Astraoleanosides E-P, oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins from the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge and their ß-glucuronidase inhibitory activity.

Historically, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge has been used as a beneficial medicinal plant, particularly in the Asian traditional medical systems, for the treatment of various human diseases such as stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and respiratory issues associated with phlegm. In this study, a phytochemical characterization of the aerial parts of A. membranaceusled to the isolation of 29 oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, including 11 new compounds named astraoleanosides E-P (6-9, 13, 14, 18-22), as well as 18 known ones. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Among them, astraoleanoside H (9) and cloversaponin III (15) demonstrated the most potent ß-glucuronidase inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 21.20 ± 0.75 and 9.05 ± 0.47 µM, respectively, compared to the positive control d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 = 20.62 ± 1.61 µM). Enzyme kinetics studies were then conducted to investigate the type of inhibition exhibited by these active compounds. In addition, the binding mechanism, key interactions, binding stability, and dynamic behavior of protein-ligand complexes were investigated through in silico approaches, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. These findings highlight the promising potential of triterpenoid saponins from A. membranaceus as lead compounds for ß-glucuronidase inhibitors, offering new possibilities for the development of therapeutic agents targeting various diseases where ß-glucuronidase plays a crucial role.

Efficacy of a mixed extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia lactiflora in inhibiting the aging of vascular wall through in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Vascular wall aging has been strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of USCP-GVH-014, a mixed extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Paeonia lactiflora Pall., in inhibiting vascular wall aging through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results revealed that USCP-GVH-014 inhibited abnormal cell proliferation, collagen overproduction, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 overexpression caused by various stimuli and recovered the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase on human aortic smooth muscle cells. In addition, it inhibited the increase in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha on human aortic endothelial cells and prevented the aging of the vascular wall by regulating related proteins such as epidermal growth factor and interleukin-1ß. Furthermore, it reduced vascular aging in in vivo studies. These results demonstrate that USCP-GVH-014 effectively reduces vascular aging, thereby rendering it a potential therapeutic candidate for cardiovascular diseases.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) Sprout Extract in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury Model.

Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), a member of the cabbage family, is abundant with many nutrients, including vitamins, potassium, fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals. Consequently, it has been used as a functional food additive to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. In the current study, the effects of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE) on the inflammatory response were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Comparative high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of sulforaphane content from different extracts revealed that 70% ethanolic BSE contained more sulforaphane than the other extracts. qPCR and enzyme immunoassay analyses revealed that BSE markedly reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, including cyclooxygenase 2, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment with BSE improved the survival rate and suppressed alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase expression in LPS-induced endotoxemic mice, while proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and iNOS decreased dramatically in the LPS-induced liver injury model via BSE treatment. Additionally, F4/80 immunostaining showed that BSE suppressed hepatic macrophage infiltration in the liver after lipopolysaccharide injection. In conclusion, BSE may be a potential nutraceutical for preventing and regulating excessive immune responses in inflammatory disease.

Spectroscopic analysis, kinetic mechanism, computational docking, and molecular dynamics of active metabolites from the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceusBunge as tyrosinase inhibitors.

A new isoflavane derivative (2), a new natural isoflavane (6), four new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins (23, 25, 28, and 29), and twenty three known secondary metabolites (1, 3-5, 7-22, 24, 26, and 27) were isolated from the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis and compared with those identified in previous studies. Tyrosinase inhibition ability of isolated compounds (1-29) was evaluated. Of these, compounds 3, 4, 6, and 14 exhibited inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 24.6 to 59.2 µM. According to kinetic analysis, compounds 3 and 4 were non-competitive inhibitors of tyrosinase, whereas compounds 6 and 14 inhibited tyrosinase in uncompetitive and competitive modes, respectively. Molecular docking analysis identified that compounds 3, 4, and 6 could bind to allosteric sites and compound 14 could bind to the catalytic site of tyrosinase, which is consistent with the results of kinetic studies. Molecular dynamics behaviors of the active compounds in complex with tyrosinase were investigated via 60 ns simulation which demonstrated their high stability. These findings indicate that the aerial parts of A. membranaceus are a potential source of natural tyrosinase inhibitors.

