Anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts of the root of Lilium lancifolium on LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells

Aim of the study

Lilium lancifolium is commonly used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts of the root of Lilium lancifolium (LL extracts) in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells.

Material and methods

Levels of NO, PGE₂ and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the supernatant fraction were determined using sandwich ELISA. Expression of COX-2 and iNOS, phosphorylation of MAPK subgroups (ERK and JNK), and NF-κB activation in extracts were detected via Western blot and immunocytochemistry assays.

Results

The LL extract significantly inhibited NO, PGE₂, IL-6 and TNF-α production in LPS-stimulated cells, and suppressed iNOS and COX-2 expression. A mechanism-based study showed that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK and translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit into nuclei were inhibited by the LL extract. Furthermore, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 production in Con A-induced splenocytes was suppressed.

Conclusion

These results indicate that anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts from Lilium lancifolium are due to downregulation of iNOS and COX-2 via suppression of NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation as well as blocking of ERK and JNK signaling in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells.     

The roots of Ilex asprella extract lessens acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice induced by influenza virus

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Chinese medicine, the root of Ilex asprella (Hook. & Arn.) Champ. ex Benth. (IA) has been widely used to treat influenza, lung abscess and other diseases in South China for many years. The present study is aimed at investigating the treatment effect of IA on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by the H1N1 virus in mice.

Materials and methods

After being inoculated with several viral doses of influenza A/FM/1/47 H1N1 virus, mice were given oral administration of IA extract (500 mg/kg or 125 mg/kg per day) for five or 10 consecutive days, respectively. Mice survival rate and clinical condition were observed for 15 days after inoculation. Lung weight, pathological analysis and arterial blood gas analysis were assessed. Lung viral load was quantified by RT-PCR. Moreover, immunological analysis was measured by leukocyte counts and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1 and IL-12p70 in serum of mice.

Results

We found that the extract of Ilex asprella at dosages of 500 mg/kg could effectively diminish mortality rate, and ameliorate lung edema and inflammation. Administration of IA extract significantly depressed the expression of IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1, and significantly increased the expression of IL-10 and IFN-γ in serum. Simultaneously, the extract was also found to reduce the lung viral load and improve pulmonary ventilation.

Conclusion

The present study shows that the extract of IA has the potential to treat ARDS, due to its abilities of attenuation of systemic and pulmonary inflammatory responses and inhibition of viral replication.     

Total flavonoids of Mosla scabra leaves attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via down-regulation of inflammatory signaling in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mosla scabra (Thunb.) C.Y. Wu, belonging to the Labiatae family, is a tomentose and aromatic plant, which is widely used as an antipyretic and antiviral drug for pulmonary diseases and famous for its efficiency in treating colds, fever, pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. To investigate therapeutic effects and possible mechanism of Mosla scabra flavonoids (MF) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were orally administrated with MF once (30 mg/kg or 90 mg/kg) 1 h before LPS challenge. Lung specimens and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were isolated for histopathological examinations and biochemical analyses 6 h after LPS challenge.

Results

Pretreatment with MF could decrease significantly lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio, lower myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and total protein concentrations in the BALF, reduce serum levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in ALI model. Additionally, MF attenuated lung histopathological changes and significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and translocation of NF-κB p65.

Conclusions

These results showed MF significantly attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury and production of inflammatory mediators via inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB activation, indicating it as a potential therapeutic agent for ALI.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM) ethanolic (EtOH) extract on airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma

Aim of the study

We investigated the efficacy of Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM) ethanolic (EtOH) extract in the treatment of bronchial asthma in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic BALB/c mouse model.

Materials and methods

Female BALB/c mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal (i.p.) ovalbumin (OVA) on days 0 and 14, and were next given intranasal OVA on days 28–30. Randomized treatment groups of sensitized mice received VM EtOH extract, dexamethasone, or placebo, orally, from days 28 to 30.

Results

VM EtOH extract significantly inhibited increases in total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and also effectively suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophilia, and mucus hypersecretion, in mice with OVA-induced asthma.

Conclusions

The results suggest that VM EtOH extract and allied extracts could be useful herbal medicines for asthma treatment, and that VM may also be a valuable lead material for anti-asthma drug development.     

Pharmacokinetics of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide after oral administration of Ajuga decumbens Thunb extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ajuga decumbens Thunb is a medicinal plant native to China popularly used to treat chronic pelvic inflammation and hysteromyoma. Its main bioactive components are iridoid glycosides, such as 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide that had presented antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities.

Aim of the study

To establish a sensitive LC–MS/MS method and compare the pharmacokinetics of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide in rats after oral administration of their pure forms and from compounds obtained from Ajuga decumbens extract.

