From Primary Data to Ethnopharmacological Investigations on Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson as a Remedy against Gastric Ailments in Valmalenco (Italy).

(1) Background: Within the framework of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE & Heritage project (2018-2022), this study originated from a three-year ethnobotanical survey in Valmalenco (Sondrio, Italy). Following a preliminary work published by our group, this research further explored the folk therapeutic use of Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson (Asteraceae) for dyspepsia disorders, specifically its anti-inflammatory potential at a gastrointestinal level. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed. The bitter taste was investigated through molecular docking software (PLANTS, GOLD), while the anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroethanolic extract, infusion, and decoction was evaluated based on the release of IL-8 and IL-6 after treatment with TNFα or Helicobacter pylori. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bacterial adhesion on the gastric epithelium were evaluated. (3) Results: In total, 401 respondents were interviewed. Molecular docking highlighted di-caffeoylquinic acids as the main compounds responsible for the interaction with bitter taste receptors. The moderate inhibition of IL-6 and IL-8 release was recorded, while, in the co-culture with H. pylori, stronger anti-inflammatory potential was expressed (29-45 µg/mL). The concentration-dependent inhibition of H. pylori growth was recorded (MIC = 100 µg/mL), with a significant anti-adhesive effect. (4) Conclusions: Confirming the folk tradition, the study emphasizes the species' potentiality for dyspepsia disorders. Future studies are needed to identify the components mostly responsible for the biological effects.

Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Early Response to Inflammation and Helicobacter pylori Infection in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells.

Helicobacter pylori is a leading cause of chronic gastric inflammation, generally associated with gastritis and adenocarcinoma. Activation of the NF-κB pathway mainly contributes to the inflammatory phenotype observed in H. pylori infection in humans and experimental models. Since the gastric epithelium undergoes rapid turnover, inflammation and pathogenicity of H. pylori result from early phase and chronically activated pathways. In the present study we investigated the early host response to H. pylori in non-tumoral human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1). To dissect the pathogen-specific mechanisms we also examined the response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a prototypical cytokine. By analyzing the activation state of NF-κB signaling, cytokine expression and secretion, and the transcriptome, we found that the inflammatory response of GES-1 cells to H. pylori and TNF results from activation of multiple pathways and transcription factors, e.g., NF-κB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (CEBPs). By comparing the transcriptomic profiles, we found that H. pylori infection induces a less potent inflammatory response than TNF but affects gene transcription to a greater extent by specifically inducing transcription factors such as CEBPß and numerous zinc finger proteins. Our study provides insights on the cellular pathways modulated by H. pylori in non-tumoral human gastric cells unveiling new potential targets.

Ellagitannins from Castanea sativa Mill. Leaf Extracts Impair H. pylori Viability and Infection-Induced Inflammation in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an etiologic factor of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Virulent strains of H. pylori are correlated with the severity of gastritis, due to NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression at the epithelial level. Ellagitannins have been documented for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, thus suggesting their potential use in gastritis. Recently, several authors, including our group, demonstrated that tannin-rich extracts from chestnut byproducts, at present considered agricultural waste, display promising biological activities. In this work, we detected high levels of polyphenols in hydroalcoholic extracts from chestnut leaves (Castanea sativa L.). Among polyphenols, the ellagitannin isomers castalagin and vescalagin (about 1% w/w of dry extract) were identified as potential bioactive compounds. In GES-1 cells infected by H. pylori, leaf extract and pure ellagitannins inhibited IL-8 release (IC50 ≈ 28 µg/mL and 11 µM, respectively). Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory activity was partly due to attenuation of NF-κB signaling. Moreover, the extract and pure ellagitannins reduced bacterial growth and cell adhesion. A simulation of the gastric digestion suggested that the bioactivity might be maintained after oral administration. At the transcriptional level, castalagin downregulated genes involved in inflammatory pathways (NF-κB and AP-1) and cell migration (Rho GTPase). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation in which ellagitannins from plant extracts have demonstrated a potential role in the interaction among H. pylori and human gastric epithelium.