Insights into the inhibitory activities of neolignans and diarylnonanoid derivatives from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) seeds on soluble epoxide hydrolase using in vitro and in silico approaches.

Two new neolignans, myrifralignans F-G (14 and 18), four new diarylnonanoid derivatives, myrifragranones A-D (21-24), and 18 known compounds were isolated and structurally elucidated from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) seeds. The absolute configurations of these secondary metabolites were determined using the electronic circular dichroism technique. The inhibitory potential of these isolated compounds on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was investigated for the first time. Among them, malabaricones B and C (19 and 20) and four new compounds 21-24 displayed inhibitory activities against sEH, with IC50 values ranging from 14.24 to 46.35 µM. Additionally, the binding mechanism, key binding interactions, stability, and dynamic behaviour of the active compounds with the sEH enzyme were analysed using in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Our findings suggest that nutmeg could become a promising natural source for discovering and developing new sEH inhibitors.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition studies of alkaloid components from Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum: in vitro assessments by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

Alkaloids are among the most important and best-known secondary metabolites as sources of new drugs from medicinal plants and marine organisms. A phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum resulted in the isolation of seven alkaloids (1-7), including one new dimeric compound, bis-(-)-8-demethylmaritidine (1). Their structures were elucidated using NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The absolute configuration of new compound 1 was established by circular dichroism spectroscopy. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in vitro. Among them, compound 1 exhibited the most potent AChE inhibition. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for the most active compound to investigate their binding interactions and dynamics behavior of the AChE protein-ligand complex. Therefore, compound 1 may be a potential candidate for effectively treating Alzheimer's disease.

Design and Synthesis of Novel Indole Ethylamine Derivatives as a Lipid Metabolism Regulator Targeting PPARα/CPT1 in AML12 Cells.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) are important targets of lipid metabolism regulation for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) therapy. In the present study, a set of novel indole ethylamine derivatives (4, 5, 8, 9) were designed and synthesized. The target product (compound 9) can effectively activate PPARα and CPT1a. Consistently, in vitro assays demonstrated its impact on the lipid accumulation of oleic acid (OA)-induced AML12 cells. Compared with AML12 cells treated only with OA, supplementation with 5, 10, and 20 µM of compound 9 reduced the levels of intracellular triglyceride (by 28.07%, 37.55%, and 51.33%) with greater inhibitory activity relative to the commercial PPARα agonist fenofibrate. Moreover, the compound 9 supplementations upregulated the expression of hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and upregulated the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) related to fatty acid oxidation and lipogenesis. This dual-target compound with lipid metabolism regulatory efficacy may represent a promising type of drug lead for NAFLD therapy.

2E-Decene-4,6-diyn-1-ol-acetate inhibits osteoclastogenesis through mitogen-activated protein kinase-c-Fos-NFATc1 signalling pathways.

An imbalance of osteoclasts and osteoblasts can result in a variety of bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis. Thus, decreasing the activity of osteoclastic bone resorption is the main therapeutic method for treating osteoporosis. 2E-Decene-4, 6-diyn-1-ol-acetate (DDA) is a natural bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, its effects on osteoclastogenesis are unknown. Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) or RAW264.7 cells were treated with DDA, followed by evaluation of cell viability, RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, and pit formation assay. Effects of DDA on RANKL-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs were assayed by western blot analysis. Expression of osteoclast-specific genes was examined with reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis. In this study, DDA significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells as well as in BMMs without cytotoxicity. DDA also strongly blocked the resorbing capacity of BMM on calcium phosphate-coated plates. DDA inhibited RANKL-induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPKs, as well as expression of c-Fos and NFATc1, which are essential transcription factors for osteoclastogenesis. In addition, DDA decreased expression levels of osteoclastogenesis-specific genes, including matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Collectively, these findings indicated that DDA attenuates RANKL-induced osteoclast formation by suppressing the MAPKs-c-Fos-NFATc1 signalling pathway and osteoclast-specific genes. These results indicate that DDA may be a potential candidate for bone diseases associated with abnormal osteoclast formation and function.

