Inhibition of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis by topical application of the butanol extract of Cordyceps bassiana in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological significance

The Cordyceps species are insect-borne mushrooms that have been ethnopharmacologically used for skin diseases such as eczema and dermatitis.

Aim of the study

In this study, we investigated the curative effects of the butanol fraction (CBBF) of Cordyceps bassiana on atopic dermatitis.

Materials and methods

Dermatitis was induced by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in NC/Nga mice. After a topical application of CBBF on the skin lesions, the dermatitis score, epidermal thickness, mast cell number, and interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ, as well as the levels of histamine and immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the serum, were measured. Moreover, effect of CBBF on histamine release was examined using RBL-2H3 under stimulation with 2,4-dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA).

Results

CBBF inhibited atopic dermatitis symptoms and signs in the DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice. The suppressive activity of topically applied CBBF may be due to the dose-dependent blockade of a series of immunopathological events, including the release of histamine, the production of IgE, and the secretion of IL-4 and IFN-γ. However, this extract did not directly suppress the degranulation process, assessed by measuring β-hexosaminidase release.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that CBBF can be applied as an effective herbal remedy to treat atopic dermatitis.     

Inhibitory effects of Cinnamomum cassia extract on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions induced by mite antigen in NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

: Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) has been traditionally used to treat allergic disease as well as dyspepsia, gastritis, and blood circulation disturbances. However, the antiallergic properties of C. cassia have not been fully verified using scientific tools. This study investigated the effectiveness of C. cassia extract (CCE) as an antiallergic agent in atopic dermatitis model and underlying mechanism.

Materials and methods

: The effect of CCE on mite antigen-treated NC/Nga mice was evaluated by examining skin symptom severity, levels of serum IgE, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and histamine, skin histology, and mRNA expression of cytokines in the skin lesions. Moreover, the effect of CCE on TNF-α-and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced chemokine production in human keratinocytes was investigated using ELISA.

Results

: CCE treatment of NC/Nga mice reduced the dermatitis score and the levels of serum IgE, histamine, and TNF-α. Histological examination showed inhibition of the thickening of the epidermis/dermis and reduced dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells. In skin lesions, mRNA expression of IL-4, TNF-α, and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) was inhibited by CCE treatment. The production of TARC, macrophage-derived chemokine, and RANTES from IFN-γ-and TNF-α-stimulated human keratinocytes was suppressed by CCE treatment in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

: CCE inhibits the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the T-helper 2 cell response.     

Topical application of Rehmannia glutinosa extract inhibits mite allergen-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

Rehmannia glutinosa is known in Asia as a traditional herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease associated with enhanced T-helper 2 (Th2) lymphocyte responses to allergens that results in elevated serum IgE levels and leukocyte infiltration. Although some studies have shown that Rehmannia glutinosa extract (RGE) has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, these properties have not been demonstrated in AD. This study investigated the effectiveness of RGE as a therapeutic candidate in an AD model as well as its underlying mechanism of action.

Materials and methods

The effects of RGE on mite allergen (Dermatophagoides farinae)-treated NC/Nga mice were evaluated by skin symptom severity, ear thickness, production of serum IgE and histamine, and expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in the ear lesions. In addition, the levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) produced in both TNF-α- and IFN-γ-stimulated human keratinocytes were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

RGE treatment of NC/Nga mice significantly reduced dermatitis scores, ear thicknesses, and serum histamine levels. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased thickening of the epidermis/dermis as well as dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. In the ear lesions, mRNA expression levels of IL-4, TNF-α, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were inhibited by RGE treatment. RGE also suppressed the production of TARC, MDC, and RANTES in both the ear lesions and keratinocytes.

Conclusions

RGE inhibits the development of AD in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules.     

Korean red ginseng extract ameliorates skin lesions in NC/Nga mice: an atopic dermatitis model

Aim of the study

Korean red ginseng (KRG, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has traditionally been considered to harbor anti-allergic effects, however its action on atopic dermatitis (AD) is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of KRG on AD using NC/Nga mice as an AD model. In addition, we examined the effect of aprepitant (substance P specific neurokinin receptor antagonist) on AD.