Exploring In Vitro the Combination of Cistus × incanus L. and Castanea sativa Mill. Extracts as Food Supplement Ingredients against H. pylori Infection.

Cistus spp. have been traditionally used for inflammatory and infectious disorders, including gastrointestinal ailments, in the Mediterranean area. Among them, Cistus × incanus L. is one of the most frequently cited species in the literature for a variety of biological activities which include inflammatory diseases. Cistus spp. aerial parts are rich in polyphenols such as condensed and hydrolysable tannins, procyanidins, and flavonoids, which show gastroprotective activities. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the biological activities of a hydroalcoholic extract from Cistus × incanus L. aerial parts in gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) infected with H. pylori. The extracts inhibited IL-8 and NF-κB induced by H. pylori and showed antibacterial activity after simulated digestion. Since our previous paper reported interesting results on the ability of Castanea sativa Mill. leaf extract to decrease inflammatory conditions in H. pylori-infected gastric cells, the combination of Castanea sativa and Cistus × incanus extracts was also investigated, showing strong anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition of bacterial adhesion. This association of botanicals is proposed herein as a novel food supplement capable of counteracting gastric inflammatory conditions.

Hydrolyzable Tannins in the Management of Th1, Th2 and Th17 Inflammatory-Related Diseases.

Plants rich in hydrolyzable tannins were traditionally used all over the world for a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders, including arthritis, colitis, and dermatitis. However, the knowledge of their immunological targets is still limited though fundamental for their rational use in phytotherapy. The recent advances regarding the pathogenesis of inflammatory-based diseases represent an opportunity to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of plant-derived metabolites with immunomodulatory activity. This review collects recent articles regarding the role of hydrolyzable tannins and their gut metabolites in Th1, Th2, and Th17 inflammatory responses. In line with the traditional use, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and asthma were the most investigated diseases. A substantial body of in vivo studies suggests that, beside innate response, hydrolyzable tannins may reduce the levels of Th-derived cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-4, following oral administration. The mode of action is multitarget and may involve the impairment of inflammatory transcription factors (NF-κB, NFAT, STAT), enzymes (MAPKs, COX-2, iNOS), and ion channels. However, their potential impact on pathways with renewed interest for inflammation, such as JAK/STAT, or the modulation of the gut microbiota demands dedicate studies.

Single and Repeated Exposure to Cannabidiol Differently Modulate BDNF Expression and Signaling in the Cortico-Striatal Brain Network.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid contained in the Cannabis sativa plant, devoid of psychotomimetic effects but with a broad-spectrum pharmacological activity. Because of its pharmacological profile and its ability to counteract the psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC), CBD may be a potential treatment for several psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we performed a dose-response evaluation of CBD modulatory effects on BDNF, a neurotrophin subserving pleiotropic effects on the brain, focusing on the cortico-striatal pathway for its unique role in the brain trafficking of BDNF. Male adult rats were exposed to single and repeated CBD treatments at different dosing regimen (5, 15, and 30 mg/kg), to investigate the rapid modulation of the neurotrophin (1 h after the single treatment) as well as a potential drug-free time point (24 h after the repeated treatment). We show here, for the first time, that CBD can be found in the rat brain and, specifically, in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) following single or repeated exposure. In fact, we found that CBD is present in the mPFC of rats treated either acutely or repeatedly with the phytocannabinoid, with a clear dose-response profile. From a molecular standpoint, we found that single, but not repeated, CBD exposure upregulates BDNF in the mPFC, while the repeated exposure increased BDNF only in the striatum, with a slight decrease in the mPFC. Together, these data reveal a CBD dose-dependent and anatomically specific modulation of BDNF, which may be functionally relevant and may represent an added value for CBD as a supplement.

Unveiling the Ability of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) Bark Extract to Impair Keratinocyte Inflammatory Cascade Typical of Atopic Eczema.

