Anti-Arthritis Effect through the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Sargassum muticum Extract in Collagen-Induced Arthritic (CIA) Mice.

(1) Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes progressive articular damage and functional loss. It is characterized by synovial inflammation that leads to progressive cartilage destruction. For this reason, research on functional foods that reduce the inflammatory response are under progress. (2) Methods: We focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of Sargassum muticum, and confirmed the effect of the extract on the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) DBA/1J mice model. (3) Results: The extract was given at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and the arthritis score and edema volume of the experimental group were significantly different from the CIA group. The level of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ were determined in serum and lymphocytes. The expression of these cytokines in the serum remarkably decreased from S. muticum extract (SME)100 mg/kg, and decreased from SME 200 mg/kg in lymphocytes. Also, immunohistochemical analysis of IL-6 and TNF-α in the joints revealed that the inflammatory response was noticeably lower when treated with S. muticum extract. (4) Conclusions: This study provides results of the experiment of S. muticum extract treatment in a mouse model. The treatment was found to contribute to the alleviation of edema and symptoms by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. It was concluded that it may be a useful substance to help in the mitigation of arthritis symptoms.

Antioxidant and immunostimulatory effect of potential probiotic Lactobacillus paraplantarum SC61 isolated from Korean traditional fermented food, jangajji.

This study aimed to isolate and demonstrate their antioxidant and immunostimulatory activities of potential probiotics. The isolated strains, S. Pum19, SC28, and SC61 showed potential probiotic properties including stability in artificial gastric and bile conditions, non-production of ß-glucuronidase, suitable antibiotic susceptibility, and attachment to intestinal cells. S. Pum19, SC28, and SC61 strains were identified as Leuconostoc citreum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Lactobacillus paraplantarum, respectively. Of the 3 potential probiotic LAB strains, intact cells of L. paraplantarum SC61 showed higher antioxidant activity, including DPPH radical scavenging, ß-carotene bleaching inhibition, reducing power, superoxide anion scavenging, and ABTS radical scavenging activity. In addition, L. paraplantarum SC61 produced the most nitric oxide production and its mRNA expression level for iNOS, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were superior to those of L. rhamnosus GG. Therefore, L. paraplantarum SC61 was demonstrated to exhibit antioxidant and immunostimulatory activity and to have potential use as a probiotic product.

Sorghum Fermented by Aspergillus oryzae NK Enhances Inhibition of Vascular Inflammation in TNF-α-stimulated Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells.

Sorghum bicolor L. Moench is widely grown all over the world for food and feed. The effects of sorghum extracts on general inflammation have been previously studied, but its anti-vascular inflammatory effects are unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-vascular inflammation effects of sorghum extract (SBE) and fermented extract of sorghum (fSBE) on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). After the cytotoxicity test of the sorghum extract, a series of experiments were conducted. The inhibition effects of SBE and fSBE on the inflammatory response and adhesion molecule expression were measured using treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a crucial promoter for the development of atherosclerotic lesions, on HASMCs. After TNF-α (10 ng/mL) treatment for 2 h, then SBE and fSBE (100 and 200 µg/mL) were applied for 12h. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (2.4-fold) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (6.7-fold) decreased, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (3.5-fold) increased compared to the TNF-α control when treated with 200 µg/mL fSBE (P<0.05). In addition, the fSBE significantly increased the expression of HO-1 and significantly decreased the expression of VCAM-1 and COX-2 compared to the TNF-α control in mRNA level (P<0.05). These reasons of results might be due to the increased concentrations of procyanidin B1 (about 6-fold) and C1 (about 30-fold) produced through fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae NK for 48 h, at 37 °C. Overall, the results demonstrated that fSBE enhanced the inhibition of the inflammatory response and adherent molecule expression in HASMCs.

In vitro characterization of Lactobacillus brevis KU15006, an isolate from kimchi, reveals anti-adhesion activity against foodborne pathogens and antidiabetic properties.

This study aimed at evaluating the functional and probiotic properties of three lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains isolated from kimchi. The selected LAB strains, which had potential probiotic functions, were identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis as Lactobacillus brevis G1, L. brevis KU15006, and Lactobacillus curvatus KCCM 200173. All LAB strains were able to tolerate incubation at pH 2.5 with 0.3% pepsin for 3 h and with 0.3% Oxgall for 24 h and showed similar enzyme production levels, antimicrobial activities, and antibiotic susceptibilities. L. brevis G1 and KU15006 presented higher adhesion ability, auto-aggregation, and cell surface hydrophobicity than Lactobacillus rhamnosus KCTC 12202BP, a commercial strain used as positive control. All LAB strains showed 50-60% co-aggregation activity with selected foodborne pathogens. L. brevis KU15006 showed anti-adhesion activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. In addition, cell-free supernatant and cell-free extract from L. brevis KU15006 displayed the highest inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase. These results indicate that L. brevis KU15006 has the best properties, with pathogen antagonistic and antidiabetic activity, for use in probiotic products.

