A Lignan from Alnus japonica Activates Myogenesis and Alleviates Dexamethasone-induced Myotube Atrophy.

To find inhibitors against skeletal muscle loss, we isolated a lignan compound ((-)-(2R,3R-1,4-O-diferuloylsecoisolarciresinol, DFS) from the stem of Alnus japonica. C2C12 myoblasts were treated with DFS during differentiation. To induce an in vitro atrophic condition, differentiated myotubes were treated with dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid). DFS (10 nM) increased expression levels of myogenic factors and the number of multi-nucleated myotubes expressing myosin heavy chain (MHC). The myogenic potential of DFS could be attributed to p38 MAPK activation. DFS also protected against dexamethasone-induced damage, showing increased expression of MHC and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a major anabolic factor. Under atrophic condition, the anti-myopathy effect of DFS was associated with inactivation of NF-κB signaling pathway and the subsequent suppression of muscle degradative E3 ligases and myostatin. DFS treatment also restored fast muscle fiber (type II a, II b, and II x), known to be susceptible to dexamethasone. These results indicate that DFS isolated from A. japonica can stimulate myogenesis via p38 MAPK activation and alleviate muscle atrophy by modulating the expression of genes associated with muscle protein anabolism/catabolism. Thus, we propose that DFS can be used as a pharmacological and nutraceutical agent for increasing muscle strength or protecting muscle loss.

Fermented Perilla frutescens Ameliorates Depression-like Behavior in Sleep-Deprivation-Induced Stress Model.

Excessive stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of mood disorders such as depression. Fermented natural products have recently attracted attention because of their health benefits. We evaluated the antidepressant-like efficacy of fermented Perilla frutescens (FPF), and its underlying mechanisms, in sleep deprivation (SD)-induced stress mice. SD-stressed mice revealed a remarkable increase in the immobility time in both forced swimming test and tail suspension test; this increase was ameliorated by treatment with FPF at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg. FPF treatment also reduced the level of stress hormones such as corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone. Additionally, FPF increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine which were significantly decreased in the brain tissues of SD-stressed mice. The increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL1ß, and the decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the stressed mice were significantly reversed by FPF treatment. Furthermore, FPF also increased phosphorylation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Among the six components isolated from FPF, protocatechuic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects, suggesting that they are major active components. These findings suggest that FPF has therapeutic potential for SD-induced stress, by correcting dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and modulating the BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway.

Protective effects of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) against skin aging: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and photodamage resulting from ultraviolet radiation exposure play key roles in skin aging. Fermented Cyclopia intermedia, which is used to brew honeybush tea, exerts antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase activity. OBJECTIVES: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) for skin rejuvenation. METHODS: 120 Korean subjects with crow's feet wrinkles were randomized to receive either low-dose extract (400 mg/day), high-dose extract (800 mg/day), or placebo (negative control, only dextran) for 12 weeks. Wrinkles were evaluated using JANUS® and PRIMO pico®. Skin elasticity, hydration and transepidermal water loss were measured. RESULTS: Global skin wrinkle grade was significantly improved in both low-dose and high-dose groups compared to placebo group, as well as for skin hydration and elasticity. Both the low- and high-dose groups showed significantly decreased TEWL compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse effects during the entire study period. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that HU-018 is effective for improving skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration. Therefore, daily supplementation with fermented honeybush could be helpful for protecting against skin aging.

Large-scale purification of unstable, water-soluble secologanic acid using centrifugal partition chromatography.

INTRODUCTION: Secologanic acid, a major secoiridoid in the flower buds of Lonicera japonica, is a fragile, highly polar compound that readily changes to epivogeloside or vogeloside after being dissolved in methanol. Thus, it is very difficult to obtain secologanic acid on a large-scale. OBJECTIVE: To develop a centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) method for large-scale purification of secologanic acid with high purity from the flower buds of L. japonica. METHODS: After fractionation with Diaion HP-20 macroporous resin, 30% methanol eluent was purified by CPC with a ternary biphasic solvent system with ethyl acetate/isopropanol/water (6:4:10, v/v/v). CPC was performed separately twice with the same solvent system, first in descending mode and second in ascending mode. RESULTS: After the first CPC operation, a secologanic acid enriched fraction (586 mg) was obtained from 3 g of crude extract, and secologanic acid (206 mg) was isolated with a purity over 93% in the subsequent ascending mode with the same solvent system from a 586 mg enriched fraction. In addition, it was confirmed that epivogeloside and vogeloside were reversely converted to secologanic acid in an aqueous acidic solution. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that CPC is a simple, effective, and rapid method for the purification of secologanic acid in the flower buds of L. japonica.

