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.

Drug Development from Natural Products Based on the Pathogenic Mechanism of Asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pulmonary system associated with many wheeze-to-sleep apnea complications that may lead to death. In 2019, approximately 262 million patients suffered from asthma, and 455 thousand died from the disease worldwide. It is a more severe health problem in children and older adults, and as the aging of society intensifies, the problem will continue to worsen. Asthma inducers can be classified as indoor and outdoor allergens and can cause asthma due to their repeated invasion. There are several theories about asthma occurrence, such as the imbalance between Th1 and Th2, inflammation in the pulmonary system, and the abnormal apoptosis/cell proliferation of cells related to asthma. Although there are many medications for asthma, as it is an incurable disease, the purpose of the drugs is only to suppress the symptoms. The current drugs can be divided into relievers and controllers; however, as they have many adverse effects, such as immune suppression, growth retardation, promotion of cataracts, hyperactivity, and convulsions, developing new asthma drugs is necessary. Although natural products can have adverse effects, the development of asthma drugs from natural products may be beneficial, as some have anti-asthmatic effects such as immune modulation, anti-inflammation, and/or apoptosis modulation.

Partial Purification and Biochemical Evaluation of Protease Fraction (MA-1) from Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii and Its Fibrinolytic Effect.

The antioxidative proteolytic fraction, MA-1, was partially purified from Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii. MA-1 was purified to homogeneity using a two-step procedure, which resulted in an 89-fold increase in specific activity and 42.5% recovery. SDS-PAGE revealed two proteins with a molecular weight of 48 kDa. The zymography results revealed proteolytic activity based on the MA-1 band. MA-1 was found to be stable in the presence of Na+, Ca2+, Fe3+, K+, and Mg2+. MA-1 was also stable in methanol, ethanol, and acetone, and its enzyme activity increased by 15% in SDS. MA-1 was inhibited by ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid or ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid and exerted the highest specificity for the substrate, MeO-Suc-Arg-Pro-Tyr-pNA, for chymotrypsin. Accordingly, MA-1 belongs to the family of chymotrypsin-like metalloproteins. The optimum temperature was 40 °C and stability was stable in the range of 20 to 35 °C. The optimum pH and stability were pH 5.5 and pH 4-11. MA-1 exhibited stronger fibrinolytic activity than plasmin. MA-1 hydrolyzed the Aα, Bß, and γ chains of fibrinogen within 2 h. MA-1 exhibited an antithrombotic effect in animal models. MA-1 was devoid of hemorrhagic activity at a dose of 80,000 U/kg. Overall, our results show that M. aitchisonii produces an acid-tolerant and antioxidative chymotrypsin-like fibrinolytic enzyme, and M. aitchisonii containing MA-1 could be a beneficial functional material for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and possible complications.

Strong inhibition of xanthine oxidase and elastase of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC stem extract and analysis of biologically active constituents.

Introduction: In the present study, strong xanthine oxidase and elastase activities of Baccharis trimera (Less) DC stem (BT) were evaluated and active ingredients were identified to determine the possibility of using BT extract as an anti-hyperuricemia (gout) and cosmetic functional material. Methods: Hot water, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% ethanolic extracts of BT were prepared. The hot water extract had the highest extraction yield whereas the 100% ethanolic extract had the lowest yield. Results and discussion: Antioxidant effects were investigated based on DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and total phenolic contents. The 80% ethanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. However, the 100% ethanol BT extract showed strong xanthine oxidase and elastase inhibitory activities. Functional substances were thought to be caffeic acid and luteolin. Minor active substances such as o-coumaric acid, palmitic acid, naringenin, protocatechoic acid, and linoleic acid were identified. Through this study, we firstly reported evidence that BT stem extract could be used as functional materials with anti-hyperuricemia and skin disease improving effects. BT stem extract could be used as an anti-hyperuricemia (gout) natural drug or cosmetic material. For further study, practical studies such as optimizing BT extraction and functional experiments for hyperuricemia (gout) and skin wrinkle improvement are considered necessary.

Purification of phenoloxidase from Haliotis discus hannai and its anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.

