Research - Inflammation
See also Dr. Weils - Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A Curcumin Phospholipid Complex Formulation Induces Neurogenesis and Prevents Anoikis-Induced Cell Death in an In Vitro Gut-Brain Axis Model
Marcel B1, Dana L2, Raphael S1 and Yehoshua M1
Abstract
Curcumin, a plant polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties, continues to attract interest in the dietary supplement industry as well as in natural products research. However, its low solubility and poor bioavailability as a natural ingredient hinders its optimal preventive and therapeutic outcomes. The current study delves into the mechanisms of action of a phospholipid-based formulation; namely, Bara Curcumin Effect (BCE), which combines phospholipids from soy lecithin with curcumin to enhance its bioavailability. By measuring the fluorescence of curcumin in its specific wavelength (Ex/Em=485/530 nm), we detected it in the cytoplasm after treatment with BCE. Additional experiments, including anoikis-induced cell death, IL-1β- induced toxicity, and western blots analysis, corroborated the protective effect of BCE and its subsequent stimulation of cell survival. BCE also significantly induced neurogenesis on SH-SY5Y cells. These in vitroresults demonstrated that BCE possesses significant anti-inflammatory and protective effects. BCE was also capable of inducing neurogenesis, which invites further studies on the mechanism of action of BCE since it may reduce chronic inflammation and rescue damaged tissue. Our studies align with previous studies exhibiting the association between chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and increased risk of neurological diseases.
Source : American Journal of Phytomedician and Clinical Therapeutics
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Curcumin and Curcumol Inhibit NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathways in CSE-Treated RAW246.7 Cells
Ning Li,1 Tian-Hao Liu,1,2 Jing-Ze Yu,1 Chen-Xi Li,1 Yang Liu,1 Yue-YingWu,1 Zhong-Shan Yang,1 and Jia-Li Yuan1
Abstract
E-Zhu (Curcuma zedoaria) is known as a classical traditional Chinese medicine and widely used in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and other diseases. Its main components include curcumol and curcumin, which have anti-inflammatory and antifibrosis effects. Here we established an in vitroinflammatory injury model by stimulating RAW246.7 cells with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and detected the intervention effects of curcumin and curcumol on CSE-treated Raw246.7 macrophage cells to explore whether the two compounds inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. We detected the antifibrosis effects of curcumin and curcumol via TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathways. The model of macrophage damage group was established by CSE stimulation. Curcumol and curcumin were administered to Raw246.7 macrophage cells. The efficacy of curcumol and curcumin was evaluated by comparing the activation of proinflammatory factors, profibrotic factors, and NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. In addition, CSE-treated group was employed to detect whether the efficacy of curcumol and curcumin was dependent on the NF-κB signaling via the pretreatment with the inhibitor of NF-κB. Our findings demonstrated that curcumol and curcumin could reduce the release of intracellular ROS from macrophages, inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, and downregulate the release of proinflammatory factor. Curcumol and curcumin inhibited the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and downregulated the release of fibrotic factors. Curcumin showed no anti-inflammatory effect in CSE-treated cells after the inhibition of NF-κB. Curcumol and curcumin showed an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries
Darshan S. Kelley,1,2,* Yuriko Adkins,1,2 and Kevin D. Laugero1,2
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress contributes to development and progression of several human chronic inflammatory diseases. Cherries are a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our aim is to summarize results from human studies regarding health benefits of both sweet and tart cherries, including products made from them (juice, powder, concentrate, capsules); all referred to as cherries here. We found 29 (tart 20, sweet 7, unspecified 2) published human studies which examined health benefits of consuming cherries. Most of these studies were less than 2 weeks of duration (range 5 h to 3 months) and served the equivalent of 45 to 270 cherries/day (anthocyanins 55-720 mg/day) in single or split doses. Two-thirds of these studies were randomized and placebo controlled. Consumption of cherries decreased markers for oxidative stress in 8/10 studies; inflammation in 11/16; exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength in 8/9; blood pressure in 5/7; arthritis in 5/5, and improved sleep in 4/4. Cherries also decreased hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) in diabetic women, and VLDL and TG/HDL in obese participants. These results suggest that consumption of sweet or tart cherries can promote health by preventing or decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Source : Journal Nutrients
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Cannabis Roots: A Traditional Therapy with Future Potential for Treating Inflammation and Pain
Natasha R. Ryz,1,* David J. Remillard,1 and Ethan B. Russo2
Abstract
Introduction: The roots of the cannabis plant have a long history of medical use stretching back millennia. However, the therapeutic potential of cannabis roots has been largely ignored in modern times.
Discussion: In the first century, Pliny the Elder described in Natural Histories that a decoction of the root in water could be used to relieve stiffness in the joints, gout, and related conditions. By the 17th century, various herbalists were recommending cannabis root to treat inflammation, joint pain, gout, and other conditions. There has been a subsequent paucity of research in this area, with only a few studies examining the composition of cannabis root and its medical potential. Active compounds identified and measured in cannabis roots include triterpenoids, friedelin (12.8 mg/kg) and epifriedelanol (21.3 mg/kg); alkaloids, cannabisativine (2.5 mg/kg) and anhydrocannabisativine (0.3 mg/kg); carvone and dihydrocarvone; N-( p-hydroxy-b-phenylethyl)-p-hydroxy-trans-cinnamamide (1.6 mg/kg); various sterols such as sitosterol (1.5%), campesterol (0.78%), and stigmasterol (0.56%); and other minor compounds, including choline. Of note, cannabis roots are not a significant source of D9 - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, or other known phytocannabinoids.
Conclusion: The current available data on the pharmacology of cannabis root components provide significant support to the historical and ethnobotanical claims of clinical efficacy. Certainly, this suggests the need for reexamination of whole root preparations on inflammatory and malignant conditions employing modern scientific techniques.
Source : Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
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α-Mangostin Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats by Suppressing NAMPT/NAD Controlled Inflammatory Reactions
Mengqing Tao,1 Jia Jiang,1 Lin Wang,1 Yan Li,1 Qingcheng Mao,2 Jiyang Dong,3and Jian Zuo
Abstract
α-Mangostin (MAN) is a bioactive xanthone isolated from mangosteen. This study was designed to investigate its therapeutic effects on acute lung injury (ALI) and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. Rats from treatment groups were subject to oral administration of MAN for 3 consecutive days beforehand, and then ALI was induced in all the rats except for normal controls via an intraperitoneal injection with lipopolysaccharide. The severity of disease was evaluated by histological examination and hematological analysis. Protein expressions in tissues and cells were examined with immunohistochemical and immunoblotting methods, respectively. The levels of cytokines and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) were determined using ELISA and colorimetric kits, respectively. It was found that MAN treatment significantly improved histological conditions, reduced leucocytes counts, relieved oxidative stress, and declined TNF-α levels in ALI rats. Meanwhile, MAN treatment decreased expressions of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and Sirt1 both in vivo and in vitro, which was accompanied with a synchronized decline of NAD and TNF-α. Immunoblotting assay further showed that MAN downregulated HMGB1, TLR4, and p-p65 in RAW 264.7 cells. MAN induced declines of both HMGB1/TLR4/p-p65 and TNF-α were substantially reversed by cotreatment with nicotinamide mononucleotide or NAD. These results suggest that downregulation of NAMPT/NAD by MAN treatments contributes to the alleviation of TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammations in macrophage, which is essential for amelioration of ALI in rats.
Conclusion
As a well known naturally occurring bioactive compound, MAN possesses a notable clinical potential in treatments of many diseases. This study provides further evidences to support its anti-inflammatory properties and partially elucidates the underlying mechanisms from a unique perspective. The results of this study suggested that MAN suppressed TLR4/NF-κB mediated inflammation reactions by manipulation of NAMPT/NAD, and the regulation of fat metabolism could be an effective therapeutic strategy in therapies of inflammation related disorders.
Source Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 in LPS-activated primary microglial cells
Brahim Gargouri a Johanna Carstensen a Harsharan S.Bhatia a Michael Huellb Gunnar P.H.Dietzc Bernd L. Fiebich.
Abstract
Background
Neuroinflammation is a key factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. Microglia are the resident mononuclearimmune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). They play an essential role in the maintenance of homeostasis and responses to neuroinflammation. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is one of the most commonly used natural medicines owing to its established efficacy and remarkable biological activities especially in respect to CNS diseases. However, only few studies have addressed the effects and mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba extract in microglia activation.
Methods
We measured the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines by ELISA and analyzed gene expressions by qRT-PCR and Western Blot in LPS treated cultured primary rat microglia.
Results
The Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 significantly inhibited the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and differentially regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The inhibition of LPS-induced PGE2 release in primary microglia was partially dependent on reduced protein synthesis of mPGES-1 and the reduction in the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) without altering COX-2 enzymatic activity, inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IkappaBalpha) degradation, and the activation of multiple mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Altogether, we showed that EGb 761 reduces neuro-inflammatory activation in primary microglial cells by targeting PGE2release and cytokines.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 displayed anti-neuroinflammatory activity in LPS-activated primary microglia cells. EGb 761 was able to reduce neuroinflammatory activation by targeting the COX/PGE2 pathway. This effect might contribute to the established clinical cognitive efficacy in Alzheimer's disease, vascular and mixed dementia.
Source : Journal Phytomedicine
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Protective effect of curcumin on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation is mediated through the JAK/STAT pathway
Abstract
Background Curcumin displays a protective role in rat models of intestinal inflammation. However, the mechanism of how curcumin affects on intestinal inflammation is less known. The purpose of the current study is to explore the signal pathway in which the curcumin protecting rat from intestinal inflammation.
Methods
The intestinal inflammation rat models were made by TNBS treatment. Curcumin was added to their diet 5 days before the TNBS instillation. After that, body weight change, score of macroscopic assessment of disease activity and microscopic scoring were utilized to analyse the severity of the induced inflammation. In addition, the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory were detected to determine the effect of curcumin on intestinal inflammation. The JAK/STAT pathway of pro-inflammation response was also evaluated. Finally, the impact of curcumin on apoptosis in intestinal inflammation was assessed by TUNEL staining.
Results
Rats pretreated with curcumin significantly reversed the decrease of body weight and increase of colon weight derived from TNBS-induced colitis. Histological improvement was observed in response to curcumin. In addition, curcumin attenuated TNBS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and M1/M2 ratio, while stimulated the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The inhibition of pro-inflammation response was mediated by SOCS-1, which could efficiently suppress JAK/STAT pathways. Furthermore, curcumin efficiently suppressed the TNBS-induced apoptosis, and reduced the accumulation of cytochrome C in cytosol.
Conclusion
The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is realized by enhancing SOCS-1 expression and inhibiting JAK/STAT pathways. Curcumin also plays an anti-apoptotic role in TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation. We propose that curcumin may have therapeutic implications for human intestinal inflammation.
Source : BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Anti-inflammatory effects of Zea mays L. husk extracts
Abstract
Background
Zea mays L. (Z. mays) has been used for human consumption in the various forms of meal, cooking oil, thickener in sauces and puddings, sweetener in processed food and beverage products, bio-disel. However, especially, in case of husk extract of Z. mays, little is known about its anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, in this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of Z. mays husk extract (ZMHE) and its mechanisms of action were investigated.
Methods
The husks of Z. Mays were harvested in kangwondo, Korea. To assess the anti-inflammatory activities of ZMHE, we examined effects of ZMHE on nitric oxide (NO) production, and release of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and eotaxin-1. The expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene was also determined by Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. To determine its mechanisms of action, a luciferase reporter assay for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) was introduced.
Results
ZMHE inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of NO in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, expression of iNOS gene was reduced, as confirmed by Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. Effects of ZMHE on the AP-1 and NF-kB promoters were examined to elucidate the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity. Activation of AP-1 and NF-kB promoters induced by LPS was significantly reduced by ZMHE treatment. In addition, LPS-induced production of sICAM-1 and IL-4-induced production of eotaxin-1 were all reduced by ZMHE.
ConclusionsOur results indicate that ZMHE has anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the expression of iNOS gene and its downregulation is mediated by inhibiting NF-kB and AP-1 signaling.
Source : BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Lectin from Marine Red Alga Solieria filiformis
Ticiana Monteiro Abreu1, Natássia Albuquerque Ribeiro1, Hellíada Vasconcelos Chaves2, Roberta Jeane Bezerra Jorge3, Mirna Marques Bezerra4, Helena Serra Azul Monteiro3, Ilka Maria Vasconcelos1, Érika Freitas Mota5, Norma Maria Barros Benevides1
Abstract
Lectins are proteins that bind to specific mono- or oligosaccharides. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the lectin from the red marine alga Solieria filiformis. The animals (n = 6) were pretreated with S. filiformis lectin 30 min before they were given the nociceptive or inflammatory stimulus. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in Swiss mice using the abdominal writhing, formalin, and hot plate tests. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in Wistar rats using carrageenan-induced peritonitis and paw edema induced by different phlogistic agents. The S. filiformis lectin toxicity was assayed through its application in mice (7 days). S. filiformis lectin significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhings and reduced the paw licking time in the second phase of the formalin test (p < 0.05), but it did not prolong the reaction time in the hot plate test (p > 0.05). Furthermore, S. filiformis lectin reduced neutrophil migration in a peritonitis model and reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, and serotonin (p < 0.05). Additionally, the administration of S. filiformis lectin resulted in no signs of systemic damage. Thus, S. filiformis lectin appears to have important antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and could represent a potential therapeutic agent for future studies.
Source : Journal Planta Medica
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Effects of Group Drumming Interventions on Anxiety, Depression, Social Resilience and Inflammatory Immune Response among Mental Health Service Users
Abstract
Growing numbers of mental health organizations are developing community music-making interventions for service users; however, to date there has been little research into their efficacy or mechanisms of effect. This study was an exploratory examination of whether 10 weeks of group drumming could improve depression, anxiety and social resilience among service users compared with a non-music control group (with participants allocated to group by geographical location.) Significant improvements were found in the drumming group but not the control group: by week 6 there were decreases in depression (-2.14 SE 0.50 CI -3.16 to -1.11) and increases in social resilience (7.69 SE 2.00 CI 3.60 to 11.78), and by week 10 these had further improved (depression: -3.41 SE 0.62 CI -4.68 to -2.15; social resilience: 10.59 SE 1.78 CI 6.94 to 14.24) alongside significant improvements in anxiety (-2.21 SE 0.50 CI -3.24 to -1.19) and mental wellbeing (6.14 SE 0.92 CI 4.25 to 8.04). All significant changes were maintained at 3 months follow-up. Furthermore, it is now recognised that many mental health conditions are characterised by underlying inflammatory immune responses. Consequently, participants in the drumming group also provided saliva samples to test for cortisol and the cytokines interleukin (IL) 4, IL6, IL17, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1. Across the 10 weeks there was a shift away from a pro-inflammatory towards an anti-inflammatory immune profile. Consequently, this study demonstrates the psychological benefits of group drumming and also suggests underlying biological effects, supporting its therapeutic potential for mental health
Source : PLOS One
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Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation via the Vagus Nerve
Abstract
Although acupuncture therapy is widely used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diverse internal organ disorders, its underlying biological mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the functional involvement of acupuncture stimulation (AS) in the regulation of inflammatory responses. TNF-α production in mouse serum, which was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, was decreased by manual acupuncture (MAC) at the zusanli acupoint (stomach36, ST36). In the spleen, TNF-α mRNA and protein levels were also downregulated by MAC and were recovered by using a splenic neurectomy and a vagotomy. c-Fos, which was induced in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) by LPS and electroacupuncture (EAC), was further increased by focal administration of the AMPA receptor blocker CNQX and the purinergic receptor antagonist PPADS. TNF-α levels in the spleen were decreased by CNQX and PPADS treatments, implying the involvement of inhibitory neuronal activity in the DVC. In unanesthetized animals, both MAC and EAC generated c-Fos induction in the DVC neurons. However, MAC, but not EAC, was effective in decreasing splenic TNF-α production. These results suggest that the therapeutic effects of acupuncture may be mediated through vagal modulation of inflammatory responses in internal organs.