Materials and methods

The KRG extract and aprepitant were administered orally to NC/Nga mice. The efficacy of KRG and aprepitant was evaluated by assessing total clinical severity score, ear thickness, serum IgE level and histology. In addition, mRNA and protein expression were measured by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results

The KRG extract significantly reduced the total clinical severity score, ear thickness and the level of serum IgE in AD mouse model, whereas aprepitant reduced only the serum IgE level. KRG not only decreased TNF-α, IFN-γ and substance P but also reduced the infiltration of FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and CD1a+ Langerhans cells in the lesions, whereas aprepitant decreased only substance P and the infiltration of Treg cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that KRG extract may be a potential therapeutic modality for AD and aprepitant could be used as adjunctive agent to control pruritus in AD.     

Suppression of dust mite extract and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis by the water extract of Lindera obtusiloba

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The Lindera obtusiloba has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation and dermatitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of topical application of Lindera obtusiloba water extract (LOWE) on the house dust mite extract (Dermatophagoides farinae extract, DFE) and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD).

Materials and methods

We established AD model in BALB/c mice by repeated local exposure of DFE/DNCB to the ears. After a topical application of LOWE on the skin lesions, the epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamine were measured. In addition, the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-31, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the ears was assayed.

Results

LOWE reduced AD symptoms based on ear thickness, histopathological analysis, and serum IgE levels. LOWE inhibited mast cell infiltration into the ear and elevation of serum histamine in AD model. Moreover, LOWE suppressed DFE/DNCB-induced expression of IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, and TNF-α in the ears.

Conclusions

Our results showed that topical application of LOWE exerts beneficial effects in AD symptoms, suggesting that LOWE might be a candidate for the treatment of AD.     

Effects of Catalpa ovata stem bark on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The stem bark of Catalpa ovata has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as itching and scabies.

Aim of the study

In the present study, we investigated the anti-AD effects of Catalpa ovata stem bark on Dermatophagoides farinae-induced AD in a NC/Nga mouse AD model. We determined dermatitis score, histology, IgE, cytokines, and chemokines related to hypersensitive immune responses in AD. The mechanism of action was also investigated using HaCaT cells.

Materials and methods

We investigated the topical effects of Catalpa ovata stem bark on AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Five category-experiments were performed, including assessment of dermatitis score; histological analysis of dorsal skin lesions; quantitative measurement of serum total IgE; quantitative measurement of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α) from dorsal tissue; and RT-PCR analysis of for TSLP and TARC mRNA expression in HaCaT cells.

Results

The clinical dermatitis score was significantly lower in Catalpa ovata extract (COE) groups than in the control group. Histological analysis showed that COE inhibited hypertrophy and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, intracellular edema, and reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells. COE significantly inhibited serum total IgE; Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13; pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL6 and TNF-α; the Th2 chemokine TARC and the pro-Th2 cytokine TSLP.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that Catalpa ovata stem bark may be a useful external medicine for treatment of AD. Further investigation is necessary to determine appropriate COE dosage and to evaluate the safety of this medicinal herb.     

Effect of Alnus japonica extract on a model of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

The bark of Alnus species has long been used in traditional oriental medicine in the treatment of many pathological conditions, including fever, hemorrhage, diarrhea, alcoholism, various skin diseases (e.g. chronic herpes, eczema and prurigo), and inflammation. In order to assess the immunomodulatory efficacy of a novel herbal medicine in treating atopic dermatitis, we measured serum levels of several allergic and inflammatory biomarkers in NC/Nga mice before and after treatment with this experimental agent.

Materials and methods

Gene and protein expression analyses of iNOS and COX-2 were quantified by real time PCR and Western blot analysis and serum levels of IL-4, -5 and -13 were also measured by ELISA, all of which were reduced after treatment with the experimental agent. Additionally, serum concentrations of IgE and blood eosinophil counts were reduced in treated mice.

Results

The topical application of leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica suppressed the development of AD-like skin lesions. The percent of blood eosinophils was decreased after treatment with leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica. The serum IgE and Th2-related cytokine levels were decreased after treatment with leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica compared with those treated with base cream (vehicle treated AD group). The IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were lower than those of vehicle treated AD group.

Conclusions

We contend that leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica may prove useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases, although more in-depth clinical studies are necessary before clinical implementation.     

Inhibitory effects of Drynaria fortunei extract on house dust mite antigen-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, and bone healing. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a 70% ethanol extract of Drynaria fortunei (DFE).

Materials and methods

We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of topically applied DFE on house dust mite Dermatophargoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

Results

Treatment of NC/Nga mice with DFE reduced the dermatitis score, ear thickness, and serum levels of IgE, IgG1, and IL-6. Histopathological analyses of ear and skin lesions showed inhibition of the thickening of the epidermis and reduced epidermal/dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells. In ear lesions, mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were reduced by DFE treatment.

