Emodin suppresses inflammatory responses and joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritic mice.

OBJECTIVE: Emodin (3-methyl-1,6,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is one of the active components present in the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum. It has been shown to contain biological activity (antitumour, antibacterial, diuretic and vasorelaxant effects). However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-arthritic effect of emodin have not been elucidated. Here we investigated whether emodin treatment would modulate the severity of the disease in an experimental arthritis model. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of emodin on CIA mice in vivo. RESULTS: The pathological processes of RA are mediated by a number of cytokines and MMPs. Expression of these proinflammatory mediators is controlled by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). This study was performed to explore the effect of emodin on control of the NF-κB activation pathway and to investigate whether emodin has anti-inflammatory effects in CIA mice in vivo. Emodin inhibited the nuclear translocation and DNA binding of NF-κB subunits, which were correlated with its inhibitory effect on cytoplasmic IκBα degradation in CIA mice. These events further suppressed chemokine production and MMP expression. In addition, emodin inhibited the osteoclast differentiation induced by M-CSF and receptor activation of NF-κB ligand in bone marrow macrophages. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that emodin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in CIA mice through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and therefore may have therapeutic value for the treatment of RA.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine by self- or non-institutional therapists in South Korea: a community-based survey.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and utilization pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) administered by oneself or by non-institutional practitioners in a general population in South Korea. METHODS: Nationwide, face-to-face surveys were conducted from September 1, 2011 to October 5, 2011. We conveniently selected the participants by using a proportional allocation method according to age, gender, and region. The use of CAM in the last year, the patterns of use, sources of information, and counseling objects were investigated in addition to respondents' demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Among the 1284 people approached, 915 respondents (71.3%) reported having had at least one CAM therapy during the past 12 months. Natural products were used the most frequently (58.8%). Unexpectedly, 82.6% out of 1740 therapies reported were self-administered CAM. Healthcare professionals were the source of information on CAM in only 5.6% of all instances of use, and only 17.7% of participants had consulted with doctors regarding CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the widespread use of CAM in South Korea, researchers should focus on the safety and potential effectiveness of CAM therapy when self-administered by users or by unauthorized CAM practitioners.

Corrigendum to "Use of complementary and alternative medicine by self- or non-institutional therapists in South Korea: a community-based survey" [Integr. Med. Res. 2(1) (2013), 25-31].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2013.02.001.].