Autophagy in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by continuous degeneration of articular cartilage resulting in disability. The death of chondrocytes and the loss of the extracellular matrix are the central peculiarities in cartilage degeneration during osteoarthritis pathogenesis. Autophagy is an essential cellular homeostasis mechanism whereby cellular organelles and macromolecules are recycled to maintain cellular metabolism. Autophagy is reported to be cytoprotective effects for articular cartilage, and osteoarthritis is associated with decreased autophagy. While autophagy is known to be cytoprotective to chondrocytes, its role may vary with differing stages and models of osteoarthritis. Therefore, more in-depth studies on autophagy are needed to determine its impact on cell survival and death in articular cartilage under various in vitro and in vivo conditions. Application of autophagy on osteoarthritis therapeutics will be possible after a profound understanding is established on the role of autophagy in osteoarthritis pathogenesis.

Sanguiin H6 suppresses TGF-ß induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inhibits migration and invasion in A549 lung cancer.

In the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important cellular process, epithelial cells become mesenchymal cells. This process is also critically involved in cancer metastasis. Sanguiin H6 is a compound derived from ellagitannin, which is found in berries. Sanguiin H6 shows various pharmacological properties, including anti-angiogenic activity. Because the possible role of sanguiin H6 in the EMT and the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear, we investigated the effect of sanguiin H6 on the EMT. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) induces the EMT and promotes lung adenocarcinoma migration and invasion through the Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Thus, to understand the inhibitory effects of sanguiin H6 on lung cancer migration and invasion, we investigated the ability of sanguiin H6 to inhibit TGF-ß1-induced EMT in the A549 cell line. We found that sanguiin H6 significantly prevented the activation of Smad2/3 signaling pathway by TGF-ß1. Additionally, sanguiin H6 increased the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and repressed the expression of Snail and the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin during TGF-ß1-induced EMT. Moreover, sanguiin H6 regulated the expression of EMT-dependent genes induced by TGF-ß1. Finally, sanguiin H6 inhibited the migration and invasion of TGF-ß1-stimulated A549 cells. Taken together, our findings provide new evidence that sanguiin H6 suppresses lung cancer migration and invasion in vitro by inhibiting TGF-ß1 induction of the EMT.

Suppression of P2X4 and P2X7 by Lactobacillus rhamnosus vitaP1: effects on hangover symptoms.

This study aimed to identify substances including Lactobacillus rhamnosus vitaP1 (KACC 92054P) that alleviate hangover-induced emotional anxiety and liver damage. The association between emotional anxiety caused by hangover and the genes P2X4, P2X7, SLC6A4 was investigated. In vitro and in vivo analyses were conducted to assess the influence of free-panica on alcohol-induced upregulated gene expression. Additionally, the concentration of AST, ALT, alcohol, and acetaldehyde in blood was measured. Free-panica, consisting of five natural products (Phyllanthus amarus, Phoenix dactylifera, Vitis vinifera, Zingiber officinale, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus), were evaluated for their regulatory effects on genes involved in alcohol-induced emotional anxiety and liver damage. The combination of these natural products in free-panica successfully restored emotional anxiety, and the concentration of AST, ALT, alcohol, and acetaldehyde in blood to those of the normal control group. These findings support the potential development of free-panica as a health functional food or medicinal intervention for relieving hangover symptoms and protecting liver from alcohol consumption.