Source : PLOS One
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Chemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory potential of Achillea millefolium L., Anethum graveolens L., and Carum copticum L. essential oils Abstract
Achillea millefolium L., Anethum graveolens L., and Carum copticum L. comprise several relevant species that may be used for the food, cosmetic, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed thymol to be a major component of A. millefolium, A. graveolens and C. copticum, with its contribution to the essential oils (EOs) being 26.47%, 20.07% and 23.14%, respectively. All three EOs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial strains, the A. millefolium oil being the most potent. In addition, A. millefolium EO had the highest antioxidant activity in all conducted assays. The A. millefolium EO had significantly greater radical scavenging activity than C. copticum EO and the reference antioxidant Trolox (IC50 values of 22.11, 26.5 and 28.32 mg/ml, respectively). In addition, a correlation between antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content was found. The A. millefolium EO significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages (an in vitro model of inflammation). These results clearly show the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant EOs.
Source : Sci-Hub.bc
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Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Taraxacum officinale Leaves on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in RAW 264.7 Cells
Abstract
To investigate the efficacy and the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of Taraxacum officinale leaves (TOLs), the effect of a methanol extract and its fractions recovered from TOLs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses was studied in the mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. Cells were pretreated with various concentrations of the methanol extract and its fractions and subsequently incubated with LPS (1 μg/mL). The levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases were analyzed using western blotting. The methanol extract and its fractions inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner. The chloroform fraction significantly suppressed production of NO, PGE2, and two pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 66.51, 90.96, 114.76, and 171.06 μg/mL, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction also inhibited production of the inflammatory molecules. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions reduced LPS-induced expressions of iNOS and COX-2 and activation of MAP kinases in a dose-dependent manner. Among the fractions of the methanol extract, the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited the most effective anti-inflammatory activities. These results show that the anti-inflammatory effects of TOLs are probably due to down-regulation of NO, PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced expressions of iNOS and COX-2 via inactivation of the MAP kinase signal pathway.
Source : Journal of Medicinal Food
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Qing-dai powder promotes recovery of colitis by inhibiting inflammatory responses of colonic macrophages in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice
Hai-Tao Xiao12, Jiao Peng3, Dong-Dong Hu14, Cheng-Yuan Lin1, Bin Du1, Siu-Wai Tsang1,Ze-si Lin15, Xiao-Jun Zhang16, Feng-Ping Lueng1, Quan-Bin Han1 and Zhao-Xiang Bian1*
Abstract
Background
Qing-dai powder (QDP), comprising Indigo naturalis (Qing-dai) and dried alum (Ku-fan), was used in Chinese medicine to treat the conditions associated with mucosal hemorrhage, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanism of QDP on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice and to examine the regulatory effects of QDP on macrophages.
Methods
Seven- to eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were challenged with 2.0 % DSS in drinking water for 5 days and then the colitic mice were arbitrarily allocated into five groups (n = 10 for each group). QDP (0.77, 1.54 and 3.08 g/kg) and sulfasalazine (SASP) (0.20 g/kg) were orally administered for 7 days. The disease activity index was determined by scores of body weight loss, diarrhea and rectal bleeding; histological signs of damage was analyzed by H&E staining; myeloperoxidase activity was measured by colorimetric method, levels of proinflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA; changes in macrophages in the colon were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were treated with or without QDP, then the production of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by ELISA; and protein molecules such as COX-2, iNOS, IкB-α were determined by Western blot.
Results
Oral administration of QDP at dosages of 1.54 and 3.08 g/kg significantly reduced disease activity index on day 12 (P < 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg and P < 0.0008 for 3.08 g/kg), colon shortening (P = 0.012 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg), histological damage (P < 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg,P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg) and colonic myeloperoxidase activity (P = 0.002 for 1.54 g/kg, P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg) of DSS-treated mice. Moreover, QDP treatment (1.54 and 3.08 g/kg) significantly decreased DSS-induced infiltration of macrophages, and production of TNF-α (P = 0.005 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.002 for 3.08 g/kg), IL-1β (P = 0.008 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.002 for 3.08 g/kg) and IL-6 (P = 0.011 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.004 for 3.08 g/kg) in colonic tissues, and also reduced serum MCP-1 levels (P = 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg, P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg). In RAW264.7 cells, QDP significantly suppressed LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 (Both P < 0.001 for 1.0 μg/mL QDP treatment) and expression levels of COX-2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001 for 1 and 3 μg/mL QDP treatment, respectively) and iNOS (P < 0.001 for 3 μg/mL QDP treatment) by inhibiting IкB-α degradation (P = 0.007 and P = 0.004 for 1 and 3 μg/mL QDP treatment, respectively) and NF-кB p65 nuclear translocation.
Conclusion
QDP suppressed the inflammatory responses of colonic macrophages in DSS-induced UC in mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.
Source : Journal Chinese Medicine
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Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Chemoprotective Properties of Acacia catechu Heartwood Extracts
Abstract
Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu heartwood are rich source of catechin and epicatechin (gallic acid derivatives), with smaller amounts of flavonoids. Extracts have also been prepared with ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol, and the properties of these extracts have been studied and are reviewed. Potent antioxidant activity has been well established in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This antioxidant activity is believed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory, tissue protectant, antineoplastic, and analgesic activities that have been demonstrated and clearly established in animal and cell culture systems. Furthermore, antihyperglycemic, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities have been demonstrated in animal studies. No adverse effects have been observed in animal or human studies or in cell culture systems. In spite of the fact that Acacia products have been used for many years and the general safety of catechins and epicatechins is well documented, few human studies have ever been conducted on the efficacy or safety of A. catechu heartwood extracts. Several studies have shown that a two-ingredient combination product containing A. catechu extract exhibited no adverse effects when administered daily for up to 12 weeks while exhibiting significant anti-inflammatory activity in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee. There is a need for additional human clinical studies with regard to efficacy and safety.
Source : Phytotherapy Research
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C-reactive protein response to a vegan lifestyle interventionJ
ay T. Sutliffe, , Lori D. Wilson, , Hendrik D. de Heer, , Ray L. Foster, , Mary Jo Carnot
Abstract
Highlights
Summary
This brief lifestyle intervention, including a vegan diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and various legumes, nuts and seeds, significantly improved health risk factors and reduced systemic inflammation as measured by circulating CRP. The degree of improvement was associated with baseline CRP such that higher levels predicted greater decreases. The interaction between gender and baseline CRP was significant and showed that males with higher baseline CRP levels appeared to have a more robust decrease in CRP due to the intervention than did their female counterparts.
It is likely that the vegetable and high fiber content of a vegan diet reduces CRP in the presences of obesity. Neither the quantity of exercise nor the length of stay was significant predictors of CRP reduction. Additionally, those participants who had a vegan diet prior to the intervention had the lowest CRP risk coming into the program. Direct measure of body fat composition, estrogen and other inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha would enhance current understanding of the specific mechanisms of CRP reduction related to lifestyle interventions.
Source : Complementary Therapies in Medicine
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In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Potential of a Phyllostachys edulis Leaf Extract – Identification of Isoorientin as an Active Compound
Jonas Wedler1, Tony Daubitz1, Götz Schlotterbeck2, Veronika Butterweck1
Abstract
Extracts prepared from the leaves of Phyllostachys edulis (bamboo) have received attention in pharmacological research due to their potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-ulcerogenic activities. In this study, anti-inflammatory effects of a bamboo leaf extract on tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced overproduction of interleukin 8, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin 6 in immortalized human keratinocytes were investigated for the first time. In addition, wound-healing effects were evaluated in 3T3-swiss albino mouse fibroblasts. Bamboo leaf extract and isoorientin inhibited the tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced release of interleukin 8 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, isoorientin dose-dependently reduced levels of interleukin 6 in tumor necrosis factor alpha-α-treated immortalized human keratinocytes cells. Wound healing was evaluated using a modification of the classical scratch assay. For evaluation of the wound gap, a new computerized method based on time-lapse microscopy was developed. It was shown that bamboo leaf extract (10 µg/mL) improved wound closure by 28 % (12 h) and 54 % (24 h), respectively. In concentrations of 50 µg/mL and above, bamboo leaf extract inhibited cell migration without affecting cell viability. Isoorientin (10 µM) improved wound closure by 29 % (12 h) and 56 % (24 h), respectively. Comparable to bamboo leaf extract, higher concentrations of isoorientin prevented cell migration. It is suggested that bamboo leaf extract as well as isoorientin have a dual activity – in higher doses, they show anti-inflammatory effects, and in lower concentrations, they exert anti-angiogenic activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, natural accelerators of cutaneous tissue repair with simultaneous anti-inflammatory activities are of great interest for a variety of dermatological disorders. Thus, treatment with P. edulis leaf extract or isoorientin may be a potential therapeutic strategy to promote wound healing and to prevent inflammation in a persistent inflammatory condition. Further investigations of the precise mechanism by which P. edulis and isoorientin reveal anti-inflammatory as well as wound-healing properties are currently underway.
Source : Planta Medica
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Experienced Practitioners Reap Genetic Changes After a Day of Mindfulness Meditation
Results of a recent study cofunded by NCCAM suggest that one day of intense mindfulness by experienced meditators led to biological changes including expression of certain genes that play roles in inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs have similar effects on these genes. Findings from the study appear in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Mindfulness meditation practices are a form of training that focuses attention on breathing to develop increased awareness of the present. The study, conducted in 40 participants, focused on gaining more knowledge about molecular and genetic effects of this type of meditation and also on testing the feasibility of the study approach for future work.
Researchers divided participants into two groups. The first (active) group, which consisted of 19 people who had practiced daily meditation for at least 3 years, performed 8 hours of intensive mindfulness practice during one day. The other group, a control group of 21 people who had no experience with meditation, spent 8 hours performing quiet leisure activities in the same setting as the meditators. The researchers took blood samples before and after both interventions and analyzed them for certain biological factors, including the expression of various genes important in the regulatory processes for inflammation, circadian rhythms (which refer to the body’s internal “clock”), or histones (proteins in cells that attach to DNA). Researchers also took samples of participants’ saliva to determine the levels of the hormone cortisol as an indicator of recovery time after participants took a test that put them under acute stress.
The investigators found no significant differences between the active and control groups in these biological factors at the study’s start. However, after the interventions, the meditators showed some changes not seen in the control group. These included reduced expression levels of certain genes related to inflammation and histones. The reduced levels for two of these genes were associated with faster recovery from the stress test. No significant differences occurred between groups with respect to circadian genes.
The researchers suggested that their findings may offer a possible mechanism for explaining beneficial effects from meditation on inflammatory disorders, and an avenue for future research in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Reference
Source : NNCAM
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Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of standardized root extract of Jasminum sambac.
Sengar N1, Joshi A1, Prasad SK2, Hemalatha S3.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:The plant Jasminum sambac L. (Oleaceae) is cultivated throughout India. The leaves and roots of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of inflammation, fever and pain. The leaves of the plant have been reported to posses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.
OBJECTIVE:To scientifically validate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of roots from J. sambac.
METHODS:Ethanol root extract of J. sambac (EJS) was standardized using HPTLC and was subjected to acute oral toxicity study. Further, analgesic activity of EJS at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated using writhing test on Swiss albino mice and tail-flick test on Charles Foster albino rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of EJS was assessed by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis models, while antipyretic activity was evaluated using Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia. In addition, biochemical parameters such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in blood serum and edematous tissue of rats exposed to acute (carrageenan) and granulomatous tissue in sub-chronic (cotton pellet granuloma) inflammation models were also evaluated.
RESULTS:Phytochemical analysis of EJS revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates in major quantities, while the quantity of hesperidin in EJS (using HPTLC) was found to be 4.25 % w/w. EJS at 400 mg/kg, p.o. reduced writhing count up to 49.21%, whereas in tail-flick test, EJS in a dose dependent manner increased latency in flicking tail. EJS at 400 mg/kg, p.o. showed significant anti-inflammatory activity after 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th h of treatment in carrageenan-induced edema, while a 33.58% inhibition in cotton pellet induced granuloma formation was observed at same dose level. EJS significantly (p<0.001) inhibited adjuvant-induced arthritis and also showed significant antipyretic activity. Further, a significant reversal in alterations of all the biochemical parameters (except ALP) in tissues was also observed.
CONCLUSION:The study confirms the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of EJS which may be attributed to the presence of various phytoconstituents quantified especially hesperidin which have already been reported for its significant role in treatment of inflammation and associated problems.
Source : Journal Ethnopharmacol
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Anti-inflammatory properties of culinary herbs and spices that ameliorate the effects of metabolic syndrome
Alois Jungbauer , Svjetlana Medjakovic
Department of Biotechnology and Christian Doppler Laboratory of Receptor Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasing global health problems. In addition to the malnutrition of a sedentary lifestyle, high calorie intake leads to obesity with many negative health consequences. Macrophages infiltrate adipose tissue and induce chronic inflammation by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, including COX-2 and iNOS, among other mediators of inflammation. Free fatty acids mediate adipose tissue signalling through toll-like receptor 4 and the expression of these pro-inflammatory mediators via NF-κB or JNK. PPAR γ activators can inhibit the activation of NF-κB, down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here we provide an overview of how different culinary herbs and spices exert anti-inflammatory activities and the extent to which they activate PPAR α and PPAR γ, inhibit the activation of NF-κB, and enhance expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Spices can play essential roles as anti-inflammatory agents in our diet, acting as pan PPAR activators and improving insulin sensitivity, counteracting dyslipidaemia and weight gain. The effects of chronic inflammation caused by obesity are counteracted and, consequently, the progression of diseases associated with chronic inflammation slowed.
Source : Journal Maturitas
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Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Sesame Oil and Sesamin
Érika Maria Henriques Monteiro 1, Lucas Apolinário Chibli 1, Célia Hitomi Yamamoto 2, Mônica Cecília Santana Pereira 2, Fernanda Maria Pinto Vilela 2, Mírian Pereira Rodarte 2, Míriam Aparecida de Oliveira Pinto 2, Maria da Penha Henriques do Amaral 2, Marcelo Silva Silvério 2, Ana Lúcia Santos de Matos Araújo 2, Aílson da Luz André de Araújo 2, Glauciemar Del-Vechio-Vieira 2 and Orlando Vieira de Sousa 2,*
1 Pharmaceutical Sciences Post-Graduation Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-900, Brazil;
2 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-900, Brazil;
Abstract
Sesame oil is widely consumed as nutritious food, cooking oil, and in pharmaceuticals and food. In this study, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the sesame oil and sesamin were investigated. The sesame oil and sesamin reduced the number of abdominal contortions at the doses 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg. The first and second phases of the time paw licking were inhibited by sesame oil and sesamin (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). After 90 min of treatment, sesame oil and sesamin increased the reaction time on a hot plate (200 or 400 mg/kg). Considering the tail-immersion assay, the sesame oil and sesamin produced significant effect after 60 min at the doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg. After 4 h of application of the carrageenan, the sesame oil and sesamin were effective against the paw edema. The exudate volume and leucocyte migration were also reduced by sesame oil and sesamin. These results suggest that sesamin is one of the active compounds found in sesame oil and justify the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of this product.