Hamamelis virginiana L. bark extract is a traditional remedy for skin affections, including atopic dermatitis/eczema (AD). Hamamelis preparations contain tannins, including hamamelitannin (HT), although their pharmacological role in AD is still unknown. This study aimed to study the rational for its topical use by considering the impact of crucial biomarkers on AD pathogenesis. A standardized extract (HVE) (0.5−125 µg/mL) was compared to hamamelitannin (HT), its main compound (0.5−5 µg/mL), in a model of human keratinocytes (HaCaTs), challenged with an AD-like cytokine milieu (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-4). HVE inhibited the release of mediators involved in skin autoimmunity (IL-6 and IL-17C) and allergy (TSLP, IL-6, CCL26, and MMP-9) with a concentration-dependent fashion (IC50s < 25 µg/mL). The biological mechanism was ascribed, at least in part, to the impairment of the NF-κB-driven transcription. Moreover, HVE counteracted the proliferative effects of IL-4 and recovered K10, a marker of skin differentiation. Notably, HT showed activity on well-known targets of IL-4 pathway (CCL26, K10, cell proliferation). To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first demonstration of the potential role of Hamamelis virginiana in the control of AD symptoms, such as itch and skin barrier impairment, supporting the relevance of the whole phytocomplex.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Acne Effects of Hamamelis virginiana Bark in Human Keratinocytes.

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is recognized as one of the main triggers of the cutaneous inflammatory response in acne vulgaris, a chronic skin disorder with a multifactorial origin. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) is a plant widely used for skin inflammatory conditions, with some preliminary anti-inflammatory evidence on the skin, but lacking data on acne conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a glycolic extract from Hamamelis virginiana bark (HVE) versus C. acnes-induced inflammation in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Phytochemical investigations of HVE identified hamamelitannin (HT) and proanthocyanidins as the most abundant compounds (respectively, 0.29% and 0.30% w/wextract). HVE inhibited C. acnes-induced IL-6 release (IC50: 136.90 µg/mL), by partially impairing NF-κB activation; however, no antibacterial or antibiofilm activities were found. In addition, HVE showed greater anti-inflammatory activity when TNF-α was used as a proinflammatory stimulus (IC50 of 38.93 µg/mL for IL-8 release), partially acting by antioxidant mechanisms, as shown for VEGF inhibition. The effects of HVE are primarily based on the proanthocyanidin content, as HT was found inactive on all the parameters tested. These results suggest further investigations of HVE in other inflammatory-based skin diseases.

The Nutraceutical Properties of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) against Gastritis: Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Gastric Epithelial Cells Infected with H. pylori.

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is a spice and medicinal herb traditionally used in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Since we previously demonstrated Sumac biological activity in a model of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced skin inflammation, the present work is aimed at further demonstrating a potential role in inflammatory disorders, focusing on gastritis. For this purpose, different polar extracts (water-W, ethanol-water-EW, ethanol-E, ethanol macerated-Em, acetone-Ac, ethylacetate-EtA) were investigated in gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) challenged by TNF-α or H. pylori infection. The ethanolic extracts (E, EW, Em) showed the major phenolic contents, correlating with lower half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) on the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8, <15 µg/mL) and interleukin-6 (IL-6, <20 µg/mL) induced by TNF-α. Similarly, they inhibited IL-8 release (IC50s < 70 µg/mL) during Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and exhibited a direct antibacterial activity at comparable concentrations (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 100 µg/mL). The phenolic content and the bioactivity of EW were maintained after simulated gastric digestion and were associated with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) impairment, considered the main putative anti-inflammatory mechanism. On the contrary, an anti-urease activity was excluded. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the potential role of Sumac as a nutraceutical useful in H. pylori-related gastritis.

Evaluation of the Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Black Rice in the Framework of Celiac Disease.