Conclusions

DFE inhibited the development of dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. These results suggest that DFE may be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of AD.     

Effects of Korean red ginseng extract on the prevention of atopic dermatitis and its mechanism on early lesions in a murine model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to possess various biological activities including anti-inflammatory properties.

Aim of the study

We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of KRG on the prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD) using a mouse model.

Materials and methods

The effect of KRG in trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice was assessed by measuring ear thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), total serum IgE, histologic changes of lesional skin, mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, immunohistochemistry for tissue interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, and interferon (IFN)-γ.

Results

KRG significantly reduced ear thickness. Oral administration of KRG significantly prevented the increase in TEWL induced by TNCB. The serum IgE level was significantly lower in the KRG group. Histologically, lymphocyte infiltration was markedly decreased by KRG. CD1a positive (CD1a+) cells were diminished by KRG. Immunohistochemically, KRG significantly suppressed the protein expression of TSLP and TNF-α. The mRNA expression of TSLP in the lesions was significantly reduced by KRG. These results demonstrate that oral administration of KRG may inhibit the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by modifying TSLP, DCs, and at least in part, the Th2 response.

Conclusion

KRG may be a potential therapeutic modality for the prevention of AD.     

Effects of Scutellariae radix and Aloe vera gel extracts on immunoglobulin E and cytokine levels in atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mice

Aim of the study

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Scutellariae radix (SR) and Aloe vera gel (AV), alone or in combination, on levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and inflammatory cytokines in spontaneous atopic dermatitis(AD)-like skin lesions.

Materials and methods

After spontaneous AD-like skin lesion was developed by adaptation to conventional conditions, mice were randomly assigned to control, SR (50 mg/kg, p.o.), AV (0.8 mg/kg, p.o.) and SRAV (50 mg of SR and 0.8 mg of AV/kg, p.o.) groups, and were treated for 6 weeks.

Results

SR and SRAV suppressed IL-5 levels compared with control, but had no effects on IgE levels (P < 0.05). AV increased IgE levels, but decreased both IL-5 and IL-10 compared with control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that SR and AV modulate immunological responses in AD, mainly through influencing IL-5 or IL-10 levels.     

20-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol-fortified ginseng extract attenuates the development of atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ginseng and ginsenosides are frequently used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Recently, 20-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (GPD), the main metabolite of ginsenosides, was reported to have both anti-allergic and anti-pruritic effects. The immunomodulatory effects of GPD-fortified ginseng extract (GFGE) on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like symptoms in mice were investigated. This study was designed to investigate the preventive effect of GFGE on AD-like symptoms.

Materials and methods

The effects of orally administered GFGE on Dermatophagoides farinae body extract (DFE)-induced AD-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice were assessed by analyzing dermatitis score, ear thickness, scratching time, skin histological changes, and serum level of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC). In addition, splenocytes were isolated from the mice and stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies to produce cytokines.

Results

Oral administration of GFGE significantly attenuated DFE-induced increases in dermatitis score, ear thickness, scratching time, and severity of skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. GFGE treatment also reduced level of MDC in serum, infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in skin, and production of cytokines in splenocytes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that GFGE might ameliorate DFE-induced AD-like symptoms and be an alternative therapeutic agent for the prevention of AD.     

Topical application of an ethanol extract prepared from Illicium verum suppresses atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Illicium verum is a traditional herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties used in Asia. However, its usefulness in the treatment of allergic diseases remains unclear. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects of I. verum extract (IVE) in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.

Materials and methods

We investigated the effects of IVE on compound 48/80-induced histamine release, and phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated cytokines secretion in MC/9 mast cells. Atopic dermatitis was induced in NC/Nga mice by exposure to extract of house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae). After a topical application of IVE on ear and skin lesions, we evaluated the severity of skin symptoms, ear thickness, inflammatory cell infiltration, and serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin (IL)-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. In addition, we determined the expression of IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), ICAM-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 in ear tissues.

Results

IVE inhibited secretion of histamine, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α from mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. Topical application of IVE significantly reduced dermatitis scores, ear thickness, and serum levels of IgE, histamine, IL-6, and ICAM-1. Histopathological analysis demonstrated decreased epidermal thickening and dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. In the ear lesions, IVE treatment reduced expression of IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, TARC, RANTES, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, but not IFN-γ.

Conclusions

These results indicate that IVE inhibits atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by suppressing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. These results suggest that IVE may be a potential therapeutic candidate for atopic dermatitis.     