Quisqualis indica Improves Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating Prostate Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis.

Quisqualis indica (QI) has been used for treating disorders such as stomach pain, constipation, and digestion problem. This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of QI extract on treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line and a testosterone-induced BPH rat model. LNCaP cells were treated with QI plus testosterone propionate (TP), and androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression levels were assessed by Western blotting. To induce BPH, the rats were subjected to a daily subcutaneous injection of TP (3 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The rats in treatment group were orally gavaged with QI (150 mg/kg) together with the TP injection. In-vitro studies showed that TP-induced increases in AR and PSA expression in LNCaP cells were reduced by QI treatment. In BPH-model rats, the prostate weight, testosterone in serum, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentration and 5α-reductase type 2 mRNA expression in prostate tissue were significantly reduced following the treatment with QI. TP-induced prostatic hyperplasia and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1 were significantly attenuated in QI-treated rats. In addition, QI induced apoptosis by up-regulating caspase-3 and -9 activity and decreasing the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) ratio in prostate tissues of BPH rats. Further investigation showed that TP-induced activation of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) was reduced by QI administration. Therefore, our findings suggest that QI attenuates the BPH state in rats through anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities and might be useful in the clinical treatment of BPH.

Protective effect of fermented Cyclopia intermedia against UVB-induced damage in HaCaT human keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: The fermented leaves and stems of Cyclopia intermedia are used to brew honeybush tea, a herbal tea indigenous to South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of fermented honeybush extracts (FH ex) and scale-up fermented honeybush extracts (SFH ex) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. To this end, we examined UVB-induced cell viability, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory mediators in HaCaT cells. METHODS: UVB significantly decreased HaCaT cell viability, whereas FH ex and SFH ex did not exhibit cytotoxic effects and increased the viability of the HaCaT cells. To further investigate the protective effects of FH ex on UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), pro-inflammatory cytokines and skin barrier function in terms of involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin were analyzed. RESULTS: UVB-induced treatment reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and skin barrier function, while FH ex or SFH ex increased their activity. These results suggest that FH ex exerted cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells through stimulation of antioxidant enzymes activities. Furthermore, FH ex and SFH ex suppressed the UVB-induced expression of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8, at mRNA level together with down regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs). In addition, FH ex and SFH ex reversed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by UVB-irradiation. Notably, FH ex and SFH ex markedly inhibited UVB-induced activation of ERK, p38, and JNK. Thus, this agent exhibits anti-oxidative and -inflammatory effects via lowering ROS production, suppressing p38, ERK, and JNK activation, and down-regulating expression of MMPs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that FH ex and SFH ex can be used as a skin anti-photoaging agent.

Anti-wrinkle effects of fermented and non-fermented Cyclopia intermedia in hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: The fermented leaves and stems of Cyclopia intermedia are used to brew honeybush tea, an herbal tea indigenous to South Africa with reported anti-wrinkle effects. Wrinkle formation caused by photoaging clearly involves changes in extracellular matrix components and mechanical properties of the skin. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of honeybush extract and fermented honeybush on wrinkle formation were determined by analyzing skin replicas, histologically examining epidermal thickness, and identifying damage to collagen fibers. RESULTS: Honeybush extract and fermented honeybush reduced the length and depth of skin winkles caused by UV irradiation and inhibited thickening of the epidermal layer, in addition to suppressing collagen tissue breakdown reactions, indicating its potential use as a skin wrinkle prevention agent. CONCLUSIONS: This in vivo study demonstrates that honeybush produces significant anti-wrinkle effects and is therefore of interest in anti-aging skin care products.