Anti-varicella zoster virus and related anti-inflammation effects of ethanolic extract of Elaeocarpus sylvestris.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. ellipticus (ES), a plant that grows in Taiwan, Japan, and Jeju Island in Korea. ES root bark, known as "sanduyoung," has long been used in traditional oriental medicine. ES is also traditionally used to treat anxiety, asthma, arthritis, stress, depression, palpitation, nerve pain, epilepsy, migraine, hypertension, liver diseases, diabetes, and malaria. However, lack of efficacy and mechanism studies on ES. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the present study, we aim to investigate the VZV-antiviral efficacy, pain suppression, and the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of ES. METHODS: and methods: Inhibition of VZV was evaluated by hollow fiber assays. Analgesic and antipyretic experiments were conducted using ICR mice and SD Rats, and anti-inflammatory experiments were conducted using Raw264.7 cells. RESULTS: To evaluate the efficacy of ESE against VZV, we conducted antiviral tests. ESE inhibited cell death by disrupting virus and gene expression related to invasion and replication. In addition, ESE suppressed the pain response as measured by writhing and formalin tests and suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory fever. Further, ESE inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB and NF-κB in LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells and expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: E. sylvestris shows potential as a source of medicine. ESE had a direct effect on VZV and an inhibitory effect on the pain and inflammation caused by VZV infection.

Evaluation of the acute, sub-chronic and chronic oral toxicity, genetic toxicity, and safety of a Lomens-P0.

Extracts of Hordeum vulgare and Chrysanthemum zawadskii, two traditional herbal medicines, have long been used to treat women's diseases. Our previous studies have confirmed that these extracts could help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by inhibiting prolactin release. A mixture of these natural products was named Lomens-P0. In this study, we conducted three genotoxicity tests (bacterial reverse mutation, mammalian chromosome aberration, and mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus studies) and four oral toxicity tests (single-dose, 2-week repeated-dose, and 13-week repeated-dose studies in rodents, and a single-dose dose-escalation toxicity study in a non-rodent model) to confirm the potential toxicity and safety of Lomens-P0. The results of this series of tests indicated Lomens-P0 did not induce genotoxicity, and the NOAEL for the rodent was 2000 mg/kg BW/day. Similarly, no toxic effects were evident in the single-dose-escalation study in the non-rodent model. In conclusion, we confirmed that Lomens-P0 might have potential utility as a raw material for nutraceuticals and natural medicines. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-021-00090-5.

Potent antiviral activity of the extract of Elaeocarpus sylvestris against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Elaeocarpus sylvestris (Lour.) Poir. (Elaeocarpaceae) belongs to a genus of tropical and semitropical evergreen trees, which has known biological activities such as antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. However, its antiviral potential against influenza virus infection remains unknown. PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the antiviral activity of the 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of E. sylvestris (ESE) against influenza A virus (IAV) infection, which could lead to the development of novel phytomedicine to treat influenza virus infection. METHODS: To investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of ESE and its main ingredients, 1,​2,​3,​4,​6-​penta-​O-​galloyl-ß-d-glucose (PGG) and geraniin (GE), the levels of viral RNAs, proteins, and infectious viral particles in IAV-infected MDCK cells were analyzed. Molecular docking analysis was performed to determine the binding energy of PGG and GE for IAV proteins. To investigate in vivo antiviral activity, IAV-infected mice were treated intranasally or intragastrically with ESE, PGG, or GE. RESULTS: ESE and its gallate main ingredients (PGG and GE) strongly inhibited the production of viral RNAs, viral proteins, and infectious viral particles in vitro. Also through the viral attachment on cells, polymerase activity, signaling pathway, we revealed the ESE, PGG, and GE inhibit multiple steps of IAV replication. Molecular docking analysis revealed that PGG and GE could interact with 12 key viral proteins (M1, NP, NS1 effector domain (ED), NS1 RNA-binding domain (RBD), HA pocket A, HA receptor-binding domain (RBD), NA, PA, PB1, PB2 C-terminal domain, PB2 middle domain, and PB2 cap-binding domain) of IAV proteins with stable binding energy. Furthermore, intranasal administration of ESE, PGG, or GE protected mice from IAV-induced mortality and morbidity. Importantly, oral administration of ESE suppressed IAV replication and the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the lungs to a large extent. CONCLUSION: ESE and its major components (PGG and PE) exhibited strong antiviral activity in multiple steps against IAV infection in silico, in vivo, and in vitro. Therefore, ESE could be used as a novel natural product derived therapeutic agent to treat influenza virus infection.