Inflammation and oxidative stress are two mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD). Since the direct effect of gliadin on the intestinal epithelia is less studied, the aims of this study were the development of a specific cellular model based on the use of gliadin as a pro-inflammatory stimulus and the evaluation of the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from different black rice in the framework of CD. The rice extracts were in vitro digested, characterized in terms of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, and tested on Caco-2 cells to investigate their inhibitory effect on Reactive Oxygen Species, the NF-κB transcription and the CXC chemokines (sICAM-1, IL-8, and CXCL-10). In addition, the role of the extracts in modulating the activation of epithelial cells in CD was confirmed by applying the K562(S) agglutination test. The black rice extracts showed inhibitory effects on the production of the oxidative and the inflammatory mediators considered, with particular reference to lymphocyte-attracting CXCL-10 both before and after digestion. The presence of anthocyanins and their digestion metabolites may account for the observed anti-inflammatory activity after in vitro digestion. This work provided preliminary data supporting the use of black rice as a healthy food or ingredient of food supplements for celiacs.

The antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of propolis: An update and future perspectives for respiratory diseases.

Propolis is a complex natural product that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties mainly attributed to the high content in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. The chemical composition of propolis is multifarious, as it depends on the botanical sources from which honeybees collect resins and exudates. Nevertheless, despite this variability propolis may have a general pharmacological value, and this review systematically compiles, for the first time, the existing preclinical and clinical evidence of propolis activities as an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, focusing on the possible application in respiratory diseases. In vitro and in vivo assays have demonstrated propolis broad-spectrum effects on viral infectivity and replication, as well as the modulatory actions on cytokine production and immune cell activation as part of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Clinical trials confirmed propolis undeniable potential as an effective therapeutic agent; however, the lack of rigorous randomized clinical trials in the context of respiratory diseases is tangible. Since propolis is available as a dietary supplement, possible use for the prevention of respiratory diseases and their deleterious inflammatory drawbacks on the respiratory tract in humans is considered and discussed. This review opens up new perspectives on the clinical investigation of neglected propolis biological properties which, now more than ever, are particularly relevant with respect to the recent outbreaks of pandemic respiratory infections.

Cannabis sativa and Skin Health: Dissecting the Role of Phytocannabinoids.

The use of Cannabis sativa is currently recognized to ease certain types of chronic pain, reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea, and improve anxiety. Nevertheless, few studies highlighted the therapeutic potential of C. sativa extracts and related phytocannabinoids for a variety of widespread skin disorders including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, and pain. This review summarized the current evidence on the effects of phytocannabinoids at the cutaneous level through the collection of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies published on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science until October 2020. Phytocannabinoids have demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-acne properties by various mechanisms involving either CB1/2-dependent and independent pathways. Not only classical immune cells, but also several skin-specific actors, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and sebocytes, may represent a target for phytocannabinoids. Cannabidiol, the most investigated compound, revealed photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms at the cutaneous level, while the possible impact on cell differentiation, especially in the case of psoriasis, would require further investigation. Animal models and pilot clinical studies supported the application of cannabidiol in inflammatory-based skin diseases. Also, one of the most promising applications of non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids is the treatment of seborrheic disorders, especially acne. In conclusion, the incomplete knowledge of the role of the endocannabinoid system in skin disorders emerged as an important limit for pharmacological investigations. Moreover, the limited studies conducted on C. sativa extracts suggested a higher potency than single phytocannabinoids, thus stimulating new research on phytocannabinoid interaction.

Keratin 17 as a Marker of UVB-Induced Stress in Human Epidermis and Modulation by Vitis vinifera Extract.