Improvement in Testosterone Production by Acorus gramineus for the Alleviation of Andropause Symptoms.

Acorus gramineus has a number of beneficial effects, including protective effects against age-related disorders. In this study, the effects of A. gramineus on testosterone production and andropause symptoms were evaluated. We first treated TM3 mouse Leydig cells, responsible for testosterone production, with A. gramineus aqueous extract at different concentrations. In TM3 cells, the testosterone concentration increased in a concentration-dependent manner compared with those in the control. In addition, at 400 µg/mL extract, the mRNA expression level of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 was increased. Subsequently, 23-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats exhibiting an age-related reduction in serum testosterone (approximately 80% lower than that in 7-week-old SD rats) were administered A. gramineus aqueous extract for 8 weeks. Serum total testosterone and free testosterone levels were higher and serum estradiol, prostate-specific antigen levels, and total cholesterol levels were lower in the AG50 group (A. gramineus aqueous extract 50 mg/kg of body weight/day) than in the OLD (control group). The AG50 group also showed significant elevations in sperm count, grip strength, and mRNA expression of StAR, CYP11A1, 17ß-HSD, and CYP17A1 compared with those in the OLD group. In conclusion, A. gramineus aqueous extract facilitated steroidogenesis in Leydig cells, elevated testosterone levels, lowered serum estradiol and total cholesterol levels, and increased muscle strength and sperm count, thus alleviating the symptoms of andropause. These findings suggest that A. gramineus aqueous extract is a potentially effective therapeutic agent against various symptoms associated with andropause.

Platycodon grandiflorum root extract inhibits Aß deposition by breaking the vicious circle linking oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease accompanied by irreversible cognitive impairment. A deleterious feedback loop between oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in early AD exacerbates AD-related pathology. Platycodon grandiflorum root extract (PGE) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in several organs. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of PGE in the brain remain unclear, particularly regarding its impact on oxidative/inflammatory damage and Aß deposition. Thus, we aim to identify the mechanism through which PGE inhibits Aß deposition and oxidative stress in the brain by conducting biochemical and histological analyses. First, to explore the antioxidant mechanism of PGE in the brain, we induced oxidative stress in mice injected with scopolamine and investigated the effect of PGE on cognitive decline and oxidative damage. We also assessed the effect of PGE on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the expressions of antioxidant enzymes and neurotrophic factor in H2O2- and Aß-treated HT22 hippocampal cells. Next, we investigated whether PGE, which showed antioxidant effects, could reduce Aß deposition by mitigating neuroinflammation, especially microglial phagocytosis. We directly verified the effect of PGE on microglial phagocytosis, microglial activation markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in Aß-treated BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, we examined the effect of PGE on neuroinflammation, inducing microglial responses in Aß-overexpressing 5XFAD transgenic mice. PGE exerts antioxidant effects in the brain, enhances microglial phagocytosis of Aß, and inhibits neuroinflammation and Aß deposition, ultimately preventing neuronal cell death in AD. Taken together, our findings indicate that the therapeutic potential of PGE in AD is mediated by its targeting of multiple pathological processes.

Effect of honokiol on cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzyme activities in human liver microsomes.

Honokiol is a bioactive component isolated from the medicinal herbs Magnolia officinalis and Magnolia grandiflora that has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antitumor activities. The inhibitory potentials of honokiol on eight major human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4, and four UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) 1A1, 1A4, 1A9, and 2B7 in human liver microsomes were investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Honokiol strongly inhibited CYP1A2-mediated phenacetin O-deethylation, CYP2C8-mediated amodiaquine N-deethylation, CYP2C9-mediated diclofenac 4-hydroxylation, CYP2C19-mediated [S]-mephenytoin 4-hydroxylation, and UGT1A9-mediated propofol glucuronidation with K(i) values of 1.2, 4.9, 0.54, 0.57, and 0.3 µM, respectively. Honokiol also moderately inhibited CYP2B6-mediated bupropion hydroxylation and CYP2D6-mediated bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation with K(i) values of 17.5 and 12.0 µM, respectively. These in vitro results indicate that honokiol has the potential to cause pharmacokinetic drug interactions with other co-administered drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and UGT1A9.