Source : Journal Nutrients
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Anti-inflammatory action of ginger: A critical review in anemia of inflammation and its future aspects
Subodh Kumar1*, Kiran Saxena2, Uday N. Singh1, Ravi Saxena2 1. Department of Biochemistry, Major S D Singh Medical College & Hospital, Fatehgarh (U.P.), India
2. Department of Biochemistry, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal (M.P.) India
Abstract: Anti-inflammatory action of ginger has been confirmed by various scientists, but there is very few review article published till date on inflammation associated diseases. Inflammation is mainly, culprit of anemia and inflammation associated disorder (like- Pulmonary diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes Type-2, cancer, Arthritis, Alzheimer, Neurological diseases and Autoimmune diseases).Since Infection (bacterial/ viral), activate Nuclear factor –-κB, which is a major mediator of inflammation in most of the disease. Zinger has been established potent NF–ƙB inhibitory action via the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α and also provides a molecular link between the innate and adaptive immune system. This review takes the Zinger bioactive components, property, Chemical composition, Mechanism of action, function, side effects, current research and their potential application in modern medicine. The present study demonstrates that ginger showed broad spectrum action in which Anti-inflammatory action is one of them. So the present study concludes that ginger and its bioactive components have the potential for development of modern medicine in the treatment of anemia and various diseases in near future.
Source : International Journal of Herbal Medicine
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Effect on Tumor Necrosis Factor-aProduction and Antioxidant Ability of Black Alder, as Factors Related to Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Nuria Acero1and Dolores Mun ̃oz-Mingarro2
Departments of1Biology and 2Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, CEU San Pablo University, Madrid, Spain.
ABSTRACT
Alders exhibit several uses in different areas and also offer some nutritional and medicinal values. The bark and leaves from black alder [Alnus glutinosa(L.) Gaertn] are used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory processes and other health disorders. This study assessed if an extract ofA. glutinosastem bark exhibits some biological properties linked to improving the inflammatory state, which could partly justify its ethnopharmacological use. Therefore,various aspects of antioxidant activity as well as the effect on tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-a) production were evaluated.The phytochemical study revealed the presence of terpenes, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and anthraquinones (by high-performance thin-layer chromatography). The betulinic acid content in the extract, determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (validated method), was 0.72–0.027%. In addition, high amounts for total phenols as well as flavonoids were determined. The extract exhibited a 2,20-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity similar to that of ascorbic acid and had a significant effect on superoxide anion scavenging, superior to that of ascorbic acid. It was alsoable to protect HeLa cells from induced oxidative stress. In the TNF-aassay, levels of this citokine were depressed by the extractin HL-60 cells. To test the effect of the extract on cell proliferation, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay was performed. According to the results, the antioxidant properties displayed by the extract o A. glutinosa stem bark, together with the effect on TNF-alevels, suggest that these activities, linked to a successful reduction in inflammatory processes, may support, in part, its ethnopharmacological use
Source : Journal of Medicinal Food
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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selected medicinal plants and fungi containing phenolic and flavonoid compounds
Patricia Diaz1, Sang Chul Jeong2, Samiuela Lee1, Cheang Khoo1 and Sundar Rao Koyyalamudi1,2*
1. Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia
2 School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia
Abstract
Background This study aims to determine the relationship between the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the thirteen herbs and two fungi extracts, and their total phenolic and flavonoid contents.
Methods Antioxidant activities were evaluated by four assays: an antioxidant activity assay using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a DPPH ((2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay to assess free radical scavenging, an assay assessing ferrous ions or iron (II) chelating ability, and a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activities were determined by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide and TNF-α production in lipopolysaccharide- and interferon-γ-activated J774A.1 macrophages. Their cytotoxicities against macrophages were determined by MTT assay.
Results A positive linear correlation between antioxidant activities and the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the plant extracts was found. The plant extracts with high phenolic and flavonoid content also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity with good cell viability.
Conclusion The selected herbs could be a rich source of antioxidants and free radical scavenging compounds. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were correlated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts from the herbs.
Source : Chinese Medicine Journal
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Preventive and Prophylactic Mechanisms of Action of Pomegranate Bioactive Constituents
Monica Viladomiu,1,2 Raquel Hontecillas,1,2 Pinyi Lu,1,2 and Josep Bassaganya-Riera1,2,3
1Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
2Center for Modeling Immunity to Enteric Pathogens, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
3Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Abstract
Pomegranate fruit presents strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, and antitumoral properties, thus leading to an increased popularity as a functional food and nutraceutical source since ancient times. It can be divided into three parts: seeds, peel, and juice, all of which seem to have medicinal benefits. Several studies investigate its bioactive components as a means to associate them with a specific beneficial effect and develop future products and therapeutic applications. Many beneficial effects are related to the presence of ellagic acid, ellagitannins (including punicalagins), punicic acid and other fatty acids, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, estrogenic flavonols, and flavones, which seem to be its most therapeutically beneficial components. However, the synergistic action of the pomegranate constituents appears to be superior when compared to individual constituents. Promising results have been obtained for the treatment of certain diseases including obesity, insulin resistance, intestinal inflammation, and cancer. Although moderate consumption of pomegranate does not result in adverse effects, future studies are needed to assess safety and potential interactions with drugs that may alter the bioavailability of bioactive constituents of pomegranate as well as drugs. The aim of this review is to summarize the health effects and mechanisms of action of pomegranate extracts in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Conclusions
There is strong evidence that pomegranate elicits ameliorating health effects in several diseases. When considering the pomegranate therapeutic studies along with the research investigating the bioavailability of its compounds, one can conclude that pomegranate’s bioactive constituents can be absorbed and exert their biological activity. However, this fruit contains hundreds of different bioactive compounds, thus requiring a better understanding of the beneficial effects elicited by each compound and not the fruit as a whole. Moreover, some studies report that the administration of combinations of bioactive compounds has increased activity when compared to single compounds. Therefore, there is a need to further study possible synergistic effects between pomegranate’s bioactive components through isobolograms in the context of ligand-binding assays and factorial designs in animal models. In this regard, the integration of computational and experimental nutritional immunology research represents a cost, and time-efficient approach for the discovery of novel interactions and mechanisms underlying such activities. Many of the pomegranate’s beneficial effects have been widely related to the presence of ellagic acid and ellagitannins, especially punicalagins, punicalins, and gallagic acid. However, anthocyanins as well as pomegranate’s distinct and unique fatty acid profile also contribute to the reported health effects. Interestingly, several effects of pomegranate are mediated by the activation of PPAR pathways by conjugated trienes derived from seed oil. Some studies suggest that pomegranate metabolites may also contribute to its therapeutic effects along with the components of the fruit. In line with these findings, pomegranate has been suggested to stimulate probiotic bacteria thus enhancing their beneficial effects and fighting bacterial infections. Therefore, gut microflora seems to be important for pomegranate therapeutic activities. Pomegranate is safe at high doses in humans. So far, pomegranate has been shown to elicit beneficial effects for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, inflammation-related diseases such as IBD and NEC, and several types of cancer, as well as cardiovascular complications. However, there is still a need to identify individual active ingredients of pomegranate as well as further explore synergistic preventive effects in laboratory, animal models, and human clinical studies.
Source : Journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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A REVIEW ON THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF POMEGRANATE IN THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT
1Elisa Colombo, 1Enrico Sangiovanni, 1, 2Mario Dell'Agli*
1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, and 2Research Centre for
Characterization and Safe Use of Natural Compounds-G. Galli, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, Milano, Italy
Abstract
PG is used in the traditional medicine of different Asian cultures for the treatment of a variety of ailments. The biological activity of pomegranate has been widely investigated, including in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. The beneficial effects are mostly the cardiovascular protective role, neuroprotective activity, hypoglycemic effect and anticancer properties, in particular against prostate, colon and breast cancer; the anticancer effect are limited only to in vitro and animal studies. The gastrointestinal tract represents an important barrier between the human hosts and microbial populations. One potential consequence of host-microbial interactions is the development of mucosal inflammation, which can lead to gastritis and ulcer. Gastritis defined as inflammation of the gastric mucosa can be caused by endogenous and exogenous factors including acid, pepsin, stress, and noxious agents such as alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Helicobacter pylori infection and smoking. Conversely, inflammatory bowel diseases, among which Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are the most common inflammatory-related diseases in the gut; inflammatory bowel diseases occur in response to genetic or environmental factors and are characterized by the uncontrolled response of the intestinal immune system against the normal enteric microflora, leading to abdominal pain and chronic diarrhoea.
Although the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate and its major components have been widely described in the literature and some papers have been published at this regard, surprisingly this effect has not been reviewed till now. The aim of the present review is to summarize the evidence for or against the efficacy of pomegranate for coping inflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract.
The review has been organized in three parts: 1) a first one is devoted to the modifications of pomegranate active compounds in the gastro-intestinal tract, with particular attention to the intestinal metabolites; 2) a second one considering the literature regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate and individual compounds at gastric level; 3) a third part considering the antiinflammatory effect of pomegranate and individual compounds in the gut, taking into account also the main metabolites which are formed by microbial biotransformation after pomegranate consumption. In vivo studies performed on the whole fruit or juice, peel and flowers demonstrate high anti-ulcer effect in a variety of animal models. Ellagic acid was found to be the main responsible for this effect, although other individual ellagitannins, which have not yet been studied, could contribute to the biological activity of the mixture.Different preparations of pomegranate, including extracts from peels, flowers, seeds, and juice, show a significant anti-inflammatory activity in the gut. Oil derived from PG seeds and its major 3 component punicic acid, inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the modulation of PPAR-γ and δ, whereas pomegranate peel extracts, and the pure compounds
punicalagins and ellagic acid, inhibit the expression and secretion of several inflammatory mediators. The inhibitory effect is ascribed to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and involves the MAPKs system as well. Between urolithins, urolithins A has been shown to possess a significant antiinflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting that this compound, and not its
precursor EA, could be the main responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties observed with PG extracts in the gut. Unfortunately, no clinical studies addressing the anti-inflammatory activity of PG at the gastro-intestinal level have been found, thus suggesting that future clinical studies on antiinflammatory activity at the gastrointestinal tract are necessary to clarify the beneficial effects of pomegranate for human health.
Conclusion
Few in vitro studies have been performed with PG peel extracts to evaluate anti H. pylori activity. These extracts are able to reduce significantly the growth of this pathogen, which is considered the aetiological agent mainly responsible for human gastritis.
In vivo studies performed on the whole fruit or juice, peel and flowers, demonstrate high anti-ulcer effect in a variety of animal models. EA was found to be the main responsible for this effect, although other individual ETs, which have not yet been studied, could contribute to the biological activity of the mixture. With the exception of EA, the effect of the pure compounds at the gastric
level was not investigated; this should be carefully considered for the future studies, since these molecules appear to be unmodified at the gastric level. Conversely, the positive effect of EA has been widely demonstrated, and the effect is corroborated by other studies performed on other plants: ethanolic extract from Ficus glomerata fruit (FGE) contained 0.36% w/w of EA and showed significant dose-dependent anti-ulcerogenic in different models of induced gastritis (pylorus ligation, ethanol and cold stress) [69]; moreover, the hydroalcoholic extract of Anogeissus latifolia (50% alcohol) containing 0.25% w/w of EA, has been shown to possess gastro-protective activity [70] due to the presence of EA. In addition, methanol stem bark extract of Lafoensia pacari containing 23.4% 19 of EA showed gastro-protective and ulcer healing effects in animal models strictly associated to the
presence of great amounts of EA in the extract [71], and an improvement of the gastric symptoms in patients with H. pylori gastritis was observed [72]. The mechanism of action by which EA shows anti-ulcer activity is partially attributed to the inhibitory effect on the gastric H+, K+-ATPase, in addition to the anti-H. pylori activity [38].
Unfortunately, no clinical studies coping with the anti-inflammatory activity of PG at the gastric level have been found, thus suggesting that the effect of the extracts and individual compounds in this area need to be elucidated. In particular, it is necessary to draw clinical trials considering the effects of PG extracts in patients with H. pylori-induced gastritis, alone or in combination with antibiotics. Different preparations of PG, including extracts from peels, flowers, seeds, in addition to the juice, show a significant anti-inflammatory activity in the gut. From all the studies taken into consideration in the present review, some conclusions can be drawn. First of all, the pure compounds occurring in PG fruits seem to act through different pathways. Oil derived from PG seeds and its major component PuA, could inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-23, IL-12 and TNF-α) through the modulation of PPAR-γ and δ. This is not true for PG peel extracts, as well as their components punicalagins and EA, since they do not show any effect on PPAR signalling; conversely, the main effect is due to the inhibition of the expression and secretion of several inflammatory mediators (i.e. IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, iNOS, COX-2 and PGE2). The inhibitory effect is ascribed to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and involves the MAPKs system as well. This effect was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo for the extracts and the pure compound punicalagin, while contradictory results were found for EA, since it seems to be effective also in studies performed in vivo. This might be explained considering the metabolic fate of PG phenolic compounds. In fact, different studies demonstrate a strong interaction between gut microbiota and PG polyphenols (i.e EA) that are metabolized by intestinal microflora to urolithins. These metabolites themselves could modulate gut microbiota, enhancing the growth of beneficial strains in spite of pathogenic ones. Between urolithins, urolithins A has been shown to possess a significant antiinflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting that this compound, and not its precursor EA, could be the main responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties observed with PG extracts in the gut. However it has been also showed that the inflammatory status alters the composition of intestinal microbiota, changing its metabolic capacity and the bioavailability of phenolic compounds [60]. This statement is corroborated by observation that, after consumption of PG extract, the phenolic profile of faeces obtained from healthy and DSS-fed rats is deeply changed: in normal conditions EA and punicalagin are completely metabolized to urolithins A, whereas in inflammatory conditions they can be found unmodified in the colon [60]. This suggests that 20 biological effects of urolithins, and consequently PG, could be strictly related to the composition of individual microbiota and to the intestinal inflammatory status. For this reason, although the studies reported herein seem to recommend PG consumption to prevent or treat gastro-intestinal inflammation, future clinical studies on anti-inflammatory activity at the gastrointestinal tract are necessary to clarify the beneficial effects of PG for human health.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Research - Pomegranate Page and download under article
Mindfulness Meditation May Relieve Chronic Inflammation
People suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma -- in which psychological stress plays a major role -- may benefit from mindfulness meditation techniques, according to a study by University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientists with the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the Waisman Center.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction, originally designed for patients with chronic pain, consists of continuously focusing attention on the breath, bodily sensations and mental content while seated, walking or practicing yoga.
While interest in meditation as a means of reducing stress has grown over the years, there has been little evidence to support benefits specific to mindfulness meditation practice. This was the first study designed to control for other therapeutic mechanisms, such as supportive social interaction, expert instruction, or learning new skills.
A class in stress reduction can be beneficial in many ways, some of which have little to do with mindfulness, according to Melissa Rosenkranz, assistant scientist at the center and lead author on the paper, which was published recently in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity. For example, learning to manage stress by engaging in regular physical activity may be therapeutic.
"We wanted to develop an intervention that was meant to produce positive change and compare the mindfulness approach to an intervention that was structurally equivalent," Rosenkranz says.
The study compared two methods of reducing stress: a mindfulness meditation-based approach, and a program designed to enhance health in ways unrelated to mindfulness.
The comparison group participated in the Health Enhancement Program, which consisted of nutritional education; physical activity, such as walking; balance, agility and core strengthening; and music therapy. The content of the program was meant to match aspects of the mindfulness instruction in some way. For example, physical exercise was meant to match walking meditation, without the mindfulness component. Both groups had the same amount of training, the same level of expertise in the instructors, and the same amount of home practice required by participants.