The Luteolinidin and Petunidin 3-O-Glucoside: A Competitive Inhibitor of Tyrosinase.

The enzyme tyrosinase plays a key role in the early stages of melanin biosynthesis. This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of anthocyanidin (1) and anthocyanins (2-6) on the catalytic reaction. Of the six derivatives examined, 1-3 showed inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 3.7 ± 0.1, 10.3 ± 1.0, and 41.3 ± 3.2 µM, respectively. Based on enzyme kinetics, 1-3 were confirmed to be competitive inhibitors with Ki values of 2.8, 9.0, and 51.9 µM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis revealed the formation of a binary encounter complex between 1-3 and the tyrosinase catalytic site. Luteolinidin (1) and petunidin 3-O-glucoside (2) may serve as tyrosinase inhibitors to block melanin production.

Effect of citric acid and heat treatment on the content of less-polar ginsenosides in flower buds of Panax ginseng.

Ginseng flower bud (GFB), as an inexpensive part of Panax ginseng, attracted significant attention as a beneficial functional food with medicinal potentials due to its high content of ginsenosides. A few studies focused on the utilization of heat treatment and citric acid treatment to process ginseng flowers, converting its polar ginsenosides into rare ginsenosides to improve its biological activities. Thus, in this study, we compared the changes of ginsenosides in GFB after citric acid and heat treatment by HPLC method. The results revealed that less-polar ginsenoside, Rg6 and F4, increased to 1.01 and 0.27% by heat treatment, respectively. Further, ginsenoside F2 increased to 1.13% with 1 M citric acid treatment. Furthermore, based on the combination of these two processing methods for the first time, the conversion rate of less-polar ginsenosides surged to 80%. The content of ginsenoside Rg3(s) and Rg5 increased to 1.509 and 1.871%, respectively, by simultaneous heat and citric acid treatment. Therefore, a processing approach that simultaneously performs heat and citric acid treatments has been proposed, and this considerably inexpensive and convenient processing method could be applied to the processing of GFBs and produce less-polar ginsenosides.

Anti-allergic Inflammatory Components from the Leaves of Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.

Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav. (P. crocatum), a traditional medicinal plant, has been shown to possess various pharmacological activities, including anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, anti-hyperglycemic activity, anti-allergic inflammatory activity and others. To identify the potential anti-allergic inflammatory effective constituents of P. crocatum, 13 single compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of P. crocatum leaves, and their structures were identified by contrasting their NMR spectroscopic data and previously published papers. First, the anti-allergic inflammatory activities of these single compounds were examined by accessing immune function related biomarkers such as nitric oxide (NO) and ß-hexosaminidase. We found that the methanol extract and catechaldehyde (compound 1) potently suppressed NO production. Additionally, Western blot analysis showed that P. crocatum methanol extract and compound 1 suppressed the production of NO by reducing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Consistent with these observations, P. crocatum methanol extract and compound 1 remarkably decreased ß-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with 2,4-dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA)-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Furthermore, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay indicated that P. crocatum methanol extract and compound 1 exhibited no cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 and RBL-2H3 cells. Based on these findings, compound 1 is suggested as an active anti-allergic inflammatory component of P. crocatum.

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase by phytochemical constituents of the root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica.

A novel compound 1 and nine known compounds (2-10) were isolated by open column chromatography analysis of the root bark of Ulmus davidiana. Pure compounds (1-10) were tested in vitro to determine the inhibitory activity of the catalytic reaction of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Compounds 1, 2, 4, 6-8, and 10 had IC50 values ranging from 11.4 ± 2.3 to 36.9 ± 2.6 µM. We used molecular docking to simulate inhibitor binding of each compound and estimated the binding pose of the catalytic site of sEH. From this analysis, the compound 2 was revealed to be a potential inhibitor of sEH in vitro and in silico. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) study was performed to find detailed interaction signals of inhibitor 2 with enzyme. Finally, compound 2 is promising candidates for the development of a new sEH inhibitor from natural plants.