Skin Hydration Effects of Scale-Up Fermented Cyclopia intermedia against Ultraviolet B-Induced Damage in Keratinocyte Cells and Hairless Mice.

Photoaging occurs by chronic skin exposure to the sun and ultraviolet irradiation and leads to skin aging accompanied by a lack of skin hydration. We previously demonstrated the photoprotective effect of fermented Cyclopia intermedia (honeybush) extract on the skin. In this study, we evaluated the skin hydration effects of scaled-up fermented honeybush extract (HU-018) against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in HaCaT immortalized human keratinocytes and hairless mice. Pretreating HaCaT cells with HU-018 attenuated the decreased hyaluronic acid (HA) levels and mRNA expression of genes encoding involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin by UVB irradiation. HU-018 treatment also ameliorated the decreased stratum corneum (SC) hydration and the increased levels of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema index (EI) in hairless mice after UVB exposure. Microarray analysis revealed changes in gene expression patterns of hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2), transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-ß3), and elastin induced by HU-018 in UVB-irradiated mice. Consistently, the mRNA expression of Has2, TGF-ß3, and elastin was increased by HU-018 treatment. Moreover, HU-018 restored the increased epidermal thickness and collagen disorganization in skin tissue of UVB-irradiated mice. HU-018 treatment also decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and increased procollagen type-1, elastin, and TGF-ß1 expression. In conclusion, we found that HU-018 promoted skin hydration processes in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes and hairless mice by modulating involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin, and HA expression and ameliorating visible signs of photoaging. Thus, HU-018 may be a good skin hydration agent for skin care.

The Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus YT1 (MENOLACTO) on Improving Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study evaluated the efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus YT1 (MENOLACTO) for alleviating menopausal symptoms. This study was a multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving female subjects (ages: 40-60 years) with menopausal symptoms and a Kupperman index (KMI) score ≥ 20. Subjects were administered 1 × 108 CFU/day MENOLACTO or placebo, with the primary endpoint being total KMI score, and the effect of secondary endpoints on alleviating menopausal symptoms according to individual categories of the modified KMI, as well as a quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL questionnaire). After 12 weeks, total KMI scores decreased significantly, demonstrating improved menopausal symptoms relative to placebo along with improved modified KMI scores. Additionally, quality of life, according to the MENQOL questionnaire, significantly improved in all four symptoms-physical, psychosocial, vasomotor, and sexual symptoms. Moreover, we observed no significant difference between the two groups or significant changes in blood follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels or endometrial thickness. These results demonstrated that MENOLACTO alleviated menopausal symptoms without notable side effects and improved quality of life, suggesting its efficacy as an alternative supplement to alleviate menopausal symptoms in women ineligible for hormonal therapy.

Standardized Seed Extract of Quisqualis indica (HU-033) Attenuates Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via α1-Adrenergic Receptors and Androgen/Estrogen Signaling.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disease characterized by prostatic enlargement and is the most common urologic symptoms in elderly men 60 years of age and older. Previously, we documented that 70% ethanol (EtOH) seed extract of Quisqualis indica (QI) attenuates pathological condition of testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH rat model via modulation of proliferation and apoptosis of prostate cells. Based on this potential of QI, we produced standardized seed extract of QI (HU-033) in order to prove further mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to suggest further mechanisms underlying the relationship between BPH and HU-033. Through not only cellular and nuclear receptor functional assays, but TP-mediated BPH rat model treated with HU-033, we demonstrated that HU-033 exerted antagonist effect on α1A- and α1D-adrenergic receptors in vitro and inhibitory effect on protein expression of androgen receptor and estrogen receptor alpha in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that HU-033 is a novel candidate for the management of BPH.

Rosae multiflorae fructus extract and its four active components alleviate ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammatory responses via regulation of Th1/Th2 imbalance in BALB/c rhinitis mice.