"In this setting, we could see if there were changes that we could detect that were specific to mindfulness," Rosenkranz explains.
Using a tool called the Trier Social Stress Test to induce psychological stress, and a capsaicin cream to produce inflammation on the skin, immune and endocrine measures were collected before and after training in the two methods. While both techniques were proven effective in reducing stress, the mindfulness-based stress reduction approach was more effective at reducing stress-induced inflammation.
The results show that behavioral interventions designed to reduce emotional reactivity are beneficial to people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.
The study also suggests that mindfulness techniques may be more effective in relieving inflammatory symptoms than other activities that promote well-being.
Rosenkranz emphasizes that the mindfulness-based approach is not a magic bullet.
"This is not a cure-all, but our study does show that there are specific ways that mindfulness can be beneficial, and that there are specific people who may be more likely to benefit from this approach than other interventions."
Significant portions of the population do not benefit from available pharmaceutical treatment options, for example. Some of these patients suffer from negative side effects of the drugs, or simply do not respond to the standard-of-care for treatment of the disorder.
"The mindfulness-based approach to stress reduction may offer a lower-cost alternative or complement to standard treatment, and it can be practiced easily by patients in their own homes, whenever they need," Rosenkranz says.
Scientists at the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds conduct rigorous research on the physiological effects of meditation on the brain, and the power of the brain to influence human health. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of mindfulness and how it affects the body.
Source : Science Daily
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Green Tea Reduced Inflammation, May Inhibit Prostate Cancer Tumor Growth, Research Finds
Men with prostate cancer who consumed green tea prior to undergoing prostatectomy had reductions in markers of inflammation, according to data presented at the 11th Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, held in Anaheim, Calif., Oct. 16-19, 2012.
"Our study showed that drinking six cups of green tea affected biomarkers in prostate tissue at the time of surgery," said Susanne M. Henning, Ph.D., R.D., adjunct professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles. "This research offers new insights into the mechanisms by which green tea consumption may reduce the risk for prostate cancer by opposing processes such as inflammation, which are associated with prostate cancer growth."
Prior epidemiological data have been inconclusive about the relationship between green tea and prostate cancer. However, one recent intervention study conducted in Italy revealed that men with a precursor to prostate cancer called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia who consumed a green tea extract reduced their risk for progression to prostate cancer.
Henning and colleagues examined potential mechanisms by which green tea may have beneficial effects among 67 men with prostate cancer scheduled to undergo prostatectomy. The researchers randomly assigned the men to either six cups of brewed green tea or water daily for three to eight weeks, depending on the timing of their surgery. They collected blood and urine samples before and after the green tea or water consumption and collected prostate tissue following the pathology exam.
The data showed that serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations were significantly lower at the end of the study compared with baseline levels in men consuming green tea. In addition, prostate tissue PSA protein expression was lower in men assigned to green tea consumption compared with the control group at the end of the study.
Further, immunostaining analysis revealed that nuclear factor kappa B, a marker of inflammation, was significantly reduced in those men assigned to green tea compared with those in the control group. A urinary marker of oxidative DNA damage was significantly decreased in urine from men consuming green tea compared with controls.
The researchers found no differences in markers of tumor cell proliferation between the two treatment groups.
Henning and her colleagues are further evaluating the association between green tea and prostate cancer by trying to enhance its activity. Currently, they are exploring the possibility of combining green tea with other natural products in mouse studies.
Source : Science Daily
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Researchers Say Tart Cherries Have ‘the Highest Anti-Inflammatory Content of Any Food’
Tart cherries may help reduce chronic inflammation, especially for the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating joint pain and arthritis, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University presented today at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference (ACSM) in San Francisco, Calif.1 In fact, the researchers suggest tart cherries have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food” and can help people with osteoarthritis manage their disease.In a study of twenty women ages 40 to 70 with inflammatory osteoarthritis, the researchers found that drinking tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks led to significant reductions in important inflammation markers – especially for women who had the highest inflammation levels at the start of the study.
“With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, it’s promising that tart cherries can help, without the possible side effects often associated with arthritis medications,” said Kerry Kuehl, M.D, Dr.PH., M.S., Oregon Health & Science University, principal study investigator. “I’m intrigued by the potential for a real food to offer such a powerful anti-inflammatory benefit – especially for active adults.”
Often characterized as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Athletes are often at a greater risk for developing the condition, given their excessive joint use that can cause a breakdown in cartilage and lead to pain and injury, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
The inflammation benefits could be particularly important for athletes, according to Kuehl’s previous research. In a past study he found that people who drank tart cherry juice while training for a long distance run reported significantly less pain after exercise than those who didn’t.2
Go Red Instead to Manage Pain
Along with providing the fruit’s bright red color, the antioxidant compounds in tart cherries – called anthocyanins – have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation, at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications.3
Previous research on tart cherries and osteoarthritis conducted by researchers at Baylor Research Institute found that a daily dose of tart cherries (as cherry extract) helped reduce osteoarthritis pain by more than 20 percent for the majority of men and women.4 And the same compounds linked to cherries’ arthritis benefits have now shown promise for athletes and sports recovery to help relieve muscle and joint soreness.
According to Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center for Sports Medicine, Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, who has incorporated tart cherries into the training menu of both her professional athletes and active clients as a natural and easy way to manage pain that also tastes great, “Why not eat red when there’s so much science to support the anti-inflammatory benefits of this Super Fruit? And for athletes whose palates prefer the tart-sweet flavor profile of tart cherries, it’s the optimal ingredient.”
Available every day of the year in dried, frozen and juice forms, tart cherries are a versatile ingredient to include in any training or inflammation-fighting diet.
To learn more about the body of research supporting tart cherries’ pain-fighting properties, visit www.choosecherries.com to download The Red Report. There, you can also reference The Red Recovery Routine, a guide to help people train to manage pain with tart cherries.
Source : Newswise
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Silymarin Exhibits Clinically-relevant Antiallergic and Anti-inflammatory Activities
The standardised extract of St Mary’s thistle (Silybum marianum), which is typically (and perhaps inaccurately) referred to as silymarin or silymarin extract, is widely used to treat liver problems and damage. However, two clinical trials (one recent and the other dating from 2009) have found surprising and useful antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activities. In the more recent double blind trial conducted in Iran, 94 patients suffering the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and exhibiting positive skin prick tests to common aeroallergens randomly received either silymarin extract (420 mg/day) or placebo for one month.1 Routine antihistamine treatment was allowed. Only 60 patients completed the trial, dictating a perprotocol analysis of the results. Based on the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20!), a significant improvement in clinical symptom severity was
observed in both groups (9.23 ± 5.14 for the silymarin group versus 2.20 ± 2.69 for the placebo group; both p < 0.001 versus baseline), but the improvement was significantly greater in the active group (p < 0.0001). Post-treatment levels of nasal eosinophils and cytokines from stimulated blood lymphocytes were unchanged. Paradoxically, there was significant rise in serum IgE after treatment with silymarin (p < 0.003).
In the 2009-published double blind clinical trial from Iraq, 220 patients with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomised into 5 groups, receiving either silymarin (300 mg/day), piroxicam (20 mg/day), meloxicam (15 mg/day) or a combination of silymarin with each of the anti-inflammatory drugs.2 There was no placebo group in the study design and treatment was over 8 weeks. Treatment with silymarin significantly reduced serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1alpha (by 56%) and IL-8 (by 58%) (p < 0.02 compared with baseline) and the complement proteins C3 (by 81%) and C4 (by 45%). Adjunct use of silymarin with the drugs gave mixed results for these measures of inflammation (no effect with meloxicam and a significant lowering with piroxicam). The drugs on their own generally exhibited minimal or adverse effects (apart from piroxicam lowering IL-8). Unfortunately, the trial did not provide data for clinical OA symptoms. An earlier publication also demonstrated that co-administered silymarin decreased the renal and hepatic toxicities of these drugs in OA patients.3
Comment
Although these uses might seem novel for silymarin, they are consistent with several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating various anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and immune-modulating outcomes for the herbal extract. However, results from experimental models do not necessarily reflect on clinical outcomes for herbal treatments, so the above clinical findings do add significant credibility to the use of silymarin for allergic rhinitis (and perhaps other allergies) and OA. More studies are needed, however, especially one assessing clinical outcomes in OA.
REFERENCES
1 Bakhshaee M, Jabbari F, Hoseini S et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011; 145(6): 904-909
2 Hussain SA, Jassim NA, Numan IT et al. Saudi Med J 2009; 30(1): 98-103
3 Hussain SA, Numan IT, Khalaf BH et al. Iraqi J Pharm Sci 2007;
Source : MediHerb eMonitor
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Ginseng is nature’s anti-inflammatory
The famous immunological effects of ginseng have been confirmed and defined by a recent study. Ginseng is believed to have beneficial effects against human diseases, and its active components, ginsenosides, may play critical roles in its diverse physiological actions.
Researchers writing in BioMed Central’s open access Journal of Translational Medicine have shown that the herb, much used in traditional Chinese and other Asian medicine, does have anti-inflammatory effects.
What are the powers of ginseng? Ginseng roots contain multiple active constituents including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, polyacetylenic alcohols and fatty acids that have been shown to have different effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as on the function of neuroendocrine, immune, cardiovascular and central nervous systems in humans.
Previous studies have shown that ginseng and its active components are potent immunomodulators. Their immunomodulatory effects are mostly due to its regulation of cytokine production and phagocytic activities of monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells, as well as activation of T- and B- lymphocytes.
Ginsenosides, the steroid saponins, are major biologically active compounds of ginseng. Over 30 ginsenosides have been identified to date. Studies indicate that ginsenosides and their metabolites are responsible for many of the diverse physiological actions including the anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng.
Allan Lau led a team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong who identified seven ginseng constituents, ginsenosides, which showed immune-suppressive effects.
He said, “The anti-inflammatory role of ginseng may be due to the combined effects of these ginsenosides, targeting different levels of immunological activity, and so contributing to the diverse actions of ginseng in humans”.
The scientists treated human immune cells with different extracts of ginseng. They found that of the nine ginsenosides they identified, seven could selectively inhibit expression of the inflammatory gene CXCL-10.
Lau concludes, “Further studies will be needed to examine the potential beneficial effects of ginsenosides in the management of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases in humans”.
Uniquely, the researchers were able to holistically test the ginseng extract’s immune effects by using sophisticated purification technologies to identify individual constituents and define their bioactivity using genomics and bioactivity assays. After that, they reconstituted them back into a whole extract with definable individual ginsenosides for re-confirmation of effects. This potentially opens up a vigorous methodology to study medicinal herbs with state-of-the-art technologies.
Source : Chinese Medicine News
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N-butanol Extract from Melilotus Suaveolens Ledeb Affects Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines and Mediators
Lei Zhao1, Jun-Yan Tao2, Shu-Ling Zhang1, Feng Jin3, Ran Pang1 and Ji-Hua Dong4
1Department of Hepatology & Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, 2College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430072, 3Department of Neurosurgery and 4Central Lab, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, P.R. China
Abstract
Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb is a traditional medicinal plant for treating inflammation-related disease. This explores the inner anti-inflammatory mechanism of n-butanol extract from M. suaveolens Ledeb. Inflammatory cellular model was established by lipopolysaccharide intervention on RAW264.7 cell line. Levels of secreted cytokines TNF-, IL-1β, IL-6, NO and IL-10 insupernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-, COX-2, iNOS and HO-1,protein expression of COX-2 and HO-1, activation of NF-B and ingredients in the extract were assayed by ELISA, real time quantitative PCR, western blot, immunocytochemical test and HPLC fingerprint test, respectively. As a result, the extract could not only markedly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators to different extents by blocking NF-B activation butal so promote the release of anti-inflammatory mediator HO-1significantly. Each 1 g extract contained 0.023531 mg coumarin and another two high polar ingredients, probably saponins. Itcan be concluded that the extract has similar effects on antagonizing pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines like Dexamethasone,and has effects on promoting the production of anti-inflammatory mediators.
Introduction
Melilotus is a genus of plants including 20–25 species that are widely distributed all over the world. The main species used for medical purpose contain Melilotus albus Desr, Melilotusofficinalis Lam, Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb, Melilotus dentatus(W.&K.) Pers, Melilotus indica (L.) All, Melilotus italicus(L.) Lam, Melilotus volgicus Poirr, Melilotus hirsutus Lipcky(L.) Lam, Melilotus elegans Salzm, Melilotus salcatus Dest,Melilotus neopolitanus Ten, etc. Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb is distributed in the Far East region and used as herbal medicine to treat inflammation and infection in throat and alimentary system in China (1).
In literatures, there were a few reports on Melilotus. It was documented that Melilotus is used to reduce spasm (2); its coumarinic extract have effects on lymphedema (3) and its polysaccharides have immuno correcting, anti-anemia and adaptogenic effects (4). Although anti-inflammatory effect of M. officinalis was reported (5), exploration on M. suaveolens Ledeb on how to play an anti-inflammatory role at molecular level remained limited.
As discovered at present, NF-B is a family of seven structurally related transcription factors that play a central role in inflammation by controlling gene network expression (6). Cyclooxygenease-2(COX-2) is the key enzyme regulating the production of prostaglandins,the central mediators of inflammation. The expression of COX-2is induced by several extra cellular signals including pro-inflammatorystimuli. COX-2 can be affected directly at its enzymatic activity by nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)(7). NO is recognized as a mediator and regulator of inflammatoryresponses. It possesses cytotoxic properties that are aimedagainst pathogenic microbes, but it can also have damaging effects on host tissues. NO plays a significant role in inflammation,where NO is produced in high amounts by iNOS, and then reactive oxygen species are synthesized by activated inflammatory cells(8). Several pro-inflammatory gene products have been identified that mediate a critical role in inflammation. Among these gene products are tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and members of its superfamily, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), etc. The expression of all these genes is mainly regulated by the transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B) (9). Therefore, whether suppressed or not, those pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators are the key evaluation for novel anti-inflammatory agents.
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has attached much attention because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Uniquely, among hematopoieticcytokines, IL-10 is a pleiotropic molecule that displays both immuno stimulatory and immuno regulatory activities (10). Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), involved in the heme degradation process,is an important anti-inflammatory enzyme featured by its anti-oxidant activity (11). Experimental models of various diseases, including acute inflammation, have demonstrated that the induction of HO-1 can prevent or mitigate the symptoms associated with those ailments (12).
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a method recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) to assay herbal ingredients(13). Extraction by n-butanol is one of the most common methods to obtain organic substances that can not dissolve in water(14).
Based on those findings and methods, we at first extracted effective ingredients with n-butanol from M. suaveolens Ledeb and identified the active components by HPLC fingerprint. Then, we founded a classic inflammation cellular model (15) with RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Subsequently, we chose the found inflammation cellular modelto explore the anti-inflammatory effect of n-butanol extract from M. suaveolens Ledeb and clarified the inner anti-inflammatory mechanisms of that medicinal plant.