Isolation of bioactive components with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity from Stachys sieboldii MiQ. by ultrasonic-assisted extraction optimized using response surface methodology.

Stachys sieboldii MiQ (SSM) is an important food and medicinal herb in Korea, used to improve memory of patients with senile dementia and cardiovascular diseases. However, little information on bioactive components from SSM or standardized extraction methods for these components is available. This study isolated and purified major components from SSM for the first time, and assessed their ability to inhibit soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The results showed that acteoside is the most potent inhibitor of sEH, with an IC50 of 33.5 ± 0.5 µM. Additional active components, including harpagide, tryptophan, and 8-acetate-harpagide, along with acteoside, were tentatively identified using high-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS) and quantified using an ultraviolet detector at 210 nm. Further, an ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique for extraction of four bioactive compounds in SSM was developed and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal extraction conditions were: extraction time, 30.46 minutes; extraction temperature, 67.95 °C, and methanol concentration 53.85%. The prediction model of RSM was validated with laboratory experiments. The similarity between predicted and actual values was 97.84%. The extraction method is thus a rapid, environment-friendly, energy-saving method can be applied to extract bioactive components from SSM in large quantities.

Inhibitory Effects of Cucurbitane-Type Triterpenoids from Momordica charantia Fruit on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells.

The bitter melon, Momordica charantia L., was once an important food and medicinal herb. Various studies have focused on the potential treatment of stomach disease with M. charantia and on its anti-diabetic properties. However, very little is known about the specific compounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, the in vitro inhibitory effect of M. charantia on pro-inflammatory cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) has not been reported. Phytochemical investigation of M. charantia fruit led to the isolation of 15 compounds (1-15). Their chemical structures were elucidated spectroscopically (one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance) and with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated compounds were evaluated by measuring the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin IL-6, IL-12 p40, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated BMDCs. The cucurbitanes were potent inhibitors of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 p40, indicating promising anti-inflammatory effects. Based on these studies and in silico simulations, we determined that the ligand likely docked in the receptors. These results suggest that cucurbitanes from M. charantia are potential candidates for treating inflammatory diseases.

Protective Effects of Compounds from Cimicifuga dahurica against Amyloid Beta Production in Vitro and Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Vivo.

Cimicifuga dahurica has traditionally been used as an antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent and as a treatment for uterine and anal prolapse. This study has investigated the potential beneficial effects of this medicinal plant and its components on Alzheimer's disease (AD) with a focus on amyloid beta (Aß) production and scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. An ethanol extract from C. dahurica roots decreased Aß production in APP-CHO cells [Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells stably expressing amyloid precursor protein (APP)], as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. Then, the compounds isolated from C. dahurica were tested for their antiamyloidogenic activities. Four compounds (1-4) efficiently interrupted Aß generation by suppressing the level of ß-secretase in APP-CHO cells. Moreover, the in vivo experimental results demonstrated that compound 4 improved the cognitive performances of mice with scopolamine-induced disruption on behavioral tests and the expression of memory-related proteins. Taken together, these results suggest that C. dahurica and its constituents are potential agents for preventing or alleviating the symptoms of AD.

Coumarin and Moracin Derivatives from Mulberry Leaves (Morus alba L.) with Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitory Activity.

This study identified three coumarins (1-3), and six moracin derivatives (4-9). The structures of these natural compounds were determined by the spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR methods, and comparison with previous reported data. All of the isolated compounds were assessed for the effects on the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activity. Among them, compounds 1-7 exhibited significant inhibitory effect with 100% inhibitory, with IC50 values of 6.9, 0.2, 15.9, 1.1, 1.2, 9.9, and 7.7 µM, respectively. A kinetic study revealed that compounds 1-4, and 6 were competitive types of inhibitors, compounds 5 and 7 were mixed types of inhibitors. These results suggest that moracin and coumarin derivatives from mulberry leaves are significant sEH inhibitors.