Inhibition of premature death by isothiocyanates through immune restoration in LP-BM5 leukemia retrovirus-infected C57BL/6 mice.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of isothiocyanates (ITCs) in delaying the progression of the murine immunodeficiency virus to murine AIDS, resulting in increased life span. Furthermore, we investigated the role of ITCs in modulating immune dysfunction caused by LP-BM5 retrovirus infection. Among the tested ITCs, oral administration of sulforaphane (SUL), benzyl isothiocyante (BITC), and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) showed the inhibition of premature death caused by LP-BM5 retrovirus infection, while indolo[3,2-b] carbazole (ICZ) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) did not delay the progress of the LP-BM5 retrovirus to murine AIDS. Inhibition of premature death by BITC, PEITC, and SUL could be explained by restoration of the immune system and down regulation of free radicals. Dysfunction of T and B cell mitogenesis caused by retrovirus infection in primary cultured splenocytes has been partially recovered with administration of BITC, PEITC, and SUL. There was a shift from imbalanced cytokine production (increased Th2 and decreased Th1 cell cytokine production) into balanced Th1/Th2 cell secretion of cytokines under administration of these ITCs during the development of murine AIDS. Hepatic vitamin E level was significantly restored by administration of these ITCs, in accordance with reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation levels. This study suggests that certain types of ITCs have beneficial effects in preventing premature death during progression to murine AIDS by restoration of immune dysfunction and removal of excessive free radicals, implying that selective usage of ITCs would be helpful in retarding the progression from HIV infection to AIDS.

Preventive Effects against Retinal Degeneration by Centella asiatica Extract (CA-HE50) and Asiaticoside through Apoptosis Suppression by the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by the chronic and gradual oxidative degeneration of the retina. Unfortunately, the general purpose of current treatments is to slow AMD progression, as the retina cannot be restored to its pre-AMD condition. We aimed to identify natural products that can be potential treatments that prevent AMD and can delay the development of late-AMD and selected Centella asiatica extract (CA-HE50), which shows excellent efficacy in cytoprotection. In animal experiments using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), CA-HE50 dramatically increased the thickness of photoreceptors and the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and the number of nuclei in the ONL (p < 0.05). Using retinal epithelial ARPE-19 cells showed that CA-HE50 inhibited apoptosis through inhibition of the intrinsic apoptosis signaling pathway and cell cycle regulation (p < 0.05). The anti-apoptotic efficacy was confirmed to be due to activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidation pathway (p < 0.05). These results were also observed with asiaticoside, a functional substance of CA-HE50. In addition, the accumulation of oxidized-N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), which induces AMD, was inhibited by CA-HE50, resulting in increased ARPE-19 cell viability (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that CA-HE50 is worth further research and human application tests, to develop it as a raw material for treatment or dietary supplement for the prevention of AMD.

Hepatoprotective effect of Centella asiatica 50% ethanol extract against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in BALB/c mice.

N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (acetaminophen, APAP) is a well-known component of analgesic and antipyretic monotherapy products. However, exceeding the recommended dose can lead to serious injury to the liver. We conducted this study to determine the potential of Centella asiatica as a natural substance to protect against APAP-induced liver injury. When acute hepatotoxicity was induced in mice by APAP overdose, their liver weight decreased significantly (p < 0.05). However, mice treated with C. asiatica 50% ethanol extract (CA-HE50, 200 mg/kg) for a week before induction of hepatotoxicity by APAP had similar liver weights to those of mice in which hepatotoxicity was not induced. In particular, levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, which are biomarkers of liver injury, were significantly increased by APAP and dose-dependently decreased by CA-HE50 (p < 0.05). Glutathione and malondialdehyde, indicators of oxidative stress, were significantly changed by APAP and CA-HE50 (p < 0.05). In addition, hepatic necrosis and expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-4) induced by APAP were inhibited by CA-HE50, and these results were dose-dependent. Through our in vivo studies, we found that CA-HE50 can help prevent APAP-induced hepatic tissue injury in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, CA-HE50 was effective at protecting RAW 264.7 cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced cytotoxicity and inhibiting the release of nitric oxide from these cells; in particular, asiaticoside was found to be a key component of CA-HE50 responsible for these effects. Therefore, we suggest that CA-HE50 has potential applications in functional health foods and drugs.

A Comparative Study of the Hepatoprotective Effect of Centella asiatica Extract (CA-HE50) on Lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Injury in C57BL/6 Mice.

Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the sudden loss of liver function and is accompanied by several complications. In a previous study, we revealed the protective effect of Centella asiatica 50% ethanol extract (CA-HE50) on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In the present study, we investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CA-HE50 in a lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine (LPS-D-Gal)-induced ALF animal model and compare it to existing therapeutic silymarin, Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM) extracts, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group. In particular, AST and ALT levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were significantly decreased compared to positive control groups. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly decreased in the CA-HE50, silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB groups compared to the vehicle control group and LDH levels of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group were similar to those of the positive control groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased in the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50, LEM and UDCA groups compared to the vehicle control group and, in particular, the 100 mg/kg CA-HE50 group increased significantly compared to positive control groups. In addition, the histopathological lesion score was significantly decreased in the CA-HE50 and positive control groups compared with the vehicle control group and the histopathological lesion score of the 200 mg/kg CA-HE50 group was similar to that of the positive control groups. These results show that CA-HE50 has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects at a level similar to that of silymarin, LEM, UDCA and DDB, which are known to have hepatoprotective effects; further, CA-HE50 has potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in ALF.

Anti-obesity effects of galla rhois via genetic regulation of adipogenesis.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of Galla Rhois (GR) on obesity and gene expression. We prepared a GR extract and various solvent fractions and evaluated the degree to which they inhibited adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in vitro. Among them, the GR ethyl acetate fraction (GE) had the lowest EC50 for adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis and thus was selected for in vivo experiments. We induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice by providing them a high-fat diet (HFD). Then, GE (10-40 mg/kg) or orlistat (positive control, 4 mg/kg) was orally administered daily for six weeks. Mean body weights and weight gain were significantly lower in the GE40 group (40 mg/kg of GE) compared with the HFD group (p < 0.05). The most significant changes in serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were confirmed in the GE40 group (p < 0.05). Epididymal fat was weighed and stained for body fat measurement, and significant differences were recorded from GE10 to GE40 (p < 0.05). Finally, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were treated with GE, and cDNA from these cells was used for microarray analysis and qRT-PCR. Microarray analysis revealed 13 genes up-regulated and 21 genes down-regulated by GE. From the qRT-PCR analysis, we found that GE altered the mRNA expression of eosinophil peroxidase, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor, and apolipoprotein B. Based on this study, we suggest that GR could be developed as an anti-obesity therapeutic agent.

Lomens-P0 (mixed extracts of Hordeum vulgare and Chrysanthemum zawadskii) regulate the expression of factors affecting premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder characterized by repeated emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms before menstruation, and the exact cause and mechanism are uncertain. Hyperprolactinemia interferes with the normal production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to PMS symptoms. Thus, we judged that the inhibition of prolactin hypersecretion could mitigate PMS symptoms. MATERIALS/METHODS: Hordeum vulgare L. extract (HVE), Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. latilobum extract (CZE), and Lomens-P0 the mixture of these extracts were tested in subsequent experiments. The effect of extracts on prolactin secretion at the in vitro level was measured in GH3 cells. Nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory mediator expression were measured in RAW 264.7 cells to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect. Also, the hyperprolactinemic Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice model was used to measure extract effects on prolactin and hormone secretion and uterine inflammation. RESULTS: Anti-inflammatory effects of and prolactin secretion suppress by HVE and CZE were confirmed through in vitro experiments (P < 0.05). Treatment with Lomens-P0 inhibited prolactin secretion (P < 0.05) and restored normal sex hormone secretion in the hyperprolactinemia mice model. In addition, extracts significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-1ß, and -6, tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 (P < 0.01). We used high-performance liquid chromatography analyses to identify tricin and chlorogenic acid as the respective components of HVE and CZE that inhibit prolactin secretion. The Lomens-P0, which includes tricin and chlorogenic acid, is expected to be effective in improving PMS symptoms in the human body. CONCLUSIONS: The Lomens-P0 suppressed the prolactin secretion in hyperprolactinemia mice, normalized the sex hormone imbalance, and significantly suppressed the expression of inflammatory markers in uterine tissue. This study suggests that Lomens-P0 may have the potential to prevent or remedy materials to PMS symptoms.