Oral administration of Uncariae rhynchophylla inhibits the development of DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions via IFN-γ down-regulation in NC/Nga mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Uncariae rhynchophylla (UR) is an herb which has blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory effects and has been prescribed traditionally to treat stroke and vascular dementia.

Aim of study

In the present study, we examined whether UR suppress Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice treated with 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) under SPF conditions.

Material and methods

The effect of UR in DNFB- treated NC/Nga mice was determined by measuring the skin symptom severity, levels of serum IgE, and of the amounts of IL-4 and IFN-γ secreted by activated T cells in draining lymph nodes.

Results

Oral administration of UR to DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was found to inhibit ear thickness increases and the skin lesions induced by DNFB. IFN-γ production by CD4+ T cells from the lymph nodes of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by UR treatment, although levels of IL-4 and total IgE in serum were not.

Conclusion

UR may suppress the development of AD-like dermatitis in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IFN-γ production.     

Protective effect of a polyphenolic rich extract from Magnolia officinalis bark on influenza virus-induced pneumonia in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Magnolia officinalis bark is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cough, colds, fever, chronic bronchitis and stomach ailments.

Aim of the study

To investigate therapeutic effects of polyphenol rich extract from M. officinalis bark (MPE) in influenza virus A-infected mice, and to provide evidence for the inflammation response and immunomodulatory potential during infection.

Materials and methods

Mice were infected with influenza virus A (IVA) and MPE at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg were orally administrated daily for 5 days after challenge. The levels of serum L-6 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA while protein expressions of NF-κB and TLR3 were detected by western blotting analysis.

Results

MPE exhibited significant therapeutical effects on reducing levels of serum NO, IL-6 and TNF-α, inhibiting pneumonia, decreasing lung viral titers and sensitizing IVA-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-κB and TLR3 protein expression in the lung tissue of IVA-infected mice.

Conclusions

MPE could exhibit preventive and therapeutical effects on IVA-infected mice as a suppressor of the production of inflammatory mediators, NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6. These effects appeared to be mediated, at least in part, by an inhibition of TLR3 and NF-κB activation. Therefore, MPE could provide a safe and effective therapeutic approach for influenza and its subsequent viral pneumonia.     

Cordyceps militaris extract stimulates Cl(-) secretion across human bronchial epithelia by both Ca(2+)(-) and cAMP-dependent pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The caterpillar fungus Cordyceps militaris (CM; Clavicipitaceae) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that can be artificially cultivated on a large scale. We have previously demonstrated that its stimulatory action on ion transport in human airway epithelia is similar to Cordyceps sinensis (Clavicipitaceae), which has been traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases.

Aim of the study

To investigate the signal transduction mechanism(s) underlying CM-induced ion transport activity in cultured human bronchial epithelia.

Materials and methods

16HBE14o-, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, was used to study the regulation of ion transport by the water extract of CM. CM extract was added to the apical or basolateral aspect of the epithelia. In subsequent experiments, different Cl⁻ channel and K⁺ channel blockers, adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, and an intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator were used to examine the involvement of apical Cl⁻ and basolateral K⁺ channels in mediating CM-induced Cl⁻ secretion and the underlying signal transduction mechanism(s). PKA activity was also measured in 16HBE14o- cells.

Results

CM stimulated Cl⁻ secretion across 16HBE14o- monolayers in a dose-dependent manner. Cl⁻ secretion could be inhibited by apical application of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl⁻channel blocker and the calcium-activated Cl⁻ channel (CaCC) blocker. Cl⁻ secretion was sensitive to basolateral application of different K⁺ channel blockers. Similar inhibitory patterns were obtained in nystatin-permeabilized epithelia. The CM-induced Cl⁻ secretion could be inhibited by adenylate cyclase and PKA inhibitors as well as an intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator. Data from the PKA assay suggested that CM extract caused a significant increase in PKA activity compared with untreated control epithelia.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CM extract stimulated Cl⁻ secretion across human bronchial epithelia, possibly via apical CFTR and CaCC, and the basolateral K⁺ channels are involved in driving apical Cl⁻ exit. The underlying signal transduction mechanisms involve both cAMP- and Ca²⁺-dependent pathways.     

Chemical compositions and anti-influenza activities of essential oils from Mosla dianthera

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mosla dianthera as an aromatic herb is used in folk medicine for the treatment of cough, colds, fever, bronchitis, nasal congestion and headache.

Aim of the study

To characterize chemical compositions and to evaluate the anti-influenza effects of essential oils of M. dianthera (MDEO) in influenza virus A (IVA) infected mice.