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A Curcumin Phospholipid Complex Formulation Induces Neurogenesis and Prevents Anoikis-Induced Cell Death in an In Vitro Gut-Brain Axis Model
Marcel B1, Dana L2, Raphael S1 and Yehoshua M1
Abstract
Curcumin, a plant polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties, continues to attract interest in the dietary supplement industry as well as in natural products research. However, its low solubility and poor bioavailability as a natural ingredient hinders its optimal preventive and therapeutic outcomes. The current study delves into the mechanisms of action of a phospholipid-based formulation; namely, Bara Curcumin Effect (BCE), which combines phospholipids from soy lecithin with curcumin to enhance its bioavailability. By measuring the fluorescence of curcumin in its specific wavelength (Ex/Em=485/530 nm), we detected it in the cytoplasm after treatment with BCE. Additional experiments, including anoikis-induced cell death, IL-1β- induced toxicity, and western blots analysis, corroborated the protective effect of BCE and its subsequent stimulation of cell survival. BCE also significantly induced neurogenesis on SH-SY5Y cells. These in vitroresults demonstrated that BCE possesses significant anti-inflammatory and protective effects. BCE was also capable of inducing neurogenesis, which invites further studies on the mechanism of action of BCE since it may reduce chronic inflammation and rescue damaged tissue. Our studies align with previous studies exhibiting the association between chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and increased risk of neurological diseases.
Source : American Journal of Phytomedician and Clinical Therapeutics
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Curcumin and Curcumol Inhibit NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathways in CSE-Treated RAW246.7 Cells
Ning Li,1 Tian-Hao Liu,1,2 Jing-Ze Yu,1 Chen-Xi Li,1 Yang Liu,1 Yue-YingWu,1 Zhong-Shan Yang,1 and Jia-Li Yuan1
Abstract
E-Zhu (Curcuma zedoaria) is known as a classical traditional Chinese medicine and widely used in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and other diseases. Its main components include curcumol and curcumin, which have anti-inflammatory and antifibrosis effects. Here we established an in vitroinflammatory injury model by stimulating RAW246.7 cells with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and detected the intervention effects of curcumin and curcumol on CSE-treated Raw246.7 macrophage cells to explore whether the two compounds inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. We detected the antifibrosis effects of curcumin and curcumol via TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathways. The model of macrophage damage group was established by CSE stimulation. Curcumol and curcumin were administered to Raw246.7 macrophage cells. The efficacy of curcumol and curcumin was evaluated by comparing the activation of proinflammatory factors, profibrotic factors, and NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. In addition, CSE-treated group was employed to detect whether the efficacy of curcumol and curcumin was dependent on the NF-κB signaling via the pretreatment with the inhibitor of NF-κB. Our findings demonstrated that curcumol and curcumin could reduce the release of intracellular ROS from macrophages, inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, and downregulate the release of proinflammatory factor. Curcumol and curcumin inhibited the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and downregulated the release of fibrotic factors. Curcumin showed no anti-inflammatory effect in CSE-treated cells after the inhibition of NF-κB. Curcumol and curcumin showed an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries
Darshan S. Kelley,1,2,* Yuriko Adkins,1,2 and Kevin D. Laugero1,2
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress contributes to development and progression of several human chronic inflammatory diseases. Cherries are a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our aim is to summarize results from human studies regarding health benefits of both sweet and tart cherries, including products made from them (juice, powder, concentrate, capsules); all referred to as cherries here. We found 29 (tart 20, sweet 7, unspecified 2) published human studies which examined health benefits of consuming cherries. Most of these studies were less than 2 weeks of duration (range 5 h to 3 months) and served the equivalent of 45 to 270 cherries/day (anthocyanins 55-720 mg/day) in single or split doses. Two-thirds of these studies were randomized and placebo controlled. Consumption of cherries decreased markers for oxidative stress in 8/10 studies; inflammation in 11/16; exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength in 8/9; blood pressure in 5/7; arthritis in 5/5, and improved sleep in 4/4. Cherries also decreased hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) in diabetic women, and VLDL and TG/HDL in obese participants. These results suggest that consumption of sweet or tart cherries can promote health by preventing or decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Source : Journal Nutrients
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Cannabis Roots: A Traditional Therapy with Future Potential for Treating Inflammation and Pain
Natasha R. Ryz,1,* David J. Remillard,1 and Ethan B. Russo2
Abstract
Introduction: The roots of the cannabis plant have a long history of medical use stretching back millennia. However, the therapeutic potential of cannabis roots has been largely ignored in modern times.
Discussion: In the first century, Pliny the Elder described in Natural Histories that a decoction of the root in water could be used to relieve stiffness in the joints, gout, and related conditions. By the 17th century, various herbalists were recommending cannabis root to treat inflammation, joint pain, gout, and other conditions. There has been a subsequent paucity of research in this area, with only a few studies examining the composition of cannabis root and its medical potential. Active compounds identified and measured in cannabis roots include triterpenoids, friedelin (12.8 mg/kg) and epifriedelanol (21.3 mg/kg); alkaloids, cannabisativine (2.5 mg/kg) and anhydrocannabisativine (0.3 mg/kg); carvone and dihydrocarvone; N-( p-hydroxy-b-phenylethyl)-p-hydroxy-trans-cinnamamide (1.6 mg/kg); various sterols such as sitosterol (1.5%), campesterol (0.78%), and stigmasterol (0.56%); and other minor compounds, including choline. Of note, cannabis roots are not a significant source of D9 - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, or other known phytocannabinoids.
Conclusion: The current available data on the pharmacology of cannabis root components provide significant support to the historical and ethnobotanical claims of clinical efficacy. Certainly, this suggests the need for reexamination of whole root preparations on inflammatory and malignant conditions employing modern scientific techniques.
Source : Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
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α-Mangostin Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats by Suppressing NAMPT/NAD Controlled Inflammatory Reactions
Mengqing Tao,1 Jia Jiang,1 Lin Wang,1 Yan Li,1 Qingcheng Mao,2 Jiyang Dong,3and Jian Zuo
Abstract
α-Mangostin (MAN) is a bioactive xanthone isolated from mangosteen. This study was designed to investigate its therapeutic effects on acute lung injury (ALI) and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. Rats from treatment groups were subject to oral administration of MAN for 3 consecutive days beforehand, and then ALI was induced in all the rats except for normal controls via an intraperitoneal injection with lipopolysaccharide. The severity of disease was evaluated by histological examination and hematological analysis. Protein expressions in tissues and cells were examined with immunohistochemical and immunoblotting methods, respectively. The levels of cytokines and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) were determined using ELISA and colorimetric kits, respectively. It was found that MAN treatment significantly improved histological conditions, reduced leucocytes counts, relieved oxidative stress, and declined TNF-α levels in ALI rats. Meanwhile, MAN treatment decreased expressions of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and Sirt1 both in vivo and in vitro, which was accompanied with a synchronized decline of NAD and TNF-α. Immunoblotting assay further showed that MAN downregulated HMGB1, TLR4, and p-p65 in RAW 264.7 cells. MAN induced declines of both HMGB1/TLR4/p-p65 and TNF-α were substantially reversed by cotreatment with nicotinamide mononucleotide or NAD. These results suggest that downregulation of NAMPT/NAD by MAN treatments contributes to the alleviation of TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammations in macrophage, which is essential for amelioration of ALI in rats.
Conclusion
As a well known naturally occurring bioactive compound, MAN possesses a notable clinical potential in treatments of many diseases. This study provides further evidences to support its anti-inflammatory properties and partially elucidates the underlying mechanisms from a unique perspective. The results of this study suggested that MAN suppressed TLR4/NF-κB mediated inflammation reactions by manipulation of NAMPT/NAD, and the regulation of fat metabolism could be an effective therapeutic strategy in therapies of inflammation related disorders.
Source Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 in LPS-activated primary microglial cells
Brahim Gargouri a Johanna Carstensen a Harsharan S.Bhatia a Michael Huellb Gunnar P.H.Dietzc Bernd L. Fiebich.
Abstract
Background
Neuroinflammation is a key factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. Microglia are the resident mononuclearimmune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). They play an essential role in the maintenance of homeostasis and responses to neuroinflammation. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is one of the most commonly used natural medicines owing to its established efficacy and remarkable biological activities especially in respect to CNS diseases. However, only few studies have addressed the effects and mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba extract in microglia activation.
Methods
We measured the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines by ELISA and analyzed gene expressions by qRT-PCR and Western Blot in LPS treated cultured primary rat microglia.
Results
The Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 significantly inhibited the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and differentially regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The inhibition of LPS-induced PGE2 release in primary microglia was partially dependent on reduced protein synthesis of mPGES-1 and the reduction in the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) without altering COX-2 enzymatic activity, inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IkappaBalpha) degradation, and the activation of multiple mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Altogether, we showed that EGb 761 reduces neuro-inflammatory activation in primary microglial cells by targeting PGE2release and cytokines.
Conclusion
Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 displayed anti-neuroinflammatory activity in LPS-activated primary microglia cells. EGb 761 was able to reduce neuroinflammatory activation by targeting the COX/PGE2 pathway. This effect might contribute to the established clinical cognitive efficacy in Alzheimer's disease, vascular and mixed dementia.
Source : Journal Phytomedicine
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Protective effect of curcumin on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation is mediated through the JAK/STAT pathway
- Xingxing Zhang†,
- Jian Wu†,
- Bo Ye,
- Qiong Wang,
- Xiaodong Xie and
- Hong Shen
Abstract
Background Curcumin displays a protective role in rat models of intestinal inflammation. However, the mechanism of how curcumin affects on intestinal inflammation is less known. The purpose of the current study is to explore the signal pathway in which the curcumin protecting rat from intestinal inflammation.
Methods
The intestinal inflammation rat models were made by TNBS treatment. Curcumin was added to their diet 5 days before the TNBS instillation. After that, body weight change, score of macroscopic assessment of disease activity and microscopic scoring were utilized to analyse the severity of the induced inflammation. In addition, the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory were detected to determine the effect of curcumin on intestinal inflammation. The JAK/STAT pathway of pro-inflammation response was also evaluated. Finally, the impact of curcumin on apoptosis in intestinal inflammation was assessed by TUNEL staining.
Results
Rats pretreated with curcumin significantly reversed the decrease of body weight and increase of colon weight derived from TNBS-induced colitis. Histological improvement was observed in response to curcumin. In addition, curcumin attenuated TNBS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and M1/M2 ratio, while stimulated the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The inhibition of pro-inflammation response was mediated by SOCS-1, which could efficiently suppress JAK/STAT pathways. Furthermore, curcumin efficiently suppressed the TNBS-induced apoptosis, and reduced the accumulation of cytochrome C in cytosol.
Conclusion
The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is realized by enhancing SOCS-1 expression and inhibiting JAK/STAT pathways. Curcumin also plays an anti-apoptotic role in TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation. We propose that curcumin may have therapeutic implications for human intestinal inflammation.
Source : BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Anti-inflammatory effects of Zea mays L. husk extracts
- Kyung-Baeg Roh,
- Hyoyoung Kim,
- Seungwoo Shin,
- Young-Soo Kim,
- Jung-A Lee,
- Mi Ok Kim,
- Eunsun Jung
- Jongsung Lee and
- Deokhoon Park
Abstract
Background
Zea mays L. (Z. mays) has been used for human consumption in the various forms of meal, cooking oil, thickener in sauces and puddings, sweetener in processed food and beverage products, bio-disel. However, especially, in case of husk extract of Z. mays, little is known about its anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, in this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of Z. mays husk extract (ZMHE) and its mechanisms of action were investigated.
Methods
The husks of Z. Mays were harvested in kangwondo, Korea. To assess the anti-inflammatory activities of ZMHE, we examined effects of ZMHE on nitric oxide (NO) production, and release of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and eotaxin-1. The expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene was also determined by Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. To determine its mechanisms of action, a luciferase reporter assay for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) was introduced.
Results
ZMHE inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of NO in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, expression of iNOS gene was reduced, as confirmed by Western blot and luciferase reporter assays. Effects of ZMHE on the AP-1 and NF-kB promoters were examined to elucidate the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity. Activation of AP-1 and NF-kB promoters induced by LPS was significantly reduced by ZMHE treatment. In addition, LPS-induced production of sICAM-1 and IL-4-induced production of eotaxin-1 were all reduced by ZMHE.
ConclusionsOur results indicate that ZMHE has anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the expression of iNOS gene and its downregulation is mediated by inhibiting NF-kB and AP-1 signaling.
Source : BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Lectin from Marine Red Alga Solieria filiformis
Ticiana Monteiro Abreu1, Natássia Albuquerque Ribeiro1, Hellíada Vasconcelos Chaves2, Roberta Jeane Bezerra Jorge3, Mirna Marques Bezerra4, Helena Serra Azul Monteiro3, Ilka Maria Vasconcelos1, Érika Freitas Mota5, Norma Maria Barros Benevides1
Abstract
Lectins are proteins that bind to specific mono- or oligosaccharides. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the lectin from the red marine alga Solieria filiformis. The animals (n = 6) were pretreated with S. filiformis lectin 30 min before they were given the nociceptive or inflammatory stimulus. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in Swiss mice using the abdominal writhing, formalin, and hot plate tests. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in Wistar rats using carrageenan-induced peritonitis and paw edema induced by different phlogistic agents. The S. filiformis lectin toxicity was assayed through its application in mice (7 days). S. filiformis lectin significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhings and reduced the paw licking time in the second phase of the formalin test (p < 0.05), but it did not prolong the reaction time in the hot plate test (p > 0.05). Furthermore, S. filiformis lectin reduced neutrophil migration in a peritonitis model and reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, and serotonin (p < 0.05). Additionally, the administration of S. filiformis lectin resulted in no signs of systemic damage. Thus, S. filiformis lectin appears to have important antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and could represent a potential therapeutic agent for future studies.
Source : Journal Planta Medica
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Effects of Group Drumming Interventions on Anxiety, Depression, Social Resilience and Inflammatory Immune Response among Mental Health Service Users
Abstract
Growing numbers of mental health organizations are developing community music-making interventions for service users; however, to date there has been little research into their efficacy or mechanisms of effect. This study was an exploratory examination of whether 10 weeks of group drumming could improve depression, anxiety and social resilience among service users compared with a non-music control group (with participants allocated to group by geographical location.) Significant improvements were found in the drumming group but not the control group: by week 6 there were decreases in depression (-2.14 SE 0.50 CI -3.16 to -1.11) and increases in social resilience (7.69 SE 2.00 CI 3.60 to 11.78), and by week 10 these had further improved (depression: -3.41 SE 0.62 CI -4.68 to -2.15; social resilience: 10.59 SE 1.78 CI 6.94 to 14.24) alongside significant improvements in anxiety (-2.21 SE 0.50 CI -3.24 to -1.19) and mental wellbeing (6.14 SE 0.92 CI 4.25 to 8.04). All significant changes were maintained at 3 months follow-up. Furthermore, it is now recognised that many mental health conditions are characterised by underlying inflammatory immune responses. Consequently, participants in the drumming group also provided saliva samples to test for cortisol and the cytokines interleukin (IL) 4, IL6, IL17, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1. Across the 10 weeks there was a shift away from a pro-inflammatory towards an anti-inflammatory immune profile. Consequently, this study demonstrates the psychological benefits of group drumming and also suggests underlying biological effects, supporting its therapeutic potential for mental health
Source : PLOS One
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Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation via the Vagus Nerve
Abstract
Although acupuncture therapy is widely used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diverse internal organ disorders, its underlying biological mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the functional involvement of acupuncture stimulation (AS) in the regulation of inflammatory responses. TNF-α production in mouse serum, which was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, was decreased by manual acupuncture (MAC) at the zusanli acupoint (stomach36, ST36). In the spleen, TNF-α mRNA and protein levels were also downregulated by MAC and were recovered by using a splenic neurectomy and a vagotomy. c-Fos, which was induced in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) by LPS and electroacupuncture (EAC), was further increased by focal administration of the AMPA receptor blocker CNQX and the purinergic receptor antagonist PPADS. TNF-α levels in the spleen were decreased by CNQX and PPADS treatments, implying the involvement of inhibitory neuronal activity in the DVC. In unanesthetized animals, both MAC and EAC generated c-Fos induction in the DVC neurons. However, MAC, but not EAC, was effective in decreasing splenic TNF-α production. These results suggest that the therapeutic effects of acupuncture may be mediated through vagal modulation of inflammatory responses in internal organs.
