despite the presence of DKK-1, a strong catagen inducer via apoptosis.

Src/Syk/IRAK1-targeted anti-inflammatory action of Torreya nucifera butanol fraction in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Seed of Torreya nucifera (L.) Siebold & Zucc is used to treat several diseases in Asia. Reports document that T. nucifera has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative activities. In spite of numerous findings on its pharmacological effects, the understanding of the molecular inhibitory mechanisms of the plant remains to be studied. Therefore, we aimed to explore in vitro anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ethyl acetate fraction (Tn-EE-BF) prepared from the seed of T. nucifera in LPS-stimulated macrophage inflammatory responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, we measured nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, using RT-PCR, luciferase reporter gene assay, immunoblotting analysis, and kinase assay, the levels of inflammatory genes, transcription factors, and inflammatory signal-regulatory proteins were investigated. Finally, the constituent of Tn-EE-BF was identified using HPLC. RESULTS: Tn-EE-BF inhibits NO and PGE2 production and also blocks mRNA levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in a dose dependent manner. Tn-EE-BF reduces nuclear levels of the transcriptional factors NF-κB (p65) and AP-1 (c-Jun and FRA-1). Surprisingly, we found that Tn-EE-BF inhibits phosphorylation levels of Src and Syk in the NF-κB pathway, as well as, IRAK1 at the protein level, part of the AP-1 pathway. By kinase assay, we confirmed that Src, Syk, and IRAK1 are suppressed directly. HPLC analysis indicates that arctigenin, amentoflavone, and quercetin may be active components with anti-inflammatory activities. CONCLUSION: Tn-EE-BF exhibits anti-inflammatory activities by direct inhibition of Src/Syk/NF-κB and IRAK1/AP-1.

Separation of polyphenols and caffeine from the acetone extract of fermented tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) using high-performance countercurrent chromatography.

Leaves from Camellia sienensis are a popular natural source of various beverage worldwide, and contain caffeine and polyphenols derived from catechin analogues. In the current study, caffeine (CAF, 1) and three tea polyphenols including (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCg, 2), (-)-gallocatechin 3-O-gallate (GCg, 3), and (-)-epicatechin 3-O-gallate (ECg, 4) were isolated and purified by flow-rate gradient high-performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) using a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (1:9:1:9, v/v). Two hundred milligrams of acetone-soluble extract from fermented C. sinensis leaves was separated by HPCCC to give 1 (25.4 mg), 2 (16.3 mg), 3 (11.1 mg) and 4 (4.4 mg) with purities over 98%. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by QTOF-MS, as well as 1H- and 13C-NMR, and the obtained data were compared to the previously reported values.

Anti-inflammatory activity of AP-SF, a ginsenoside-enriched fraction, from Korean ginseng.

BACKGROUND: Korean ginseng is an ethnopharmacologically valuable herbal plant with various biological properties including anticancer, antiatherosclerosis, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Since there is currently no drug or therapeutic remedy derived from Korean ginseng, we developed a ginsenoside-enriched fraction (AP-SF) for prevention of various inflammatory symptoms. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory efficacy of AP-SF was tested under in vitro inflammatory conditions including nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammatory gene expression. The molecular events of inflammatory responses were explored by immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: AP-SF led to a significant suppression of NO production compared with a conventional Korean ginseng saponin fraction, induced by both lipopolysaccharide and zymosan A. Interestingly, AP-SF strongly downregulated the mRNA levels of genes for inducible NO synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase) without affecting cell viability. In agreement with these observations, AP-SF blocked the nuclear translocation of c-Jun at 2 h and also reduced phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and TAK-1, all of which are important for c-Jun translocation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that AP-SF inhibits activation of c-Jun-dependent inflammatory events. Thus, AP-SF may be useful as a novel anti-inflammatory remedy.

Flavokawains B and C, melanogenesis inhibitors, isolated from the root of Piper methysticum and synthesis of analogs.

The ethanolic extract of the root of Piper methysticum was found to inhibit melanogenesis in MSH-activated B16 melanoma cells. Flavokawains B and C were isolated from this extract based on their anti-melanogenesis activity and found to inhibit melanogenesis with IC50 values of 7.7µM and 6.9µM, respectively. Flavokawain analogs were synthesized through a Claisen-Schmidt condensation of their corresponding acetophenones and benzaldehydes and were evaluated in terms of their tyrosinase inhibitory and anti-melanogenesis activities. Compound 1b was the most potent of these with an IC50 value of 2.3µM in melanogenesis inhibition assays using MSH-activated B16 melanoma cells.