Inhibitory Activity of Quercetin 3-O-Arabinofuranoside and 2-Oxopomolic Acid Derived from Malus domestica on Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase.

Flavonoids and triterpenoids were revealed to be the potential inhibitors on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The aim of this study is to reveal sEH inhibitors from Fuji apples. A flavonoid and three triterpenoids derived from the fruit of Malus domestica were identified as quercetin-3-O-arabinoside (1), ursolic acid (2), corosolic acid (3), and 2-oxopomolic acid (4). They had half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the inhibitors (IC50) values of 39.3 ± 3.4, 84.5 ± 9.5, 51.3 ± 4.9, and 11.4 ± 2.7 µM, respectively, on sEH. The inhibitors bound to allosteric sites of enzymes in mixed (1) and noncompetitive modes (2-4). Molecular simulations were carried out for inhibitors 1 and 4 to calculate the binding force of ligands to receptors. The inhibitors bound to the left (1) and right (4) pockets next to the enzyme's active site. Based on analyses of their molecular docking and dynamics, it was shown that inhibitors 1 and 4 can stably bind sEH at 1 bar and 300 K. Finally, inhibitors 1 and 4 are promising candidates for further studies using cell-based assays and in vivo cardiovascular tests.

Enhancement of an In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Oleanolic Acid through Glycosylation Occurring Naturally in Stauntonia hexaphylla.

Stauntonia hexaphylla (Lardizabalaceae) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Korea and China for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. As part of a bioprospecting program aimed at the discovery of new bioactive compounds from Korean medicinal plants, a phytochemical study of S. hexaphylla leaves was carried out leading to isolation of two oleanane-type triterpene saponins, 3-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl] oleanolic acid-28-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl] ester (1) and 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid-28-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl] ester (2). Their structures were established unambiguously by spectroscopic methods such as one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopies, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and chemical reactions. Their anti-inflammatory activities were examined for the first time with an animal model for the macrophage-mediated inflammatory response as well as a cell-based assay using an established macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) in vitro. Together, it was concluded that the saponin constituents, when they were orally administered, exerted much more potent activities in vivo than their sapogenin core even though both the saponins and the sapogenin molecule inhibited the RAW 264.7 cell activation comparably well in vitro. These results imply that saponins from S. hexaphylla leaves have a definite advantage in the development of oral medications for the control of inflammatory responses.

Isolation, structural elucidation, and insights into the anti-inflammatory effects of triterpene saponins from the leaves of Stauntonia hexaphylla.

Using various chromatographic techniques, 23 triterpene saponins (1-23) were isolated from an ethanol extract of Stauntonia hexaphylla, including two new compounds (12 and 15). Their chemical structures were established by comprehensive spectroscopic methods such as 1D- and 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS, and chemical reactions. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated saponins were determined using the nitric oxide (NO) assay. Compound 13 exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.59 µM). In addition to NO, compound 13 suppressed the secretion of PGE2, IL-1ß, and IL-6, but not TNF-α, and inhibited the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. The chemical derivatives of the isolated compounds were studied using structure-activity relationships. The results suggested that compound 13 isolated from S. hexaphylla might be useful for treating inflammation. This is the first comprehensive study of saponins from the leaves of S. hexaphylla based on anti-inflammatory extract screening guidelines.

Anti-inflammatory Potential of Saponins from Aster tataricus via NF-κB/MAPK Activation.

Four new aster saponins (1-4) together with five known analogues (5-9) were isolated from Aster tataricus. The chemical structures of 1-4 were elucidated based on spectrometric and spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. The potential anti-inflammatory activities of aster saponins 1-9 were evaluated subsequently by measuring lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-enhanced nitric oxide (NO) formation in murine macrophages. Among these, aster saponin B (6) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50: 1.2 µM). Additionally, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels were dose-dependently suppressed by 6 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory mechanism indicated that 6 attenuated the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), which led to the blocking of NF-κB p65 translocation to the nucleus.