Source : PLOS One
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Chemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory potential of Achillea millefolium L., Anethum graveolens L., and Carum copticum L. essential oils Abstract
Achillea millefolium L., Anethum graveolens L., and Carum copticum L. comprise several relevant species that may be used for the food, cosmetic, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed thymol to be a major component of A. millefolium, A. graveolens and C. copticum, with its contribution to the essential oils (EOs) being 26.47%, 20.07% and 23.14%, respectively. All three EOs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial strains, the A. millefolium oil being the most potent. In addition, A. millefolium EO had the highest antioxidant activity in all conducted assays. The A. millefolium EO had significantly greater radical scavenging activity than C. copticum EO and the reference antioxidant Trolox (IC50 values of 22.11, 26.5 and 28.32 mg/ml, respectively). In addition, a correlation between antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content was found. The A. millefolium EO significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages (an in vitro model of inflammation). These results clearly show the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant EOs.
Source : Sci-Hub.bc
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Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Taraxacum officinale Leaves on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in RAW 264.7 Cells
Abstract
To investigate the efficacy and the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of Taraxacum officinale leaves (TOLs), the effect of a methanol extract and its fractions recovered from TOLs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses was studied in the mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. Cells were pretreated with various concentrations of the methanol extract and its fractions and subsequently incubated with LPS (1 μg/mL). The levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases were analyzed using western blotting. The methanol extract and its fractions inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner. The chloroform fraction significantly suppressed production of NO, PGE2, and two pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 66.51, 90.96, 114.76, and 171.06 μg/mL, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction also inhibited production of the inflammatory molecules. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions reduced LPS-induced expressions of iNOS and COX-2 and activation of MAP kinases in a dose-dependent manner. Among the fractions of the methanol extract, the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited the most effective anti-inflammatory activities. These results show that the anti-inflammatory effects of TOLs are probably due to down-regulation of NO, PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced expressions of iNOS and COX-2 via inactivation of the MAP kinase signal pathway.
Source : Journal of Medicinal Food
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Qing-dai powder promotes recovery of colitis by inhibiting inflammatory responses of colonic macrophages in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice
Hai-Tao Xiao12, Jiao Peng3, Dong-Dong Hu14, Cheng-Yuan Lin1, Bin Du1, Siu-Wai Tsang1,Ze-si Lin15, Xiao-Jun Zhang16, Feng-Ping Lueng1, Quan-Bin Han1 and Zhao-Xiang Bian1*
Abstract
Background
Qing-dai powder (QDP), comprising Indigo naturalis (Qing-dai) and dried alum (Ku-fan), was used in Chinese medicine to treat the conditions associated with mucosal hemorrhage, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanism of QDP on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice and to examine the regulatory effects of QDP on macrophages.
Methods
Seven- to eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were challenged with 2.0 % DSS in drinking water for 5 days and then the colitic mice were arbitrarily allocated into five groups (n = 10 for each group). QDP (0.77, 1.54 and 3.08 g/kg) and sulfasalazine (SASP) (0.20 g/kg) were orally administered for 7 days. The disease activity index was determined by scores of body weight loss, diarrhea and rectal bleeding; histological signs of damage was analyzed by H&E staining; myeloperoxidase activity was measured by colorimetric method, levels of proinflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA; changes in macrophages in the colon were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were treated with or without QDP, then the production of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by ELISA; and protein molecules such as COX-2, iNOS, IкB-α were determined by Western blot.
Results
Oral administration of QDP at dosages of 1.54 and 3.08 g/kg significantly reduced disease activity index on day 12 (P < 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg and P < 0.0008 for 3.08 g/kg), colon shortening (P = 0.012 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg), histological damage (P < 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg,P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg) and colonic myeloperoxidase activity (P = 0.002 for 1.54 g/kg, P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg) of DSS-treated mice. Moreover, QDP treatment (1.54 and 3.08 g/kg) significantly decreased DSS-induced infiltration of macrophages, and production of TNF-α (P = 0.005 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.002 for 3.08 g/kg), IL-1β (P = 0.008 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.002 for 3.08 g/kg) and IL-6 (P = 0.011 for 1.54 g/kg, P = 0.004 for 3.08 g/kg) in colonic tissues, and also reduced serum MCP-1 levels (P = 0.001 for 1.54 g/kg, P < 0.001 for 3.08 g/kg). In RAW264.7 cells, QDP significantly suppressed LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 (Both P < 0.001 for 1.0 μg/mL QDP treatment) and expression levels of COX-2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001 for 1 and 3 μg/mL QDP treatment, respectively) and iNOS (P < 0.001 for 3 μg/mL QDP treatment) by inhibiting IкB-α degradation (P = 0.007 and P = 0.004 for 1 and 3 μg/mL QDP treatment, respectively) and NF-кB p65 nuclear translocation.
Conclusion
QDP suppressed the inflammatory responses of colonic macrophages in DSS-induced UC in mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.
Source : Journal Chinese Medicine
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Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Chemoprotective Properties of Acacia catechu Heartwood Extracts
Abstract
Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu heartwood are rich source of catechin and epicatechin (gallic acid derivatives), with smaller amounts of flavonoids. Extracts have also been prepared with ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol, and the properties of these extracts have been studied and are reviewed. Potent antioxidant activity has been well established in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This antioxidant activity is believed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory, tissue protectant, antineoplastic, and analgesic activities that have been demonstrated and clearly established in animal and cell culture systems. Furthermore, antihyperglycemic, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities have been demonstrated in animal studies. No adverse effects have been observed in animal or human studies or in cell culture systems. In spite of the fact that Acacia products have been used for many years and the general safety of catechins and epicatechins is well documented, few human studies have ever been conducted on the efficacy or safety of A. catechu heartwood extracts. Several studies have shown that a two-ingredient combination product containing A. catechu extract exhibited no adverse effects when administered daily for up to 12 weeks while exhibiting significant anti-inflammatory activity in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee. There is a need for additional human clinical studies with regard to efficacy and safety.
Source : Phytotherapy Research
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C-reactive protein response to a vegan lifestyle interventionJ
ay T. Sutliffe, , Lori D. Wilson, , Hendrik D. de Heer, , Ray L. Foster, , Mary Jo Carnot
Abstract
Highlights
- •Most participants had a drop in their CRP level.
- •The vegan diet significantly reduced systemic inflammation.
- •Amount of exercise was not significantly predictive of changes in CRP.
- •Length of stay was not significantly predictive of changes in CRP.
Summary
This brief lifestyle intervention, including a vegan diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and various legumes, nuts and seeds, significantly improved health risk factors and reduced systemic inflammation as measured by circulating CRP. The degree of improvement was associated with baseline CRP such that higher levels predicted greater decreases. The interaction between gender and baseline CRP was significant and showed that males with higher baseline CRP levels appeared to have a more robust decrease in CRP due to the intervention than did their female counterparts.
It is likely that the vegetable and high fiber content of a vegan diet reduces CRP in the presences of obesity. Neither the quantity of exercise nor the length of stay was significant predictors of CRP reduction. Additionally, those participants who had a vegan diet prior to the intervention had the lowest CRP risk coming into the program. Direct measure of body fat composition, estrogen and other inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha would enhance current understanding of the specific mechanisms of CRP reduction related to lifestyle interventions.
Source : Complementary Therapies in Medicine
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In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Potential of a Phyllostachys edulis Leaf Extract – Identification of Isoorientin as an Active Compound
Jonas Wedler1, Tony Daubitz1, Götz Schlotterbeck2, Veronika Butterweck1
Abstract
Extracts prepared from the leaves of Phyllostachys edulis (bamboo) have received attention in pharmacological research due to their potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-ulcerogenic activities. In this study, anti-inflammatory effects of a bamboo leaf extract on tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced overproduction of interleukin 8, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin 6 in immortalized human keratinocytes were investigated for the first time. In addition, wound-healing effects were evaluated in 3T3-swiss albino mouse fibroblasts. Bamboo leaf extract and isoorientin inhibited the tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced release of interleukin 8 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, isoorientin dose-dependently reduced levels of interleukin 6 in tumor necrosis factor alpha-α-treated immortalized human keratinocytes cells. Wound healing was evaluated using a modification of the classical scratch assay. For evaluation of the wound gap, a new computerized method based on time-lapse microscopy was developed. It was shown that bamboo leaf extract (10 µg/mL) improved wound closure by 28 % (12 h) and 54 % (24 h), respectively. In concentrations of 50 µg/mL and above, bamboo leaf extract inhibited cell migration without affecting cell viability. Isoorientin (10 µM) improved wound closure by 29 % (12 h) and 56 % (24 h), respectively. Comparable to bamboo leaf extract, higher concentrations of isoorientin prevented cell migration. It is suggested that bamboo leaf extract as well as isoorientin have a dual activity – in higher doses, they show anti-inflammatory effects, and in lower concentrations, they exert anti-angiogenic activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, natural accelerators of cutaneous tissue repair with simultaneous anti-inflammatory activities are of great interest for a variety of dermatological disorders. Thus, treatment with P. edulis leaf extract or isoorientin may be a potential therapeutic strategy to promote wound healing and to prevent inflammation in a persistent inflammatory condition. Further investigations of the precise mechanism by which P. edulis and isoorientin reveal anti-inflammatory as well as wound-healing properties are currently underway.
Source : Planta Medica
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Experienced Practitioners Reap Genetic Changes After a Day of Mindfulness Meditation
Results of a recent study cofunded by NCCAM suggest that one day of intense mindfulness by experienced meditators led to biological changes including expression of certain genes that play roles in inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs have similar effects on these genes. Findings from the study appear in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Mindfulness meditation practices are a form of training that focuses attention on breathing to develop increased awareness of the present. The study, conducted in 40 participants, focused on gaining more knowledge about molecular and genetic effects of this type of meditation and also on testing the feasibility of the study approach for future work.
Researchers divided participants into two groups. The first (active) group, which consisted of 19 people who had practiced daily meditation for at least 3 years, performed 8 hours of intensive mindfulness practice during one day. The other group, a control group of 21 people who had no experience with meditation, spent 8 hours performing quiet leisure activities in the same setting as the meditators. The researchers took blood samples before and after both interventions and analyzed them for certain biological factors, including the expression of various genes important in the regulatory processes for inflammation, circadian rhythms (which refer to the body’s internal “clock”), or histones (proteins in cells that attach to DNA). Researchers also took samples of participants’ saliva to determine the levels of the hormone cortisol as an indicator of recovery time after participants took a test that put them under acute stress.
The investigators found no significant differences between the active and control groups in these biological factors at the study’s start. However, after the interventions, the meditators showed some changes not seen in the control group. These included reduced expression levels of certain genes related to inflammation and histones. The reduced levels for two of these genes were associated with faster recovery from the stress test. No significant differences occurred between groups with respect to circadian genes.
The researchers suggested that their findings may offer a possible mechanism for explaining beneficial effects from meditation on inflammatory disorders, and an avenue for future research in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Reference
- Kaliman P, Álvarez-López MJ, Cosín-Tomás M, et al. Rapid changes in histone deacetylases and inflammatory gene expression in expert meditators. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2014;40:96–107.
Source : NNCAM
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Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of standardized root extract of Jasminum sambac.
Sengar N1, Joshi A1, Prasad SK2, Hemalatha S3.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:The plant Jasminum sambac L. (Oleaceae) is cultivated throughout India. The leaves and roots of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of inflammation, fever and pain. The leaves of the plant have been reported to posses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.
OBJECTIVE:To scientifically validate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of roots from J. sambac.
METHODS:Ethanol root extract of J. sambac (EJS) was standardized using HPTLC and was subjected to acute oral toxicity study. Further, analgesic activity of EJS at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated using writhing test on Swiss albino mice and tail-flick test on Charles Foster albino rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of EJS was assessed by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis models, while antipyretic activity was evaluated using Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia. In addition, biochemical parameters such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in blood serum and edematous tissue of rats exposed to acute (carrageenan) and granulomatous tissue in sub-chronic (cotton pellet granuloma) inflammation models were also evaluated.
RESULTS:Phytochemical analysis of EJS revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates in major quantities, while the quantity of hesperidin in EJS (using HPTLC) was found to be 4.25 % w/w. EJS at 400 mg/kg, p.o. reduced writhing count up to 49.21%, whereas in tail-flick test, EJS in a dose dependent manner increased latency in flicking tail. EJS at 400 mg/kg, p.o. showed significant anti-inflammatory activity after 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th h of treatment in carrageenan-induced edema, while a 33.58% inhibition in cotton pellet induced granuloma formation was observed at same dose level. EJS significantly (p<0.001) inhibited adjuvant-induced arthritis and also showed significant antipyretic activity. Further, a significant reversal in alterations of all the biochemical parameters (except ALP) in tissues was also observed.
CONCLUSION:The study confirms the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of EJS which may be attributed to the presence of various phytoconstituents quantified especially hesperidin which have already been reported for its significant role in treatment of inflammation and associated problems.
Source : Journal Ethnopharmacol
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Anti-inflammatory properties of culinary herbs and spices that ameliorate the effects of metabolic syndrome
Alois Jungbauer , Svjetlana Medjakovic
Department of Biotechnology and Christian Doppler Laboratory of Receptor Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasing global health problems. In addition to the malnutrition of a sedentary lifestyle, high calorie intake leads to obesity with many negative health consequences. Macrophages infiltrate adipose tissue and induce chronic inflammation by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, including COX-2 and iNOS, among other mediators of inflammation. Free fatty acids mediate adipose tissue signalling through toll-like receptor 4 and the expression of these pro-inflammatory mediators via NF-κB or JNK. PPAR γ activators can inhibit the activation of NF-κB, down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here we provide an overview of how different culinary herbs and spices exert anti-inflammatory activities and the extent to which they activate PPAR α and PPAR γ, inhibit the activation of NF-κB, and enhance expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Spices can play essential roles as anti-inflammatory agents in our diet, acting as pan PPAR activators and improving insulin sensitivity, counteracting dyslipidaemia and weight gain. The effects of chronic inflammation caused by obesity are counteracted and, consequently, the progression of diseases associated with chronic inflammation slowed.
Source : Journal Maturitas
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Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Sesame Oil and Sesamin
Érika Maria Henriques Monteiro 1, Lucas Apolinário Chibli 1, Célia Hitomi Yamamoto 2, Mônica Cecília Santana Pereira 2, Fernanda Maria Pinto Vilela 2, Mírian Pereira Rodarte 2, Míriam Aparecida de Oliveira Pinto 2, Maria da Penha Henriques do Amaral 2, Marcelo Silva Silvério 2, Ana Lúcia Santos de Matos Araújo 2, Aílson da Luz André de Araújo 2, Glauciemar Del-Vechio-Vieira 2 and Orlando Vieira de Sousa 2,*
1 Pharmaceutical Sciences Post-Graduation Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-900, Brazil;
2 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36036-900, Brazil;
Abstract
Sesame oil is widely consumed as nutritious food, cooking oil, and in pharmaceuticals and food. In this study, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the sesame oil and sesamin were investigated. The sesame oil and sesamin reduced the number of abdominal contortions at the doses 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg. The first and second phases of the time paw licking were inhibited by sesame oil and sesamin (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). After 90 min of treatment, sesame oil and sesamin increased the reaction time on a hot plate (200 or 400 mg/kg). Considering the tail-immersion assay, the sesame oil and sesamin produced significant effect after 60 min at the doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg. After 4 h of application of the carrageenan, the sesame oil and sesamin were effective against the paw edema. The exudate volume and leucocyte migration were also reduced by sesame oil and sesamin. These results suggest that sesamin is one of the active compounds found in sesame oil and justify the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of this product.
