Effect of Orally Administered Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz Water Extract on Macrophage and T Cell Inflammatory Response in Mice.

The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AM) is a constituent of various Qi booster compound prescriptions. We evaluated inflammatory responses in macrophages and T cells isolated from mice following oral administration of AM water extract (AME). Peritoneal exudate cells were isolated from thioglycollate-injected mice and alterations in scavenger receptors were examined. Peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum cytokine responses to intraperitoneal LPS injection were also evaluated. Splenocytes were isolated and their composition and functional responses were measured. The content of atractylenolide I and atractylenolide III, known anti-inflammatory ingredients, in AME was 0.0338 mg/g extract and 0.565 mg/g extract, respectively. AME increased the number of SRA(+)CD11b(+) cells in response to thioglycollate. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from the AME group showed no changes in inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 but exhibited a decrease in CD86 expression. Interestingly, AME decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 upon intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Regarding the adaptive immune system, AME increased the CD4(+) T cell population and major histocompatibility complex class II molecule expression in the spleen, and cultured splenocytes from the AME group showed increased production of IL-4 concurrent with decreased interferon-γ production during T cell activation. AME promoted the replenishment of peritoneal macrophages during the inflammatory response but its anti-inflammatory activity did not appear to be mediated by the modulation of macrophage activity. AME also altered the immune status of CD4 T cells, promoting the Th2 response.

Enterococcus faecium FC-K Derived from Kimchi Is a Probiotic Strain That Shows Anti-Allergic Activity.

A rise in the occurrence of allergic diseases is attributed to the dysregulated balance of type 1/type 2 immunity, where type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells predominate over type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells, leading to an abnormally increased production of IgE in response to unharmful antigens. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is a rich source of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we investigated the ability of Enterococcus faecium FC-K derived from kimchi to induce type I immunity in the presence of Th2 polarizing conditions in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with E. faecium FC-K induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Under the in vitro Th2 conditions in which splenic T cells were activated in the presence of IL-4, E. faecium FC-K enhanced the ability of T cells to produce interferon (IFN)-γ. Using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model, male BALB/c mice receiving E. faecium FC-K reduced the serum level of total IgE, but not that of OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, the population of activated splenic B cells during OVA immunization was decreased in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice, accounting for a reduction of total IgE in the serum. Restimulating splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice with OVA ex vivo resulted in an increased production of IFN-γ, with no effect on IL-4, in E. faecium FC-Ktreated mice. These observations provide the evidence that E. faecium FC-K can be a beneficial probiotic strain that can modulate the Th2-mediated pathologic response.

Prunus yedoensis bark inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokine synthesis by IκBα degradation and MAPK activation in macrophages.

The bark of Prunus yedoensis is used in antitussive medicines and in oral herbal formulations for inflammatory skin disorders. In the present study, we explored whether P. yedoensis bark extract (PYE) and its solvent partitioned fractions could modulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in vivo and in vitro. In addition, we examined the effect of PYE extract and its fractions on LPS-induced NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Oral treatment of PYE decreased serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS injected mice. PYE inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages at the transcriptional level and also suppressed LPS-induced IκBα degradation and MAPK activation in vitro. Among the fractions, the chloroform fraction, which contains genistein, naringenin, sakuranetin, prunetin, and amygdalin, showed inhibitory effects at much lower concentrations than the water and ethyl acetate fractions. Taken together, our results indicate that PYE was able to inhibit LPS-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-6, the latter of which was more prominent. The effects of PYE on inflammatory cytokine synthesis may involve modulation of NF-κB and MAPK activation.

Association between P478S polymorphism of the filaggrin gene & atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), allergy and asthma, are complex diseases resulting from the effect of multiple genetic and interacting environmental factors on their pathophysiology. The genetic basis is incompletely understood; however, recent studies have shown an association between loss-of-function variants of the filaggrin gene (FLG) and atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether FLG variants can serve as a predictor for atopic diseases in Korean individuals. METHODS: A total of 648 subjects were genotyped for the FLG P478S (rs11584340, C/T base change) polymorphism (322 patients and 326 controls). Serum levels of free fatty acids (FFA) and IgE were later stratified to determine the effects of the FLG polymorphism on AD. RESULTS: A significant difference in genotype frequency was found between AD patients and controls in the FLG P478S polymorphism. The FLG P478S T allele carrier (TT+TC) was associated with AD risk (odds ratio = 1.877, 95% confidence interval 1.089 to 3.234). In addition, the P478S T allele was related to high levels of FFA in AD patients (471.79 ± 298.96 vs. 333.54 ± 175.82 µg eq/l, P <0.05). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that the FLG P478S polymorphism alone and combined with other factors influences FFA levels and increases the susceptibility to AD.

Proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 ß polymorphisms in sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

The cause and pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remain unknown. IL-1ß is one of the most powerful inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß) gene polymorphisms (-511 C/T and +3953 C/T) in patients with SSNHL. One hundred two patients affected by SSNHL and 595 controls were genotyped for IL-1ß gene polymorphisms. The polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA fragment separation via electrophoresis. Compared to controls, the IL-1ß (+3953) T allele increased the relative risk of SSNHL in subjects with IL-1ß (-511) TT genotype (p = 0.022, OR = 9.111, 95% CI = 1.441-57.618). In this study, polymorphisms in the IL-1ß -511 and IL-1ß +3953 loci were assessed for evidence of association with SSNHL. From this assessment, a significant difference in carriage of both the IL-1ß -511 T allele and the IL-1ß +3953 T allele was observed between SSNHL and controls. This suggests that the IL-1ß -511 and +3953 loci may play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of SSNHL.

Anti-inflammatory activity of cinnamon water extract in vivo and in vitro LPS-induced models.

BACKGROUND: Cinnamon bark is one of the most popular herbal ingredients in traditional oriental medicine and possesses diverse pharmacological activities including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties. The goal of this study is to investigate the in vivo and in vitro inhibitory effect of cinnamon water extract (CWE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and its underlying intracellular mechanisms. METHODS: CWE was orally administrated to mice for 6 days prior to intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Serum levels of TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were determined 1 hour after LPS stimulation. Peritoneal macrophages from thioglycollate-injected mice were isolated and assayed for viability, cytokine expression and signaling molecules upon LPS stimulation. CWE was further fractioned according to molecular size, and the levels of total polyphenols and biological activities of each fraction were measured. RESULTS: The oral administration of CWE to mice significantly decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6. CWE treatment in vitro decreased the mRNA expression of TNF-α. CWE blocked the LPS-induced degradation of IκBα as well as the activation of JNK, p38 and ERK1/2. Furthermore, size-based fractionation of CWE showed that the observed inhibitory effect of CWE in vitro occurred in the fraction containing the highest level of total polyphenols. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with CWE decreased LPS-induced TNF-α in serum. In vitro inhibition of TNF-α gene by CWE may occur via the modulation of IκBα degradation and JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 activation. Our results also indicate that the observed anti-inflammatory action of CWE may originate from the presence of polyphenols.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Keigai-rengyo-to extract and acupuncture in male patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and interaction of Keigai-rengyo-to extract (KRTE) and acupuncture in male patients with acne and the feasibility of a large clinical trial. DESIGN: A randomized, assessor single-blinded, 2×2 factorial trial was conducted. The trial is registered with the Clinical Research Information Service, Republic of Korea: KCT0000071. SUBJECTS: Forty-four (44) participants with acne vulgaris were randomized into one of four groups: waiting list group (WL), KRTE only group (KO), acupuncture only group (AO), and KRTE and acupuncture combined treatment group (KA). INTERVENTION: After randomization, patients in the AO and KA groups underwent eight sessions of acupuncture treatment, twice per week. Patients in the KO and KA groups were prescribed KRTE 3 times daily, 7.4 g each dose, after meals, for 4 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: The following outcome measurements were used in examination of subjects: mean percentage change and the count change of inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions, Skindex 29, investigator global assessment from baseline to end of trial, and proportion of dropouts and compliance with KRTE. RESULTS: A significant interaction of KRTE and acupuncture was evident according to mean percent change of inflammatory acne lesions, but not of noninflammatory acne lesions from baseline to the end of the study. Statistically significant differences were observed in the primary effect on mean percent change of noninflammatory acne lesions, not by acupuncture, but by KRTE. Adjusted Skindex 29 score changes indicated no statistically significant reduction within groups and between groups. The improvement rate in patients with KRTE and acupuncture treatment was not significant, compared to patients with no KRTE and acupuncture treatment. The proportion of dropouts was 22.7% and rate of compliance with KRTE was 92.3%. CONCLUSIONS: For treatment of acne vulgaris, use of KRTE combined with acupuncture is recommended for inflammatory lesions and KRTE only is recommended for noninflammatory lesions. Further large-scale trials assuming a higher dropout rate and aimed at confirming the ability of KRTE and acupuncture to improve inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions in patients with acne are needed.