Haliotis discus hannai, a food with a high protein content, is widely consumed in Asian countries. It is known to have antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. Since the biological significance of H. discus hannai hemolymph has not been widely studied, the objective of the present study was to purify phenoloxidase (PO) and investigate its immunological effects on human colonic epithelial cells. PO was purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation and one step column chromatography. The molecular weight of the protein was about 270 kDa. When PO was mixed with Gram-negative bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at various ratios (10:1-1:10, w/w), the amount of residual LPS was reduced. PO at concentrations up to 200 µg/mL was not cytotoxic to HT-29 cells. The inflammatory response induced by LPS in HT-29 cells was regulated when the concentration of PO was increased. With increasing concentration of PO, production levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cytokines associated with hyperimmune responses such as IL4, IL-5, and INF-γ, and prostaglandin 2 (PGE2) were regulated. It was thought that simultaneous treatment with PO and LPS anti-inflammatory effects in HT-29 cells showed by regulating the ERK1/2-mediated NF-κB pathway. Results of this study suggest that H. discus hannai hemolymph is involved in the regulation of Gram-negative bacteria-related inflammatory immune responses in human colonic epithelial cells.

Medication Trends for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is central vision loss with aging, was the fourth main cause of blindness in 2015, and has many risk factors, such as cataract surgery, cigarette smoking, family history, hypertension, obesity, long-term smart device usage, etc. AMD is classified into three categories: normal AMD, early AMD, and late AMD, based on angiogenesis in the retina, and can be determined by bis-retinoid N-retinyl-N-retinylidene ethanolamine (A2E)-epoxides from the reaction of A2E and blue light. During the reaction of A2E and blue light, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are synthesized, which gather inflammatory factors, induce carbonyl stress, and finally stimulate the death of retinal pigment epitheliums (RPEs). There are several medications for AMD, such as device-based therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-VEGFs, and natural products. For device-based therapy, two methods are used: prophylactic laser therapy (photocoagulation laser therapy) and photodynamic therapy. Anti-inflammatory drugs consist of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Anti-VEGFs are classified antibodies for VEGF, aptamer, soluble receptor, VEGF receptor-1 and -2 antibody, and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Finally, additional AMD drug candidates are derived from natural products. For each medication, there are several and severe adverse effects, but natural products have a potency as AMD drugs, as they have been used as culinary materials and/or traditional medicines for a long time. Their major application route is oral administration, and they can be combined with device-based therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-VEGFs. In general, AMD drug candidates from natural products are more effective at treating early and intermediate AMD. However, further study is needed to evaluate their efficacy and to investigate their therapeutic mechanisms.

Hesperidin Inhibits UVB-Induced VEGF Production and Angiogenesis via the Inhibition of PI3K/Akt Pathway in HR-1 Hairless Mice.

Hesperidin is a citrus flavanone glycoside with potent anti-inflammatory effects that interferes with UVB-stimulated angiogenesis in skin, but its molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of hesperidin on UVB-induced angiogenesis in HR-1 hairless mice. We found hesperidin treatment inhibited skin neovascularization skin induced by repetitive UVB light exposure. Exposure to UVB radiation induces the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and MMP-9, but we found all of these were inhibited by treatment with hesperidin. Using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, we also found hesperidin inhibited the increase in hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)α expression induced by UVB exposure. After discovering that UVB induces VEGF expression via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways, we found hesperidin reduces UVB-induced VEGF expression by inhibiting UVB-induced PI3K activity. This, in turn, reduces the UVB-induced Akt/p70S6K phosphorylation in human primary keratinocytes and fibroblast cells. Because it affects the mediators of angiogenesis, our data suggest hesperidin has an anti-angiogenic effect on the pathologic skin neovascularization induced by UVB light. Thus, hesperidin may prove useful in the treatment of skin injuries caused by UVB light exposure.

Usage of Natural Volatile Organic Compounds as Biological Modulators of Disease.

Plants produce a wide variety of natural volatile organic compounds (NVOCs), many of which are unique to each species. These compounds serve many purposes, such as fending off herbivores and adapting to changes in temperature and water supply. Interestingly, although NVOCs are synthesized to deter herbivores, many of these compounds have been found to possess several therapeutic qualities, such as promoting nerve stability, enhancing sleep, and suppressing hyperresponsiveness, in addition to acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, many NVOCs are promising drug candidates for disease treatment and prevention. Given their volatile nature, these compounds can be administered to patients through inhalation, which is often more comfortable and convenient than other administration routes. However, the development of NVOC-based drug candidates requires a careful evaluation of the molecular mechanisms that drive their therapeutic properties to avoid potential adverse effects. Furthermore, even compounds that appear generally safe might have toxic effects depending on their dose, and therefore their toxicological assessment is also critical. In order to enhance the usage of NVOCs this short review focuses not only on the biological activities and therapeutic mode of action of representative NVOCs but also their toxic effects.

Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Profiles Associated with High-Fat Diet in Mice.

Obesity can be caused by microbes producing metabolites; it is thus important to determine the correlation between gut microbes and metabolites. This study aimed to identify gut microbiota-metabolomic signatures that change with a high-fat diet and understand the underlying mechanisms. To investigate the profiles of the gut microbiota and metabolites that changed after a 60% fat diet for 8 weeks, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic analyses were performed. Mice belonging to the HFD group showed a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes but an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes compared to the control group. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, such as Lactococcus, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, Oscillibacter, Ruminiclostridium, Harryflintia, Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, and Erysipelatoclostridium, was significantly higher in the HFD group than in the control group. The increased relative abundance of Firmicutes in the HFD group was positively correlated with fecal ribose, hypoxanthine, fructose, glycolic acid, ornithine, serum inositol, tyrosine, and glycine. Metabolic pathways affected by a high fat diet on serum were involved in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and trypto-phan biosynthesis. This study provides insight into the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and metabolites altered by HFD and may help to understand the mechanisms underlying obesity mediated by gut microbiota.

Korean Red Ginseng affects ovalbumin-induced asthma by modulating IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 levels and the NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2 pathways.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). METHODS: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. RESULTS: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2 pathways. CONCLUSION: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

Korean Red Ginseng alleviates dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats via its antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities.

BACKGROUND: Beneficial effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. METHODS: We examined whether pretreatment (daily from 2 hours before PCOS induction) with KRG extract in water (KRGE; 75 and 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) could exert a favorable effect in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. RESULTS: Pretreatment with KRGE significantly inhibited the elevation of body and ovary weights, the increase in number and size of ovarian cysts, and the elevation of serum testosterone and estradiol levels induced by DHEA. Pretreatment with KRGE also inhibited macrophage infiltration and enhanced mRNA expression levels of chemokines [interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase in ovaries induced by DHEA. It also prevented the reduction in mRNA expression of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta (EGF, TGF-ß)) related to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell pathway and stimulation of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 pathway. Interestingly, KRGE or representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3(s)) inhibited the activity of inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS, cytosolic p-IkB, and nuclear p-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, whereas they increased nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation. CONCLUSION: These results provide that KRGE could prevent DHEA-induced PCOS via antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, KRGE may be used in preventive and therapeutic strategies for PCOS-like symptoms.

Saururus chinensis-controlled allergic pulmonary disease through NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2 pathways.

Saururus chinensis is a perennial herb found in the northeastern regions of Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan, and is used in traditional medicine. Studies have identified the four major constituents in Saururus chinensis water extract (LHF618®) as miquelianin (11.75 ± 0.092 mg/g), rutin (1.20 ± 0.008 mg/g), quercitrin (2.38 ± 0.389 mg/g), and quercetin (0.068 ± 0.017 mg/g). Saururus chinensis can improve the symptoms of ovalbumin- or fine dust-induced allergic pulmonary disease by suppressing the effects of WBCs and neutrophils in BALF and IgE in the serum. Saururus chinensis dose-dependently recovered morphological changes such as mucous hyper secretion (from 2.7 ± 0.46 to 0.6 ± 0.65), pulmonary epithelial cell hyperplasia (from 2.4 ± 0.55 to 0.7 ± 0.67), and inflammatory cell infiltration (from 2.3 ± 0.45 to 0.6 ± 0.43), and effectively controlled cDNA levels and protein levels of IL-13. It inhibited NF-κB translocation and COX-2 protein synthesis and suppressed the expression of PGE2. Our results show that Saururus chinensis controlled allergic pulmonary disease via the anti-inflammatory pathways, NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2. Saururus chinensis may be a promising drug candidate against fine dust-induced allergic pulmonary disease.

Intervention with kimchi microbial community ameliorates obesity by regulating gut microbiota.

The objective of this study was to evaluate anti-obesity effects of kimchi microbial community (KMC) on obesity and gut microbiota using a high fat diet-induced mouse model compared to effects of a single strain. Administration of KMC decreased body weight, adipose tissue, and liver weight gains. Relative content of Muribaculaceae in the gut of the KMC-treated group was higher than that in the high-fat diet (HFD) group whereas relative contents of Akkermansiaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were lower in KMC-treated group. Metabolic profile of blood was found to change differently according to the administration of KMC and a single strain of Lactobacillus plantarum. Serum metabolites significantly increased in the HFD group but decreased in the KMC-treated group included arachidic acid, stearic acid, fumaric acid, and glucose, suggesting that the administration of KMC could influence energy metabolism. The main genus in KMC was not detected in guts of mice in KMC-treated group. Since the use of KMC has advantages in terms of safety, it has potential to improve gut microbial community for obese people.