Source : Journal Nutrients
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Anti-inflammatory action of ginger: A critical review in anemia of inflammation and its future aspects
Subodh Kumar1*, Kiran Saxena2, Uday N. Singh1, Ravi Saxena2 1. Department of Biochemistry, Major S D Singh Medical College & Hospital, Fatehgarh (U.P.), India
2. Department of Biochemistry, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal (M.P.) India
Abstract: Anti-inflammatory action of ginger has been confirmed by various scientists, but there is very few review article published till date on inflammation associated diseases. Inflammation is mainly, culprit of anemia and inflammation associated disorder (like- Pulmonary diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes Type-2, cancer, Arthritis, Alzheimer, Neurological diseases and Autoimmune diseases).Since Infection (bacterial/ viral), activate Nuclear factor –-κB, which is a major mediator of inflammation in most of the disease. Zinger has been established potent NF–ƙB inhibitory action via the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α and also provides a molecular link between the innate and adaptive immune system. This review takes the Zinger bioactive components, property, Chemical composition, Mechanism of action, function, side effects, current research and their potential application in modern medicine. The present study demonstrates that ginger showed broad spectrum action in which Anti-inflammatory action is one of them. So the present study concludes that ginger and its bioactive components have the potential for development of modern medicine in the treatment of anemia and various diseases in near future.
Source : International Journal of Herbal Medicine
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Effect on Tumor Necrosis Factor-aProduction and Antioxidant Ability of Black Alder, as Factors Related to Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Nuria Acero1and Dolores Mun ̃oz-Mingarro2
Departments of1Biology and 2Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, CEU San Pablo University, Madrid, Spain.
ABSTRACT
Alders exhibit several uses in different areas and also offer some nutritional and medicinal values. The bark and leaves from black alder [Alnus glutinosa(L.) Gaertn] are used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory processes and other health disorders. This study assessed if an extract ofA. glutinosastem bark exhibits some biological properties linked to improving the inflammatory state, which could partly justify its ethnopharmacological use. Therefore,various aspects of antioxidant activity as well as the effect on tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-a) production were evaluated.The phytochemical study revealed the presence of terpenes, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and anthraquinones (by high-performance thin-layer chromatography). The betulinic acid content in the extract, determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (validated method), was 0.72–0.027%. In addition, high amounts for total phenols as well as flavonoids were determined. The extract exhibited a 2,20-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity similar to that of ascorbic acid and had a significant effect on superoxide anion scavenging, superior to that of ascorbic acid. It was alsoable to protect HeLa cells from induced oxidative stress. In the TNF-aassay, levels of this citokine were depressed by the extractin HL-60 cells. To test the effect of the extract on cell proliferation, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay was performed. According to the results, the antioxidant properties displayed by the extract o A. glutinosa stem bark, together with the effect on TNF-alevels, suggest that these activities, linked to a successful reduction in inflammatory processes, may support, in part, its ethnopharmacological use
Source : Journal of Medicinal Food
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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of selected medicinal plants and fungi containing phenolic and flavonoid compounds
Patricia Diaz1, Sang Chul Jeong2, Samiuela Lee1, Cheang Khoo1 and Sundar Rao Koyyalamudi1,2*
1. Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia
2 School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia
Abstract
Background This study aims to determine the relationship between the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the thirteen herbs and two fungi extracts, and their total phenolic and flavonoid contents.
Methods Antioxidant activities were evaluated by four assays: an antioxidant activity assay using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a DPPH ((2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay to assess free radical scavenging, an assay assessing ferrous ions or iron (II) chelating ability, and a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activities were determined by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide and TNF-α production in lipopolysaccharide- and interferon-γ-activated J774A.1 macrophages. Their cytotoxicities against macrophages were determined by MTT assay.
Results A positive linear correlation between antioxidant activities and the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the plant extracts was found. The plant extracts with high phenolic and flavonoid content also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity with good cell viability.
Conclusion The selected herbs could be a rich source of antioxidants and free radical scavenging compounds. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were correlated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts from the herbs.
Source : Chinese Medicine Journal
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Preventive and Prophylactic Mechanisms of Action of Pomegranate Bioactive Constituents
Monica Viladomiu,1,2 Raquel Hontecillas,1,2 Pinyi Lu,1,2 and Josep Bassaganya-Riera1,2,3
1Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
2Center for Modeling Immunity to Enteric Pathogens, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
3Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Abstract
Pomegranate fruit presents strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, and antitumoral properties, thus leading to an increased popularity as a functional food and nutraceutical source since ancient times. It can be divided into three parts: seeds, peel, and juice, all of which seem to have medicinal benefits. Several studies investigate its bioactive components as a means to associate them with a specific beneficial effect and develop future products and therapeutic applications. Many beneficial effects are related to the presence of ellagic acid, ellagitannins (including punicalagins), punicic acid and other fatty acids, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, estrogenic flavonols, and flavones, which seem to be its most therapeutically beneficial components. However, the synergistic action of the pomegranate constituents appears to be superior when compared to individual constituents. Promising results have been obtained for the treatment of certain diseases including obesity, insulin resistance, intestinal inflammation, and cancer. Although moderate consumption of pomegranate does not result in adverse effects, future studies are needed to assess safety and potential interactions with drugs that may alter the bioavailability of bioactive constituents of pomegranate as well as drugs. The aim of this review is to summarize the health effects and mechanisms of action of pomegranate extracts in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Conclusions
There is strong evidence that pomegranate elicits ameliorating health effects in several diseases. When considering the pomegranate therapeutic studies along with the research investigating the bioavailability of its compounds, one can conclude that pomegranate’s bioactive constituents can be absorbed and exert their biological activity. However, this fruit contains hundreds of different bioactive compounds, thus requiring a better understanding of the beneficial effects elicited by each compound and not the fruit as a whole. Moreover, some studies report that the administration of combinations of bioactive compounds has increased activity when compared to single compounds. Therefore, there is a need to further study possible synergistic effects between pomegranate’s bioactive components through isobolograms in the context of ligand-binding assays and factorial designs in animal models. In this regard, the integration of computational and experimental nutritional immunology research represents a cost, and time-efficient approach for the discovery of novel interactions and mechanisms underlying such activities. Many of the pomegranate’s beneficial effects have been widely related to the presence of ellagic acid and ellagitannins, especially punicalagins, punicalins, and gallagic acid. However, anthocyanins as well as pomegranate’s distinct and unique fatty acid profile also contribute to the reported health effects. Interestingly, several effects of pomegranate are mediated by the activation of PPAR pathways by conjugated trienes derived from seed oil. Some studies suggest that pomegranate metabolites may also contribute to its therapeutic effects along with the components of the fruit. In line with these findings, pomegranate has been suggested to stimulate probiotic bacteria thus enhancing their beneficial effects and fighting bacterial infections. Therefore, gut microflora seems to be important for pomegranate therapeutic activities. Pomegranate is safe at high doses in humans. So far, pomegranate has been shown to elicit beneficial effects for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, inflammation-related diseases such as IBD and NEC, and several types of cancer, as well as cardiovascular complications. However, there is still a need to identify individual active ingredients of pomegranate as well as further explore synergistic preventive effects in laboratory, animal models, and human clinical studies.
Source : Journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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A REVIEW ON THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF POMEGRANATE IN THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT
1Elisa Colombo, 1Enrico Sangiovanni, 1, 2Mario Dell'Agli*
1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, and 2Research Centre for
Characterization and Safe Use of Natural Compounds-G. Galli, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, Milano, Italy
Abstract
PG is used in the traditional medicine of different Asian cultures for the treatment of a variety of ailments. The biological activity of pomegranate has been widely investigated, including in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. The beneficial effects are mostly the cardiovascular protective role, neuroprotective activity, hypoglycemic effect and anticancer properties, in particular against prostate, colon and breast cancer; the anticancer effect are limited only to in vitro and animal studies. The gastrointestinal tract represents an important barrier between the human hosts and microbial populations. One potential consequence of host-microbial interactions is the development of mucosal inflammation, which can lead to gastritis and ulcer. Gastritis defined as inflammation of the gastric mucosa can be caused by endogenous and exogenous factors including acid, pepsin, stress, and noxious agents such as alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Helicobacter pylori infection and smoking. Conversely, inflammatory bowel diseases, among which Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are the most common inflammatory-related diseases in the gut; inflammatory bowel diseases occur in response to genetic or environmental factors and are characterized by the uncontrolled response of the intestinal immune system against the normal enteric microflora, leading to abdominal pain and chronic diarrhoea.
Although the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate and its major components have been widely described in the literature and some papers have been published at this regard, surprisingly this effect has not been reviewed till now. The aim of the present review is to summarize the evidence for or against the efficacy of pomegranate for coping inflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract.
The review has been organized in three parts: 1) a first one is devoted to the modifications of pomegranate active compounds in the gastro-intestinal tract, with particular attention to the intestinal metabolites; 2) a second one considering the literature regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of pomegranate and individual compounds at gastric level; 3) a third part considering the antiinflammatory effect of pomegranate and individual compounds in the gut, taking into account also the main metabolites which are formed by microbial biotransformation after pomegranate consumption. In vivo studies performed on the whole fruit or juice, peel and flowers demonstrate high anti-ulcer effect in a variety of animal models. Ellagic acid was found to be the main responsible for this effect, although other individual ellagitannins, which have not yet been studied, could contribute to the biological activity of the mixture.Different preparations of pomegranate, including extracts from peels, flowers, seeds, and juice, show a significant anti-inflammatory activity in the gut. Oil derived from PG seeds and its major 3 component punicic acid, inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the modulation of PPAR-γ and δ, whereas pomegranate peel extracts, and the pure compounds
punicalagins and ellagic acid, inhibit the expression and secretion of several inflammatory mediators. The inhibitory effect is ascribed to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and involves the MAPKs system as well. Between urolithins, urolithins A has been shown to possess a significant antiinflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting that this compound, and not its
precursor EA, could be the main responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties observed with PG extracts in the gut. Unfortunately, no clinical studies addressing the anti-inflammatory activity of PG at the gastro-intestinal level have been found, thus suggesting that future clinical studies on antiinflammatory activity at the gastrointestinal tract are necessary to clarify the beneficial effects of pomegranate for human health.
Conclusion
Few in vitro studies have been performed with PG peel extracts to evaluate anti H. pylori activity. These extracts are able to reduce significantly the growth of this pathogen, which is considered the aetiological agent mainly responsible for human gastritis.
In vivo studies performed on the whole fruit or juice, peel and flowers, demonstrate high anti-ulcer effect in a variety of animal models. EA was found to be the main responsible for this effect, although other individual ETs, which have not yet been studied, could contribute to the biological activity of the mixture. With the exception of EA, the effect of the pure compounds at the gastric
level was not investigated; this should be carefully considered for the future studies, since these molecules appear to be unmodified at the gastric level. Conversely, the positive effect of EA has been widely demonstrated, and the effect is corroborated by other studies performed on other plants: ethanolic extract from Ficus glomerata fruit (FGE) contained 0.36% w/w of EA and showed significant dose-dependent anti-ulcerogenic in different models of induced gastritis (pylorus ligation, ethanol and cold stress) [69]; moreover, the hydroalcoholic extract of Anogeissus latifolia (50% alcohol) containing 0.25% w/w of EA, has been shown to possess gastro-protective activity [70] due to the presence of EA. In addition, methanol stem bark extract of Lafoensia pacari containing 23.4% 19 of EA showed gastro-protective and ulcer healing effects in animal models strictly associated to the
presence of great amounts of EA in the extract [71], and an improvement of the gastric symptoms in patients with H. pylori gastritis was observed [72]. The mechanism of action by which EA shows anti-ulcer activity is partially attributed to the inhibitory effect on the gastric H+, K+-ATPase, in addition to the anti-H. pylori activity [38].
Unfortunately, no clinical studies coping with the anti-inflammatory activity of PG at the gastric level have been found, thus suggesting that the effect of the extracts and individual compounds in this area need to be elucidated. In particular, it is necessary to draw clinical trials considering the effects of PG extracts in patients with H. pylori-induced gastritis, alone or in combination with antibiotics. Different preparations of PG, including extracts from peels, flowers, seeds, in addition to the juice, show a significant anti-inflammatory activity in the gut. From all the studies taken into consideration in the present review, some conclusions can be drawn. First of all, the pure compounds occurring in PG fruits seem to act through different pathways. Oil derived from PG seeds and its major component PuA, could inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-23, IL-12 and TNF-α) through the modulation of PPAR-γ and δ. This is not true for PG peel extracts, as well as their components punicalagins and EA, since they do not show any effect on PPAR signalling; conversely, the main effect is due to the inhibition of the expression and secretion of several inflammatory mediators (i.e. IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, iNOS, COX-2 and PGE2). The inhibitory effect is ascribed to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and involves the MAPKs system as well. This effect was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo for the extracts and the pure compound punicalagin, while contradictory results were found for EA, since it seems to be effective also in studies performed in vivo. This might be explained considering the metabolic fate of PG phenolic compounds. In fact, different studies demonstrate a strong interaction between gut microbiota and PG polyphenols (i.e EA) that are metabolized by intestinal microflora to urolithins. These metabolites themselves could modulate gut microbiota, enhancing the growth of beneficial strains in spite of pathogenic ones. Between urolithins, urolithins A has been shown to possess a significant antiinflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting that this compound, and not its precursor EA, could be the main responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties observed with PG extracts in the gut. However it has been also showed that the inflammatory status alters the composition of intestinal microbiota, changing its metabolic capacity and the bioavailability of phenolic compounds [60]. This statement is corroborated by observation that, after consumption of PG extract, the phenolic profile of faeces obtained from healthy and DSS-fed rats is deeply changed: in normal conditions EA and punicalagin are completely metabolized to urolithins A, whereas in inflammatory conditions they can be found unmodified in the colon [60]. This suggests that 20 biological effects of urolithins, and consequently PG, could be strictly related to the composition of individual microbiota and to the intestinal inflammatory status. For this reason, although the studies reported herein seem to recommend PG consumption to prevent or treat gastro-intestinal inflammation, future clinical studies on anti-inflammatory activity at the gastrointestinal tract are necessary to clarify the beneficial effects of PG for human health.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Mindfulness Meditation May Relieve Chronic Inflammation
People suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma -- in which psychological stress plays a major role -- may benefit from mindfulness meditation techniques, according to a study by University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientists with the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the Waisman Center.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction, originally designed for patients with chronic pain, consists of continuously focusing attention on the breath, bodily sensations and mental content while seated, walking or practicing yoga.
While interest in meditation as a means of reducing stress has grown over the years, there has been little evidence to support benefits specific to mindfulness meditation practice. This was the first study designed to control for other therapeutic mechanisms, such as supportive social interaction, expert instruction, or learning new skills.
A class in stress reduction can be beneficial in many ways, some of which have little to do with mindfulness, according to Melissa Rosenkranz, assistant scientist at the center and lead author on the paper, which was published recently in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity. For example, learning to manage stress by engaging in regular physical activity may be therapeutic.