Clinical effect of pricking blood at neiyingxiang (ExHN 9) on non-allergic rhinopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-allergic rhinopathy (NAR), formerly known as vasomotor rhinitis, is a non-allergic and non-infectious chronic disease that is accompanied by nasal hyperemia, rhinorrhea, and no increase in the number of eosinophils. Although the medications for NAR, including intranasal corticosteroids and intranasal antihistamine, have been used in clinical practice, given the relative paucity of effective therapy with available medications, alternative non-pharmacologic treatments could play an important role in treating NAR. Acupuncture treatment is representative potential alternative therapy for the treatment of various diseases, including rhinitis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pricking blood at Neiyingxiang (ExHN 9) relative to acupuncture treatment at Waiyingxiang (LI 20) in patients with NAR. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, parallel-group, controlled, assessor single-blinded, trial will be conducted. Fifty participants with NAR will be randomized into one of two groups: either the control group with acpuncture treatment at LI 20 or the experimental group with pricking blood at ExHN 9. After randomization, a total of three sessions of treatment will be performed once a week in both groups. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and the Mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (MiniRQLQ) at baseline and the end of the trial will be used to evaluate the efficacy of each treatment. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of pricking blood for the treatment of NAR. The results of this study will help establish an alternative approach for treating patients with NAR that do not respond to Western medication.

Interaction and efficacy of Keigai-rengyo-to extract and acupuncture in male patients with acne vulgaris: a study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: In consideration of patients seeking to use traditional Chinese medicine, an evidence-based potentiality for safe and effective use of herbal medicine and acupuncture in treatment of acne vulgaris has been suggested. However, despite common use of a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture in clinical practice, the current level of evidence is insufficient to draw a conclusion for an interaction and efficacy of herbal medicine and acupuncture. Therefore, considering these methodological flaws, this study was designed to assess the interaction and efficacy of an available herbal medicine, Keigai-rengyo-to extract (KRTE), and acupuncture for treatment of acne using the 2 × 2 factorial design and the feasibility of a large clinical trial. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, assessor single blinded, 2 × 2 factorial pilot trial will be conducted. Forty four participants with acne vulgaris will be randomized into one of four groups: waiting list group (WL), KRTE only group (KO), acupuncture only group (AO), and KRTE and acupuncture combined treatment group (KA). After randomization, a total of 8 sessions of acupuncture treatment will be performed twice a week in the AO- and KA groups, respectively. Patients in the KO- and KA groups will be prescribed KRTE 3 times a day at a dose of 7.4 g after meals for 4 weeks. The following outcome measurements will be used in examination of subjects: the mean percentage change and the count change of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions, the Skindex 29, visual analogue scale (VAS) and investigator global assessment (IGA) from baseline to the end of the trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea: KCT0000071.

Zingiber officinale protects HaCaT cells and C57BL/6 mice from ultraviolet B-induced inflammation.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a physical carcinogen, and UV irradiation from sunlight has negative effects on human skin. UVB-induced inflammation is linked to excessive induction of various inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in many types of cells, including keratinocytes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of water extract of Zingiber officinale, gingerol, and shogaol on UVB-induced skin damage in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and C57BL/6 mice. To test for an effective compound to protect against inflammation in UV-damaged skin, we prepared a water extract of ginger rhizomes and examined the effects of Z. officinale, gingerol, and shogaol on cell viability and cytokine/chemokine production in UV-irradiated HaCaT cells. We also investigated the in vivo relevance of these findings in C57BL/6 mice using hematoxylin and eosin staining and cytokine measurements. A water extract of Z. officinale, gingerol, and shogaol inhibited production of cytokines in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells effectively. Treatment with Z. officinale attenuated UVB-induced hyperplasia, infiltration of leukocytes, and dilation of blood vessels in the dermis of mice. Z. officinale, gingerol, and shogaol show potential as anti-inflammatory agents to protect skin against UVB irradiation damage.