BACKGROUND: Rosae Multiflorae fructus has potent antioxidative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. PURPOSE: We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Rosae Multiflorae fructus extract (RMFE) on allergic inflammation in an allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model. METHODS: Mice were sensitized and intranasally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), the Th1/Th2-related cytokines and histopathology were examinated after RMFE treatments. Primary cell culture from spleen and NALT was performed to evaluate RMFE effect on Th1/Th2 responses. Four active components of RMFE were determined using HPLC and then tested the inhibition on Th2 response. RESULTS: Oral administration of RMFE inhibited the accumulation of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and the nasal mucosa, goblet cells in the nasal epithelium, and mast cells in the respiratory region of the nasal cavity. Thus, the swelling of the nasal epithelium, nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), and lung tissue were ameliorated. Furthermore, the RMFE suppressed Th2-related cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in NALF, NALT, and splenocytes, whereas the Th1-associated cytokine IL-12 was up-regulated by RMFE. We also revealed the active components of RMFE, such as ellagic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and miquelianin. They may inhibit IL-4 secretion in allergic responses. CONCLUSION: RMFE may have therapeutic potential for treating AR by modulating the relationships between Th1/Th2 responses.

Preventive Effects of a Probiotic Mixture in an Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergy Model.

Although there has been a steady increase in the prevalence of food allergies worldwide in recent decades, no effective therapeutic strategies have been developed. Modulation of the gut microbiota composition and/or function through probiotics has been highlighted as a promising target for protection against food allergies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the allergy-reducing effects of a probiotic mixture (P5: Lactococcus lactis KF140, Pediococcus pentosaceus KF159, Lactobacillus pentosus KF340, Lactobacillus paracasei 698, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 26N) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy. Administration of P5 significantly suppressed the oral OVA challenge-induced anaphylactic response and rectal temperature decline, and reduced diarrhea symptoms. Moreover, P5 also significantly inhibited the secretion of IgE, Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17), which were increased in mice with OVA-induced food allergy, and induced generation of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. These results revealed that P5 may have applications as a preventive agent against food allergy.

HS-23, a Lonicera japonica extract, reverses sepsis-induced immunosuppression by inhibiting lymphocyte apoptosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lonicera japonica Thunberg, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antiendotoxin activities. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of HS-23, the ethanol extract of the dried flower buds of L. japonica, on sepsis-induced immunosuppression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male ICR mice were intravenously administered HS-23 (10, 20, and 40mg/kg) immediately (0h) and 22h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The spleen was isolated for biochemical assays 24h after CLP. RESULTS: HS-23 improved sepsis-induced mortality. CLP induced a marked decrease in the number of splenocytes, B cells, and natural killer cells, which was attenuated by HS-23. HS-23 also attenuated CLP-induced apoptosis in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and inhibited both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway in the spleen. HS-23 attenuated the CLP-induced decrease in interleukin (IL)-17 production. CLP significantly decreased splenic production of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-2, and these effects were attenuated by HS-23. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that HS-23 reverses immunosuppression during the late phase of sepsis by inhibiting lymphocyte apoptosis and enhancing Th1 cytokine production. HS-23 warrants further evaluation as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of sepsis.

Metabolism-mediated drug interaction potential of HS-23, a new herbal drug for the treatment of sepsis in human hepatocytes and liver microsomes.

HS-23, an extract of the dried flower buds of Lonicera japonica, is a new botanical drug currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical study in Korea for the treatment of sepsis. The in vitro induction and inhibition potentials of HS-23 on the drug-metabolizing enzymes using human hepatocytes and liver microsomes were assessed to evaluate herb-drug interaction according to botanical drug guideline and drug interaction guidance of FDA. HS-23 slightly inhibited CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 enzyme activities in human liver microsomes with IC50 values of 80.6, 160.7, 169.5, 85.4, and 76.6 µg/mL, respectively. HS-23 showed negligible inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2D6, UGT1A1, UGT1A4, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7 activities in human liver microsomes. Based on these results, HS-23 may not inhibit the metabolism of CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4-catalyzed drugs in humans. HS-23 did not affect the mRNA expression of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 after 48 h treatment at three concentrations (0.5, 5, and 50 µg/mL) in three independent human hepatocytes, indicating that HS-23 has no effect on herb-drug interactions that up- or down-regulate CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4. These results indicate that the administration of HS-23 in human may not cause clinically relevant inhibition and induction of these cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes and HS-23 may be promising therapeutic agent for treatment of sepsis.