"We wanted to develop an intervention that was meant to produce positive change and compare the mindfulness approach to an intervention that was structurally equivalent," Rosenkranz says.
The study compared two methods of reducing stress: a mindfulness meditation-based approach, and a program designed to enhance health in ways unrelated to mindfulness.
The comparison group participated in the Health Enhancement Program, which consisted of nutritional education; physical activity, such as walking; balance, agility and core strengthening; and music therapy. The content of the program was meant to match aspects of the mindfulness instruction in some way. For example, physical exercise was meant to match walking meditation, without the mindfulness component. Both groups had the same amount of training, the same level of expertise in the instructors, and the same amount of home practice required by participants.
"In this setting, we could see if there were changes that we could detect that were specific to mindfulness," Rosenkranz explains.
Using a tool called the Trier Social Stress Test to induce psychological stress, and a capsaicin cream to produce inflammation on the skin, immune and endocrine measures were collected before and after training in the two methods. While both techniques were proven effective in reducing stress, the mindfulness-based stress reduction approach was more effective at reducing stress-induced inflammation.
The results show that behavioral interventions designed to reduce emotional reactivity are beneficial to people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.
The study also suggests that mindfulness techniques may be more effective in relieving inflammatory symptoms than other activities that promote well-being.
Rosenkranz emphasizes that the mindfulness-based approach is not a magic bullet.
"This is not a cure-all, but our study does show that there are specific ways that mindfulness can be beneficial, and that there are specific people who may be more likely to benefit from this approach than other interventions."
Significant portions of the population do not benefit from available pharmaceutical treatment options, for example. Some of these patients suffer from negative side effects of the drugs, or simply do not respond to the standard-of-care for treatment of the disorder.
"The mindfulness-based approach to stress reduction may offer a lower-cost alternative or complement to standard treatment, and it can be practiced easily by patients in their own homes, whenever they need," Rosenkranz says.
Scientists at the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds conduct rigorous research on the physiological effects of meditation on the brain, and the power of the brain to influence human health. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of mindfulness and how it affects the body.
Source : Science Daily
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Green Tea Reduced Inflammation, May Inhibit Prostate Cancer Tumor Growth, Research Finds
Men with prostate cancer who consumed green tea prior to undergoing prostatectomy had reductions in markers of inflammation, according to data presented at the 11th Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, held in Anaheim, Calif., Oct. 16-19, 2012.
"Our study showed that drinking six cups of green tea affected biomarkers in prostate tissue at the time of surgery," said Susanne M. Henning, Ph.D., R.D., adjunct professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles. "This research offers new insights into the mechanisms by which green tea consumption may reduce the risk for prostate cancer by opposing processes such as inflammation, which are associated with prostate cancer growth."
Prior epidemiological data have been inconclusive about the relationship between green tea and prostate cancer. However, one recent intervention study conducted in Italy revealed that men with a precursor to prostate cancer called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia who consumed a green tea extract reduced their risk for progression to prostate cancer.
Henning and colleagues examined potential mechanisms by which green tea may have beneficial effects among 67 men with prostate cancer scheduled to undergo prostatectomy. The researchers randomly assigned the men to either six cups of brewed green tea or water daily for three to eight weeks, depending on the timing of their surgery. They collected blood and urine samples before and after the green tea or water consumption and collected prostate tissue following the pathology exam.
The data showed that serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations were significantly lower at the end of the study compared with baseline levels in men consuming green tea. In addition, prostate tissue PSA protein expression was lower in men assigned to green tea consumption compared with the control group at the end of the study.
Further, immunostaining analysis revealed that nuclear factor kappa B, a marker of inflammation, was significantly reduced in those men assigned to green tea compared with those in the control group. A urinary marker of oxidative DNA damage was significantly decreased in urine from men consuming green tea compared with controls.
The researchers found no differences in markers of tumor cell proliferation between the two treatment groups.
Henning and her colleagues are further evaluating the association between green tea and prostate cancer by trying to enhance its activity. Currently, they are exploring the possibility of combining green tea with other natural products in mouse studies.
Source : Science Daily
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Researchers Say Tart Cherries Have ‘the Highest Anti-Inflammatory Content of Any Food’
Tart cherries may help reduce chronic inflammation, especially for the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating joint pain and arthritis, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University presented today at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference (ACSM) in San Francisco, Calif.1 In fact, the researchers suggest tart cherries have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food” and can help people with osteoarthritis manage their disease.In a study of twenty women ages 40 to 70 with inflammatory osteoarthritis, the researchers found that drinking tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks led to significant reductions in important inflammation markers – especially for women who had the highest inflammation levels at the start of the study.
“With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, it’s promising that tart cherries can help, without the possible side effects often associated with arthritis medications,” said Kerry Kuehl, M.D, Dr.PH., M.S., Oregon Health & Science University, principal study investigator. “I’m intrigued by the potential for a real food to offer such a powerful anti-inflammatory benefit – especially for active adults.”
Often characterized as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Athletes are often at a greater risk for developing the condition, given their excessive joint use that can cause a breakdown in cartilage and lead to pain and injury, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
The inflammation benefits could be particularly important for athletes, according to Kuehl’s previous research. In a past study he found that people who drank tart cherry juice while training for a long distance run reported significantly less pain after exercise than those who didn’t.2
Go Red Instead to Manage Pain
Along with providing the fruit’s bright red color, the antioxidant compounds in tart cherries – called anthocyanins – have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation, at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications.3
Previous research on tart cherries and osteoarthritis conducted by researchers at Baylor Research Institute found that a daily dose of tart cherries (as cherry extract) helped reduce osteoarthritis pain by more than 20 percent for the majority of men and women.4 And the same compounds linked to cherries’ arthritis benefits have now shown promise for athletes and sports recovery to help relieve muscle and joint soreness.
According to Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center for Sports Medicine, Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, who has incorporated tart cherries into the training menu of both her professional athletes and active clients as a natural and easy way to manage pain that also tastes great, “Why not eat red when there’s so much science to support the anti-inflammatory benefits of this Super Fruit? And for athletes whose palates prefer the tart-sweet flavor profile of tart cherries, it’s the optimal ingredient.”
Available every day of the year in dried, frozen and juice forms, tart cherries are a versatile ingredient to include in any training or inflammation-fighting diet.
To learn more about the body of research supporting tart cherries’ pain-fighting properties, visit www.choosecherries.com to download The Red Report. There, you can also reference The Red Recovery Routine, a guide to help people train to manage pain with tart cherries.
Source : Newswise
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Silymarin Exhibits Clinically-relevant Antiallergic and Anti-inflammatory Activities
The standardised extract of St Mary’s thistle (Silybum marianum), which is typically (and perhaps inaccurately) referred to as silymarin or silymarin extract, is widely used to treat liver problems and damage. However, two clinical trials (one recent and the other dating from 2009) have found surprising and useful antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activities. In the more recent double blind trial conducted in Iran, 94 patients suffering the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and exhibiting positive skin prick tests to common aeroallergens randomly received either silymarin extract (420 mg/day) or placebo for one month.1 Routine antihistamine treatment was allowed. Only 60 patients completed the trial, dictating a perprotocol analysis of the results. Based on the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20!), a significant improvement in clinical symptom severity was
observed in both groups (9.23 ± 5.14 for the silymarin group versus 2.20 ± 2.69 for the placebo group; both p < 0.001 versus baseline), but the improvement was significantly greater in the active group (p < 0.0001). Post-treatment levels of nasal eosinophils and cytokines from stimulated blood lymphocytes were unchanged. Paradoxically, there was significant rise in serum IgE after treatment with silymarin (p < 0.003).
In the 2009-published double blind clinical trial from Iraq, 220 patients with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomised into 5 groups, receiving either silymarin (300 mg/day), piroxicam (20 mg/day), meloxicam (15 mg/day) or a combination of silymarin with each of the anti-inflammatory drugs.2 There was no placebo group in the study design and treatment was over 8 weeks. Treatment with silymarin significantly reduced serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1alpha (by 56%) and IL-8 (by 58%) (p < 0.02 compared with baseline) and the complement proteins C3 (by 81%) and C4 (by 45%). Adjunct use of silymarin with the drugs gave mixed results for these measures of inflammation (no effect with meloxicam and a significant lowering with piroxicam). The drugs on their own generally exhibited minimal or adverse effects (apart from piroxicam lowering IL-8). Unfortunately, the trial did not provide data for clinical OA symptoms. An earlier publication also demonstrated that co-administered silymarin decreased the renal and hepatic toxicities of these drugs in OA patients.3
Comment
Although these uses might seem novel for silymarin, they are consistent with several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating various anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and immune-modulating outcomes for the herbal extract. However, results from experimental models do not necessarily reflect on clinical outcomes for herbal treatments, so the above clinical findings do add significant credibility to the use of silymarin for allergic rhinitis (and perhaps other allergies) and OA. More studies are needed, however, especially one assessing clinical outcomes in OA.
REFERENCES
1 Bakhshaee M, Jabbari F, Hoseini S et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011; 145(6): 904-909
2 Hussain SA, Jassim NA, Numan IT et al. Saudi Med J 2009; 30(1): 98-103
3 Hussain SA, Numan IT, Khalaf BH et al. Iraqi J Pharm Sci 2007;
Source : MediHerb eMonitor
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Ginseng is nature’s anti-inflammatory
The famous immunological effects of ginseng have been confirmed and defined by a recent study. Ginseng is believed to have beneficial effects against human diseases, and its active components, ginsenosides, may play critical roles in its diverse physiological actions.
Researchers writing in BioMed Central’s open access Journal of Translational Medicine have shown that the herb, much used in traditional Chinese and other Asian medicine, does have anti-inflammatory effects.
What are the powers of ginseng? Ginseng roots contain multiple active constituents including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, polyacetylenic alcohols and fatty acids that have been shown to have different effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as on the function of neuroendocrine, immune, cardiovascular and central nervous systems in humans.
Previous studies have shown that ginseng and its active components are potent immunomodulators. Their immunomodulatory effects are mostly due to its regulation of cytokine production and phagocytic activities of monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells, as well as activation of T- and B- lymphocytes.
Ginsenosides, the steroid saponins, are major biologically active compounds of ginseng. Over 30 ginsenosides have been identified to date. Studies indicate that ginsenosides and their metabolites are responsible for many of the diverse physiological actions including the anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng.
Allan Lau led a team of researchers from the University of Hong Kong who identified seven ginseng constituents, ginsenosides, which showed immune-suppressive effects.
He said, “The anti-inflammatory role of ginseng may be due to the combined effects of these ginsenosides, targeting different levels of immunological activity, and so contributing to the diverse actions of ginseng in humans”.
The scientists treated human immune cells with different extracts of ginseng. They found that of the nine ginsenosides they identified, seven could selectively inhibit expression of the inflammatory gene CXCL-10.
Lau concludes, “Further studies will be needed to examine the potential beneficial effects of ginsenosides in the management of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases in humans”.
Uniquely, the researchers were able to holistically test the ginseng extract’s immune effects by using sophisticated purification technologies to identify individual constituents and define their bioactivity using genomics and bioactivity assays. After that, they reconstituted them back into a whole extract with definable individual ginsenosides for re-confirmation of effects. This potentially opens up a vigorous methodology to study medicinal herbs with state-of-the-art technologies.
Source : Chinese Medicine News
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N-butanol Extract from Melilotus Suaveolens Ledeb Affects Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines and Mediators
Lei Zhao1, Jun-Yan Tao2, Shu-Ling Zhang1, Feng Jin3, Ran Pang1 and Ji-Hua Dong4
1Department of Hepatology & Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, 2College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430072, 3Department of Neurosurgery and 4Central Lab, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, P.R. China
Abstract
Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb is a traditional medicinal plant for treating inflammation-related disease. This explores the inner anti-inflammatory mechanism of n-butanol extract from M. suaveolens Ledeb. Inflammatory cellular model was established by lipopolysaccharide intervention on RAW264.7 cell line. Levels of secreted cytokines TNF-, IL-1β, IL-6, NO and IL-10 insupernatant, mRNA expression of TNF-, COX-2, iNOS and HO-1,protein expression of COX-2 and HO-1, activation of NF-B and ingredients in the extract were assayed by ELISA, real time quantitative PCR, western blot, immunocytochemical test and HPLC fingerprint test, respectively. As a result, the extract could not only markedly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators to different extents by blocking NF-B activation butal so promote the release of anti-inflammatory mediator HO-1significantly. Each 1 g extract contained 0.023531 mg coumarin and another two high polar ingredients, probably saponins. Itcan be concluded that the extract has similar effects on antagonizing pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines like Dexamethasone,and has effects on promoting the production of anti-inflammatory mediators.
Introduction
Melilotus is a genus of plants including 20–25 species that are widely distributed all over the world. The main species used for medical purpose contain Melilotus albus Desr, Melilotusofficinalis Lam, Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb, Melilotus dentatus(W.&K.) Pers, Melilotus indica (L.) All, Melilotus italicus(L.) Lam, Melilotus volgicus Poirr, Melilotus hirsutus Lipcky(L.) Lam, Melilotus elegans Salzm, Melilotus salcatus Dest,Melilotus neopolitanus Ten, etc. Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb is distributed in the Far East region and used as herbal medicine to treat inflammation and infection in throat and alimentary system in China (1).
In literatures, there were a few reports on Melilotus. It was documented that Melilotus is used to reduce spasm (2); its coumarinic extract have effects on lymphedema (3) and its polysaccharides have immuno correcting, anti-anemia and adaptogenic effects (4). Although anti-inflammatory effect of M. officinalis was reported (5), exploration on M. suaveolens Ledeb on how to play an anti-inflammatory role at molecular level remained limited.
As discovered at present, NF-B is a family of seven structurally related transcription factors that play a central role in inflammation by controlling gene network expression (6). Cyclooxygenease-2(COX-2) is the key enzyme regulating the production of prostaglandins,the central mediators of inflammation. The expression of COX-2is induced by several extra cellular signals including pro-inflammatorystimuli. COX-2 can be affected directly at its enzymatic activity by nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)(7). NO is recognized as a mediator and regulator of inflammatoryresponses. It possesses cytotoxic properties that are aimedagainst pathogenic microbes, but it can also have damaging effects on host tissues. NO plays a significant role in inflammation,where NO is produced in high amounts by iNOS, and then reactive oxygen species are synthesized by activated inflammatory cells(8). Several pro-inflammatory gene products have been identified that mediate a critical role in inflammation. Among these gene products are tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and members of its superfamily, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), etc. The expression of all these genes is mainly regulated by the transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B) (9). Therefore, whether suppressed or not, those pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators are the key evaluation for novel anti-inflammatory agents.
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has attached much attention because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Uniquely, among hematopoieticcytokines, IL-10 is a pleiotropic molecule that displays both immuno stimulatory and immuno regulatory activities (10). Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), involved in the heme degradation process,is an important anti-inflammatory enzyme featured by its anti-oxidant activity (11). Experimental models of various diseases, including acute inflammation, have demonstrated that the induction of HO-1 can prevent or mitigate the symptoms associated with those ailments (12).
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a method recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) to assay herbal ingredients(13). Extraction by n-butanol is one of the most common methods to obtain organic substances that can not dissolve in water(14).
Based on those findings and methods, we at first extracted effective ingredients with n-butanol from M. suaveolens Ledeb and identified the active components by HPLC fingerprint. Then, we founded a classic inflammation cellular model (15) with RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Subsequently, we chose the found inflammation cellular modelto explore the anti-inflammatory effect of n-butanol extract from M. suaveolens Ledeb and clarified the inner anti-inflammatory mechanisms of that medicinal plant.
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