Extract of Punica granatum inhibits skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Punica granatum (pomegranate) is kind of a fruit consumed fresh or in beverage. It has been widely used in traditional medicine in various parts of the world. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a Punica granatum (PG) extract in protecting skin against UVB-induced damage using cultured human skin fibroblasts. METHODS: A Korean red PG sample was used, and its effects classified according to if the PG source originated from the rind, seed and fruit. The polyphenol content of PG, which is known to prevent other adverse cutaneous effects of UV irradiation, was measured by GC-MS. The protective effects of PG on UVB-induced skin photoaging were examined by determining the level of procollagen type I and MMP-1 after UVB irradiation. RESULTS: Based on the GC-MS quantitative analysis, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and equol were the predominant compounds detected in PG. In the changes of expression of procollagen type I and MMP-1 in UV irradiated human skin fibroblasts treated PG, especially extract prepared from rind, the synthesis of collagen was increased and the expression of MMP-1 was decreased. CONCLUSION: The major polyphenols in PG, particularly catechin, play a significant role in its photoprotective effects on UVB-induced skin damage.

Protective effects of Cinnamomum cassia Blume in the fibrogenesis of activated HSC-T6 cells and dimethylnitrosamine-induced acute liver injury in SD rats.

Cinnamomum cassia Blume (CC) is one of the world's oldest natural spices, and is commonly used in traditional oriental medicine. We investigated the protective effect of ethanol extract from Cinnamomum cassia Blume (CCE) on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In addition, we examined the effects of CC powder in Sprague-Dawley rats with acute liver injury induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). In vitro, HSC-T6 cells exhibit an activated phenotype, as reflected in their fibroblast-like morphology. CCE significantly reduced the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). In vivo, the results were significantly protected by CC powder in the serum total protein, albumin, total-bilirubin, direct-bilirubin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). We suggest that CC inhibits fibrogenesis, followed by HSC-T6 cell activation and increased restoration of liver function, ultimately resulting in acute liver injury.

Effect of Dipsaci radix on hind limb muscle atrophy of sciatic nerve transected rats.

It was reported that Dipsaci radix (DR) has a reinforcement effect on the bone-muscle dysfunction in the oriental medical classics and the experimental animal studies. The muscle atrophy was induced by unilateral transection of the sciatic nerve of the rats. Water-extract of DR was used as treatment once a day for 12 days. The muscle weights of the hind limb, atrophic changes, glycogen contents, compositions and cross-section areas of muscle fiber types in soleus and medial gastrocnemius were investigated. Muscle fiber type was classified to type-I and type-II with MHCf immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, Bax and Bcl-2 expressions were observed with immunohistochemiatry. DR treatment significantly increased muscle weights of soleus, medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, and posterior tibialis of the damaged hind limb. DR treatment reduced apoptotic muscle nuclei and hyaline-degenerated muscle fibers in soleus and medial gastrocnemius of the damaged hind limb. DR treatment also significantly increased glycogen contents in medial gastrocnemius of the damaged hind limb. DR treatment significantly attenuated the slow-to-fast shift in soleus of the damaged hind limb but not in medial gastrocnemius. DR treatment significantly increased cross-section areas of type-I and type-II fibers in soleus and medial gastrocnemius of the damaged hind limb. In soleus and medial gastrocnemius, DR treatment significantly reduced Bax positive muscle nuclei in the damaged hind limb. These results suggest that DR treatment has an anti-atrophic effect and an anti-apoptotic effect against myonuclear apoptosis induced by the peripheral nerve damage.

Leuconostoc citreum HJ-P4 (KACC 91035) regulates immunoglobulin E in an ovalbumin-induced allergy model and induces interleukin-12 through nuclear factor-kappa B and p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinases signaling in macrophages.

Leuconostoc citreum (L. citreum) HJ-P4 (KACC 91035) is one of the major predominant species in kimchi fermentation in Korea. The purpose of the present study was to test the immunomodulatory capacity of L. citreum to modulate the IgE-mediated allergic response and to examine the involvement of NF-kappaB and MAPK in IL-12 production in macrophages. Balb/c mice were sensitized with OVA/alum and oral administration of L. citreum to the mice began before or after the OVA sensitization. Protein and mRNA expression of Th1 cytokines in splenocytes by L. citreum in vitro was measured. The role of NF-kappaB and MAPK such as p38, ERK1/2 and JNK in L. citreum-induced IL-12 was investigated in peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cell lines. L. citreum inhibited the serum levels of total IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a altogether and increased OVA-specific IFN-gamma production in splenocytes from pre- and post-sensitized animals. However, the downregulation of IL-4 and IL-5 production was observed only in the pre-sensitization group. The ability of L. citreum to stimulate IFN-gamma was dependent on its induction of IL-12. NF-kappaB, p38 and JNK were mainly involved in L. citreum-induced IL-12 production. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that L. citreum is able to regulate serum IgE generation at the induction and effector phases of allergic response through overall control over antibody production and that its involvement of IL-12 production was mediated through NF-kappaB and p38/JNK. Taken together, the use of L. citreum can be useful in preventing the development and progression of IgE production.