Materials and methods

MDEO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ICR mice were treated with MDEO for 5 consecutive days at doses of 90-360 mg/kg after post-infected. Levels of Serum IL-4 and IFN-γ were assayed by ELISA. Levels of MOD, SOD, TAOC and GSH-Px in lung tissue were determined by colorimetric method.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 29 components that account for 97.74% of phenolic sesquiterpenes and aromatic compounds. The major compounds were elemicin (16.51%), thymol (14.77%), β-caryophyllene (14.49%), iso-elemicin (9.22%), asarone (6.09%) and α-caryophyllene (5.26%). It had significant effects on decreasing lung viral titers, inhibiting pneumonia, reducing levels of serum IFN-γ and IL-4, and enhancing antioxidant activity in the lung tissue of IVA infected mice.

Conclusions

MPE could exhibit therapeutical effects in IVA infected mice as a suppressor of IVA replication and inflammatory mediators and a promoter of antioxidant potentials. Therefore, MDEO could provide a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for treatment of influenza and its subsequent viral pneumonia.     

Diuretic and potassium-sparing effect of isoquercitrin-an active flavonoid of Tropaeolum majus L

Aim of the study

Previous studies have shown that the extracts obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. exhibit pronounced diuretic effects supporting the ethnopharmacological use of this plant as diuretic. In the present work, phytochemical investigation, guided by bio-assay in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), was carried out in order to identify the compounds responsible for diuretic action.

Material and methods

Chromatographic fractionation of the hydroethanolic extract yielded an active fraction (TMLR) rich in isoquercitrin. TMLR (25-100 mg/kg) and isoquercitrin (5-10 mg/kg), as well the reference drug hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg) were orally administered in a single dose or daily for 7 days to SHR. The urine excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity and content of sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) electrolytes were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals.

Results

The urinary excretion rate was dose-dependently increased in both TMLR and isoquercitrin groups, as well as Na⁺. Despite the changes in urinary excretion of electrolytes, the plasmatic levels of Na⁺ and K⁺ had not been changed. In addition, we did not find any evidence of renal toxicity or other adverse effects in these animals, even after prolonged treatment with TMLR or isoquercitrin.

Conclusion

This research supports and extends the ethnomedicinal use of T. majus as diuretic. This activity seems to be associated to the presence of the flavonol isoquercitrin.     

Tanshinones isolated from the rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM, family Labiatae), which contains tanshinones as main constituents, has been used as a cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory agent in Chinese medicine.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to elucidate anti-allergic effects of the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM, family Labiatae) and its main constituents, tanshinones, against passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction.

Materials and methods

PCA reaction was induced by IgE-antigen complex (IAC) in ICR mice. Protein expression of IL-4 and TNF-α in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and NF-κB and c-jun (AP-1) activation assayed by immunoblot.

Results

Tanshinones inhibited the PCA reaction and reduced IL-4 and TNF-α production in mice as well as in IAC-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Tanshinones also inhibited NF-κB and AP-1 activation in RBL-2H3 cells stimulated with IAC. Among tested tanshinones, tanshinone I exhibited the most potent inhibition, followed by 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone.

Conclusions

SM and tanshinones may ameliorate the PCA reaction by inhibiting the allergic cytokines IL-4 and TNF-α via NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.     

Orally administered mycelial culture of Phellinus linteus exhibits antitumor effects in hepatoma cell-bearing mice

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effect of a mycelial culture from Phellinus linteus PL-7 (MCPL-7) and to elucidate its potential mechanism in vivo.

Materials and methods

SCID CB-17 mice received a transplant of Hep3B cells followed by daily MCPL-7 administrations for 8 weeks. Following tumor implantation, groups C-E were subcutaneously administered 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg MCPL-7 powder per day, respectively, for 8 weeks. Groups A and B received saline solution subcutaneously for 8 weeks.

Results

MCPL-7 administration induced a significant reduction in tumor size and was associated with a significant increase in T cell numbers; IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion; NK cell activity; and phagocytic ability. Therefore, increased numbers of CD4⁺cells could have been caused by greater numbers of dendritic cells and macrophages in the spleen. Furthermore, the activation of dendritic cells and macrophages resulted in increased IL-12 secretion, which could upregulate NK cell activation. The increased secretion of IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α enhanced the activity and phagocytic ability of NK cells. Thus, MCPL-7 may provide a potential therapeutic approach for both immunomodulatory and antitumor effects.