Centella asiatica extract prevents visual impairment by promoting the production of rhodopsin in the retina.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu kola, is a tropical medicinal plant native to Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and South Africa. It is well known to have biological activities, including wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of extracts of C. asiatica against age-related eye degeneration and to examine their physiological activities. MATERIALS/METHODS: To determine the effects of CA-HE50 (C. asiatica 50% EtOH extract) on retinal pigment cells, we assessed the cytotoxicity of CoCl2 and oxidized-A2E in ARPE-19 cells and observed the protective effects of CA-HE50 against N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced retinal damage in C57BL/6 mice. In particular, we measured factors related to apoptosis and anti-oxidation and the protein levels of rhodopsin/opsin. We also measured glucose uptake to characterize glucose metabolism, a major factor in cell protection. RESULTS: Induction of cytotoxicity with CoCl2 and oxidized-A2E inhibited decreases in the viability of ARPE-19 cells when CA-HE50 was administered, and promoted glucose uptake under normal conditions (P < 0.05). In addition, CA-HE50 inhibited degeneration/apoptosis of the retina in the context of MNU-induced toxicity (P < 0.05). In particular, CA-HE50 at 200 mg/kg inhibited the cleavage of pro-caspase-3 and pro-poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase and maintained the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 similar to normal control levels. Rhodopsin/opsin expression was maintained at a higher level than in normal controls. CONCLUSION: A series of experiments confirmed that CA-HE50 was effective for inhibiting or preventing age-related eye damage/degeneration. Based on these results, we believe it is worthwhile to develop drugs or functional foods related to age-related eye degeneration using CA-HE50.

Gastroprotective effect of phytoncide extract from Pinus koraiensis pinecone in Helicobacter pylori infection.

For centuries, herbs have been used by traditional therapists around the world to treat gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as gastritis. We hypothesized that the anti-Helicobacter pylori properties of phytoncide, which is extracted from pinecone waste, would facilitate use as a natural gastroprotective product to treat gastrointestinal tract disorders. Thus, we investigated in vitro antibacterial efficacy against H. pylori by agar diffusion assay. To determine the gastroprotective properties of phytoncide, we conducted hematoxylin and eosin staining, performed assays for the detection of the cytotoxin gene, and evaluated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in H. pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice. Phytoncide significantly inhibited the survival of H. pylori in the gastrointestinal system of C57BL/6 mice. Reduction of gastric severity in H. pylori-infected mice was associated with reductions in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gastric mucosa, and of the cytotoxin CagA gene in phytoncide treated groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). In conclusion, phytoncide significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori in gastro tissue, possibly due to the abundant α-pinene present in the phytoncide as detected by HPLC analysis. Further studies are needed to validate our findings, but we suggest that phytoncide has the potential to be used as a natural ingredient in anti-H. pylori products.

Anti-osteoporotic effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge EtOH extract both in ovariectomized and naturally menopausal mouse models.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional oriental medicine widely used for preventing and treating disorders of the liver, menstrual, and blood circulation systems. Osteoporosis, loss of bone with age and/or estrogen deficiency, is an important causal factor of fracture. S. miltiorrhiza extract has been used to alleviate dysmenorrhea and painful osteoarthritis. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was performed to investigate the anti-osteoporosis activity of the Salvia miltiorrhiza ethanol extract (SME) in osteoporosis-prone conditions: ovariectomized (OVX) and naturally menopaused (NM) ICR mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-osteoporotic potentials of SME (50-200 mg/kg) were evaluated based on bone mineral density using microCT analysis, biochemical parameters, and changes in the gene expressions involved in bone resorption. RESULTS: SME ameliorated the loss of trabecular bone both in OVX and NM mice. SME was effective in correcting aberrant levels of RANKL, osteocalcin, and BALP, which are critically involved in bone resorption. In addition, SME suppressed the expression of TRAF6 and NFATc1, which play a role in osteoclast differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: SME suppressed the loss of trabecular bone via suppressing bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation both in OVX and NM mice. SME is likely to be developed as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

Evaluation of genetic toxicity, acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity and systemic safety of Agrimonia pilosa and Rhus gall 50% ethanolic extract mixture (APRG64) in vitro and in vivo (rodent and non-rodent animal models).

Agrimonia pilosa (AP) and Rhus gall (RG) are traditional medicinal plants. The bioflavonoid composition standardized by HPLC analysis was named APRG64. Despite many studies reported to beneficial bioactivities of AP and RG, very limited range of toxicity tests have documented. So, we did experiment diversely on the toxicity tests of the substance APRG64. Genotoxicity (mammalian chromosomal aberration test, micronoucleus test) against APRG64, acute and sub-chronic toxicity test from rodent/non-rodent, and systemic safety pharmacology test were conducted. As a result of the test, genotoxicity against APRG64 was not observed. The NOAEL of rodents was confirmed as 2000 mg/kg/day and non-rodents was confirmed as 500 mg/kg/day. In addition, systemic safety pharmacological toxicity (effects on respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system) following administration of APRG64 was not observed. Finally, we accomplished ten potential toxicity tests and evaluated extensive safety of APRG64. Consequently, APRG64 may be a promising material for nutraceuticals and natural medicines.