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.

New Synthesized Galloyl-RGD Inhibits Melanogenesis by Regulating the CREB and ERK Signaling Pathway in B16F10 Melanoma Cells.

Gallic acid (3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a phytochemical derived from diverse herbs. It has been reported to have effective antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant activity. However, gallic acid exhibits low solubility and instability at high temperatures. In a previous study, in order to overcome these limitations, we synthesized galloyl-RGD by combining gallic acid with arginine, glycine and asparaginic acid (RGD peptide). This compound showed better thermal stability than gallic acid. In this study, we investigated the antimelanogenic effect of galloyl-RGD and the underlying mechanism for this effect. Galloyl-RGD markedly inhibited melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. We also found that galloyl-RGD decreased the levels of melanogenesis-related gene and protein. In addition, galloyl-RGD reduces intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels that leads to inhibition of cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression. These results indicate that CREB and ERK regulation by galloyl-RGD contributes to reduced melanin synthesis via degradation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. Therefore, galloyl-RGD can be potential candidate for application in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry.

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.

Macmoondongtang modulates Th1-/Th2-related cytokines and alleviates asthma in a murine model.

OBJECTIVE: Macmoondongtang has been used as a traditional medicine to treat pulmonary disease in Korea. However, the mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect has yet to be reported. In the present study, the role of macmoondongtang as a respiratory medicine, especially as an anti-asthmatic agent, has been attributed to the down-regulation of interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. MATERIALS & METHODS: BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: control, asthma-induced control, dexamethasone treatment, treatment with 150 mg/kg macmoondongtang, and treatment with 1500 mg/kg macmoondongtang. To evaluate the anti-asthmatic effect of macmoondongtang, we investigated its suppressive or inhibitory effects against typical asthmatic changes such as differential cell count in bronchioalveolar fluid (BALF), serum IgE levels, lung morphology, expression of Th1/Th2 cell transcription factors such as T-bet and GATA-3, and Th1-/Th2-/Th17-related cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-12p40, IL-4, -5, -13, TNF-α, and IL-6. The active ingredients in macmoondongtang were further analyzed. RESULTS: Macmoondongtang treatment down-regulated serum IgE level, a very important marker of hyper-responsiveness. It reversed typical morphological changes such as mucous hypersecretion, lung epithelial cell hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration near bronchioalveolar space and veins. Macmoondongtang significantly decreased neutrophil count in BALF, as well as reduced T-bet, IFN-γ, and TNF-α expression in the lung. It also showed a dose-dependent control of inflammatory cells in BALF, controlled the expression of IL-12, IL-4, and IL-5 genes in the lung, and the protein expression of IL12p40, GATA-3, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. The component analysis revealed glycyrrhizin and liquiritin as the active ingredients. CONCLUSIONS: Macmoondongtang treatment alleviates asthma symptoms and modulate the Th1-/Th2- related cytokines. Glycyrrhizin and liquiritin could be the major the active therapeutic components.

Metabolomic Approach for Discrimination of Cultivation Age and Ripening Stage in Ginseng Berry Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

The purpose of this study was to analyze metabolic differences of ginseng berries according to cultivation age and ripening stage using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics method. Ginseng berries were harvested every week during five different ripening stages of three-year-old and four-year-old ginseng. Using identified metabolites, a random forest machine learning approach was applied to obtain predictive models for the classification of cultivation age or ripening stage. Principal component analysis (PCA) score plot showed a clear separation by ripening stage, indicating that continuous metabolic changes occurred until the fifth ripening stage. Three-year-old ginseng berries had higher levels of valine, glutamic acid, and tryptophan, but lower levels of lactic acid and galactose than four-year-old ginseng berries at fully ripened stage. Metabolic pathways affected by different cultivation age were involved in amino acid metabolism pathways. A random forest machine learning approach extracted some important metabolites for predicting cultivation age or ripening stage with low error rate. This study demonstrates that different cultivation ages or ripening stages of ginseng berry can be successfully discriminated using a GC-MS-based metabolomic approach together with random forest analysis.

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.