Larvicidal activity against Plutella xylostella of cordycepin from the fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris.

The insecticidal activities of methanol extracts of Cordyceps militaris Link (Ascomycotina: Clavicipitaceae) cultured on fresh pupae of Bombyx mori L against 3rd-instar larvae of Plutella xylostella L were examined using direct contact application. The larvicidal activity was more pronounced in an extract of C militaris fruiting body than in an extract of the pupae separated from the culture. The biologically active constituent of the Cordyceps fruiting body was characterized as cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) by spectroscopic analysis. Responses varied according to dose, exposure time and application method. In a leaf-dipping test, cordycepin at 500 mg litre-1 caused no mortality at 1 DAT (day after treatment) but 78 and 100% mortality at 2 and 4 DAT, respectively, whereas 34 and 88% mortality at 3 and 5 DAT, respectively was observed at 300 mg litre-1. Cordycepin caused body colour change from pale green to dark brown and eventually body lysis. These results suggested that the larvicidal action may be attributable to a direct effect rather than an inhibitory action on chitin synthesis. There was a significant difference in insecticidal activity of cordycepin between leaf dipping (500 mg litre-1) with 100% mortality and topical application (10 micrograms per larva) with 0% mortality, suggesting that cordycepin has stomach action. Cordycepin merits further study as a potential P xylostella control agent or as a lead compound.

HS-23, Lonicera japonica extract, attenuates septic injury by suppressing toll-like receptor 4 signaling.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lonicera japonica Thunberg is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in East Asia as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agent. This study was designed to investigate the effects of HS-23, ethanol extract of the dried flower buds of Lonicera japonica, in experimental models of sepsis and elucidate the mechanisms of action of HS-23. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male ICR mice were intravenously administered HS-23 (20 and 40 mg/kg) for 0 (immediately) and 24 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) for survival tests, and HS-23 (40 mg/kg) immediately after CLP for biochemical assays. RESULTS: HS-23 improved sepsis-induced mortality, enhanced bacterial clearance, and attenuated multiple organ failure. The mechanisms of action of HS-23 included attenuation of increased toll-like receptor (TLR)4 protein and mRNA expression. HS-23 suppressed sepsis-induced increases in protein expression of myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in both liver and lung, as well as TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß and interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 protein expression in liver. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that HS-23 attenuated sepsis through suppression of TLR signaling pathways. Therefore, our findings suggest that HS-23 might be useful as a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of sepsis.

Magnolia officinalis attenuates free fatty acid-induced lipogenesis via AMPK phosphorylation in hepatocytes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Magnolia officinalis (MO) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used in clinical practice to treat liver disease. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of MO on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver in hepatocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human hepatoma-derived HepG2 cells and mouse normal FL83B hepatocytes were exposed to 0.5mM free fatty acids (FFAs; oleate:palmitate, 2:1) for 24h to simulate conditions of nonalcoholic fatty liver in vitro. The cells were treated with a standardized MO extract 1h prior to FFA exposure. RESULTS: MO pretreatment attenuated the increases in intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in FFA-exposed hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. MO pretreatment significantly inhibited both sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c activation and increases in fatty acid translocase, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl CoA desaturase-1 protein expression in FFA-exposed hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. MO pretreatment markedly induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in hepatocytes. Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, blocked the inhibitory effect of MO on the increases in intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride content induced by FFAs. In hepatocytes pretreated with compound C, MO failed to inhibit SREBP-1c activation and the increases in fatty acid translocase, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 protein expression induced by FFAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that MO attenuates triglyceride biosynthesis and accumulation induced by FFAs in hepatocytes, suggesting its pharmacological potential for the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These effects may be mediated by the inhibition of SREBP-1c via AMPK phosphorylation.