Human epidermis responds to ultraviolet (UV)B-induced damage by tolerating it, restoring it, or undergoing programmed cell death when the damage is massive. Recently, compounds rich in polyphenols, such as Vitis vinifera L. leaf extract (VVLe), have attracted a lot of interest for skin protection. We investigated the effect of VVLe pre-treatment (1 h) in a 2D model of HaCaT cells and in 3D organotypic cultures of normal human skin exposed to a single UVB dose to study the immediate specific events 1 h and the response orchestrated in the epidermal layer 24 h after irradiation, respectively. In both models, transmission electron microscopy analysis was carried out. The expression of the inducible keratin K17, the activation of both pSTAT3 and Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB signalling pathways, and the epidermal distribution of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 4 were assessed by immunofluorescence in the 2D and 3D model. In 3D organotypic cultures, thanks to the preservation of a multi-layered structure, the epidermal distribution of the differentiation biomarkers K10 and K14 as well as of K16 was analysed by immunofluorescence, while the release of interleukin (IL)-8 was evaluated by ELISA. In skin bioptic fragments, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were investigated by LDH assay and Alkaline Comet assay, respectively, and then compared to cell proliferation. The epidermal distribution of the histone γ-H2AX, indicating the fragmented DNA, was analysed by immunofluorescence. In both experimental models, VVLe tuned UVB-induced K17 expression to a different extent in HaCaT cells and in the skin. In HaCaT cells, pSTAT3 activation was induced by UVB and reverted by VVLe pre-treatment. TLR4 expression was triggered by UVB in both models, but VVLe pre-treatment abolished this event only in HaCaT cells. NF-κB immunostaining increased both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm only in HaCaT cells after UVB irradiation. In all irradiated skin samples, VVLe pre-treatment was not able to revert the inhibition of epidermal proliferation, K16 expression, and IL-8 secretion. The effectiveness of VVLe in contrasting the irradiation-induced genotoxicity still remains unclear. In conclusion, our study clearly shows that K17 is a robust marker induced in keratinocytes upon UVB stimulation and that this event can be reverted by a pre-treatment with VVLe. On the whole, these observations represent a novelty in the scenario of the complex relationships between the effects exerted by UVB rays on human skin and significantly improve the knowledge regarding the modulation of the early epidermal response induced by a single exposure to UVB in the presence of VVLe.

Pharmacological Activities of Extracts and Compounds Isolated from Mediterranean Sponge Sources.

Marine pharmacology is an exciting and growing discipline that blends blue biotechnology and natural compound pharmacology together. Several sea-derived compounds that are approved on the pharmaceutical market were discovered in sponges, marine organisms that are particularly rich in bioactive metabolites. This paper was specifically aimed at reviewing the pharmacological activities of extracts or purified compounds from marine sponges that were collected in the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most biodiverse marine habitats, filling the gap in the literature about the research of natural products from this geographical area. Findings regarding different Mediterranean sponge species were individuated, reporting consistent evidence of efficacy mainly against cancer, infections, inflammatory, and neurological disorders. The sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean sponges as pharmaceutical sources is strongly encouraged to discover new compounds.

Cameroonian Spice Extracts Modulate Molecular Mechanisms Relevant to Cardiometabolic Diseases in SW 872 Human Liposarcoma Cells.

The molecular pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases is known to be influenced by dysfunctional ectopic adipose tissue. In addition to lifestyle improvements, these conditions may be managed by novel nutraceutical products. This study evaluatedthe effects of 11 Cameroonian medicinal spice extracts on triglyceride accumulation, glucose uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and interleukin secretion in SW 872 human adipocytes after differentiation with 100 µM oleic acid. Triglyceride content was significantly reduced by all spice extracts. Glucose uptake was significantly increased by Tetrapleura tetraptera, Aframomum melegueta and Zanthoxylum leprieurii. Moreover, Xylopia parviflora, Echinops giganteus and Dichrostachys glomerata significantly reduced the production of ROS. Concerning pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, we observed that Tetrapleura tetraptera, Echinops giganteus, Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum melegueta reduced IL-6 secretion. In addition, Xylopia parviflora, Monodora myristica, Zanthoxylum leprieurii, and Xylopia aethiopica reduced IL-8 secretion, while Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum citratum increased it. These findings highlight some interesting properties of these Cameroonian spice extracts in the modulation of cellular parameters relevant to cardiometabolic diseases, which may be further exploited, aiming to develop novel treatment options for these conditions based on nutraceutical products.

Phytosomes as Innovative Delivery Systems for Phytochemicals: A Comprehensive Review of Literature.