Effects of red ginseng extract on UVB irradiation-induced skin aging in hairless mice.

UNLABELLED: Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Korean herb medicine, has been widely used in China and Japan for fatigue and enhancement of resistance to many diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study is aimed to assess the effects of Korean red ginseng extract on UVB irradiation induced skin aging in hairless mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Red ginseng extracts prepared with ethanol were used in this study. To standardize Korean red ginseng, it was analyzed by HPLC. And inhibitory effects of red ginseng extract on UVB irradiation-induced skin aging in hairless mice were determined by the measurement of wrinkle, expression of type I procollagen and MMP-1 and immunohistology. RESULTS: Based on the HPLC quantitative analysis, ginsenoside Rb1 content in Korean red ginseng was 43.5mg/g of extract. In the result of body weight gain and food efficiency rate, body weights of all groups were increased during experimental periods. In the wrinkle measurement and image analysis of skin replicas, the results showed that the dietary supply containing red ginseng extract significantly inhibited wrinkle formation caused by chronic UVB irradiation. In the changes of expression of procollagen type I and MMP-1 in the skin of UV irradiated hairless mice fed dietary supplement containing 2.5% red ginseng extract, level of mRNA of procollagen type I was decreased. But protein level of that was increased. And in terms of MMP-1, either mRNA or protein levels of MMP-1 were significantly decreased. These results showed anti-wrinkle effect of Korean red ginseng involved the inhibition of collagen degradation rather than increased collagen synthesis. CONCLUSION: It is shown that Korean red ginseng may be functional food candidate for skin photoaging.

Induction of Th1 cytokines by Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides (KCTC 3100) under Th2-type conditions and the requirement of NF-kappaB and p38/JNK.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides (LMM) KCTC 3100, is one of the prominent species in the fermentation of kimchi, a traditional Korean food. In the present study, we investigated the capacity of this microorganism in inducing Th1 cytokines in the presence of Th2 signals in vitro and in vivo and the requirement of NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling. Stimulation with heat-killed LMM in mouse splenocytes induced the expression of IFN-gamma, which was dependent on IL-12 production by LMM. Pre-treatment with LMM in vitro augmented the production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in response to anti-CD3 plus recombinant IL-4 (rIL-4). LMM administration to mice, beginning either before or after the development of OVA sensitization, increased OVA-restimulated IFN-gamma production in the splenocytes and reduced serum total and OVA-specific IgE levels. However, only the pre-sensitization treatment induced a slight reduction in IL-4 from the same cells, but the post-sensitization treatment did not. Induction of IL-12 by LMM in peritoneal macrophages involved NF-kappaB, p38 and JNK, but not ERK1/2. In conclusion, our data presented the upregulation of IFN-gamma by LMM under the pro-Th2 conditions and the requirement of NF-kappaB, p38 and JNK for IL-12 production. These observations suggest that this microorganism can be a useful Th1-inducing agent in modulating the Th1/Th2 imbalance.

Neuroprotective effect of Buddleja officinalis extract on transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

The flower buds of Buddleja officinalis MAXIM (Loganiaceae) are used to treat headache and inflammatory diseases in traditional Korean medicine. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of the methanolic extract of B. officinalis (BOME) and of its hexane fraction (BOHF) were investigated in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo, 120 min occlusion, 24 h reperfusion) Sprague-Dawley rat model. BOME or BOHF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was twice administered 30 min before the onset of MCAo and 2 h after reperfusion. BOME and BOHF treated groups showed infarct volumes reduced by 33.9% and 68.2%, respectively, at 2 h occlusion. In BOHF treated animals, cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS inductions were inhibited in ischemic hemispheres at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that BOME and BOHF both inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide production in BV-2 mouse microglial cells. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory and the microglial activation inhibitory effects of B. officinalis extract may contribute to its neuroprotective effects in brain ischemia.