Nowadays, medicinal herbs and their phytochemicals have emerged as a great therapeutic option for many disorders. However, poor bioavailability and selectivity might limit their clinical application. Therefore, bioavailability is considered a notable challenge to improve bio-efficacy in transporting dietary phytochemicals. Different methods have been proposed for generating effective carrier systems to enhance the bioavailability of phytochemicals. Among them, nano-vesicles have been introduced as promising candidates for the delivery of insoluble phytochemicals. Due to the easy preparation of the bilayer vesicles and their adaptability, they have been widely used and approved by the scientific literature. The first part of the review is focused on introducing phytosome technology as well as its applications, with emphasis on principles of formulations and characterization. The second part provides a wide overview of biological activities of commercial and non-commercial phytosomes, divided by systems and related pathologies. These results confirm the greater effectiveness of phytosomes, both in terms of biological activity or reduced dosage, highlighting curcumin and silymarin as the most formulated compounds. Finally, we describe the promising clinical and experimental findings regarding the applications of phytosomes. The conclusion of this study encourages the researchers to transfer their knowledge from laboratories to market, for a further development of these products.

Ribes nigrum Leaf Extract Preferentially Inhibits IFN-γ-Mediated Inflammation in HaCaT Keratinocytes.

Ribes nigrum L. (blackcurrant) leaf extracts, due to high levels of flavonols and anthocyanins, have been shown to exhibit beneficial effects in inflammatory diseases. However, whereas their traditional use has been investigated and validated in several models of inflammation and oxidative stress, the possible impact on skin disorders is still largely unknown. The purpose of this work was to elucidate the effects of R. nigrum leaf extract (RNLE) on keratinocyte-derived inflammatory mediators, elicited by a Th1 or Th2 cytokine milieu. HaCaT cells were challenged with TNF-α, either alone or in combination with the costimulatory cytokines IFN-γ or IL-4, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators (IL-8, IL-6, s-ICAM-1, and TSLP) was evaluated. The results showed that RNLE preferentially interferes with IFN-γ signaling, demonstrating only negligible activity on TNF-α or IL-4. This effect was attributed to flavonols, which might also account for the ability of RNLE to impair TNF-α/IL-4-induced TSLP release in a cAMP-independent manner. These results suggest that RNLE could have an antiallergic effect mediated in keratinocytes via mechanisms beyond histamine involvement. In conclusion, the discovery of RNLE preferential activity against IFN-γ-mediated inflammation suggests potential selectivity against Th1 type response and the possible use in Th1 inflammatory diseases.

Special Issue: Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Plant Polyphenols 2.0.

Inflammation is a complex process that occurs in response to infections or other tissue damages, such as trauma, wounds, burns, and toxic substances [...].

Dietary Cameroonian Plants Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells.

In Cameroon, local plants are traditionally used as remedies for a variety of ailments. In this regard, several papers report health benefits of Cameroonian spices, which include antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, whereas gastric anti-inflammatory activities have never been previously considered. The present study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of hydro-alcoholic extracts of eleven Cameroonian spices in gastric epithelial cells (AGS and GES-1 cells). The extracts showed antioxidant properties in a cell-free system and reduced H2O2-induced ROS generation in gastric epithelial cells. After preliminary screening on TNFα-induced NF-κB driven transcription, six extracts from Xylopia parviflora, Xylopia aethiopica, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Dichrostachys glomerata, Aframomum melegueta, and Aframomum citratum were selected for further studies focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity. The extracts reduced the expression of some NF-κB-dependent pro-inflammatory mediators strictly involved in the gastric inflammatory process, such as IL-8, IL-6, and enzymes such as PTGS2 (COX-2), without affecting PTGS1 (COX-1). In conclusion, the selected extracts decreased pro-inflammatory markers by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling in gastric cells, justifying, in part, the traditional use of these spices. Other molecular mechanisms cannot be excluded, and further studies are needed to better clarify their biological activities at the gastric level.