Materials and methods

Rats received orally 15 mg/kg (equivalent of 6 mg/kg 8-O-acetylharpagide and 1.5 mg/kg harpagide), 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg of Ajuga decumbens Thunb extract and were compared to animals that received 12 mg/kg of 8-O-acetylharpagide or 3 mg/kg of harpagide p.o. Concentrations of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide in plasma were determined by LC–MS/MS method at different time points and all pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental analysis.

Results

Results showed that the iridoid glycosides were quickly absorbed by oral route and showed a dose-dependence profile. Pharmacokinetic parameters of both glycosides were essentially the same except Tmax when dosed as the extract or pure forms.

Conclusion

8-O-acetylharpagide was metabolized to harpagide, which affected the pharmacokinetic profiles of harpagide when dosed as the extract. This pharmacokinetic study seems to be useful for a further clinical study of Ajuga decumbens Thunb extract.     

Protective effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica against OVA-induced murine asthma model via upregulation of heme oxygenase-1

Aim of the study

Traditionally, the stem and root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica (Ulmaceae) are Korean herbal medicines used for anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica ethanolic extract (UD) in a murine asthma model. Furthermore, we determined whether heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is required for the protective activity of UD.

Materials and methods

Airways of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice exposed to OVA challenge developed eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion and increased cytokine levels. UD was applied 1 h prior to OVA challenge. Mice were administered UD orally at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg once daily on days 18–23. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected 48 h after the final OVA challenge. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 in BALF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Lung tissue sections 4 μm in thickness were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for assessment of cell infiltration and mucus production with PAS (periodic acid shift reagent) staining, in conjunction with ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses for HO-1 protein expression.

Results and conclusion

Orally administered UD significantly inhibited the number of OVA-induced inflammatory cells and IgE production, along with reduced T-helper (Th)2 cytokine levels, such as IL-4 and IL-5, in BALF and lung tissue. In addition, UD induced a marked decrease in OVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus production in lung tissue. These effects were correlated with HO-1 mRNA and protein induction. Our results indicate that UD protects against OVA-induced airway inflammation, at least in part, via HO-1 upregulation.     

Attenuation of airway hyperreactivity and T helper cell type 2 responses by coumarins from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (PPD) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthma. Its major constituents, coumarins, were presumed to be responsible for its efficacy.

Aim of the study

The potential of coumarins from PPD (CPPD) as anti-asthma agent was investigated.

Materials and methods

Female BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce allergic airway inflammation. CPPD was administered intragastrically before every OVA challenge. Airway reactivity to the intravenous administration of acetylcholine chloride was measured 48 h after final OVA inhalation. Airway inflammation was evaluated by leukocyte counts of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and histopathological analysis of lung lesions. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ in BALF and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E in serum, and activity of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in lung was measured. The percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells among CD4⁺ T cells in spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Compared with model group, CPPD significantly reduced airway hyperreactivity and airway eosinophilic inflammation, improved pathologic lesion of the lungs, reduced levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in BALF and OVA-specific IgE in serum, inhibited the activities of EPO in lung, and up-regulated levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in BALF as well as the percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells in spleen.

Conclusion

CPPD can significantly suppress OVA-induced airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity and Th2 predominant response in mice, showing great therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergic asthma.     

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 Schisandra chinensis Baillon (Schizandraceae) on lipopolysaccharide induced lung inflammation in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Schisandra chinensis Baillon (Sc), an anti-inflammatory herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, is frequently used to treat upper respiratory tract infections.

Aim of the study

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of a water extract of Sc to prevent airway inflammation both in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

Human lung alveolar epithelial-derived A549 cells were stimulated with to interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ (IL-1β, TNF-α, and INF-γ; cytokine mixture; CM) and treated with Sc extracts. They were then evaluated using nitric oxide (NO), IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) secretions. In the in vivo study, BALB/c mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce acute airway inflammation. After this challenge, the mice were treated with Sc extracts (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg) by oral administration, and inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were counted. IL-6 and TNF-α secretions were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung tissues of the LPS treated mice were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for histological examination.

Results

In the A549 cells, Sc extracts dose-dependently and significantly inhibited CM-induced NO production and reduced IL-8 and MCP-1 secretions. Sc extracts efficiently suppressed neutrophil and macrophage infiltrations of lung tissues and increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels in BAL fluid in LPS-instilled BALB/c mice. In addition, Sc extracts treatment inhibited pathologic progress in the lung tissues, as confirmed by H&E staining. These findings indicate that Sc extracts could be potentially useful for the treatment of acute lung inflammation and acute lung injury.     

WIN-34B,a new herbal medicine,inhibits the inflammatory response by inactivating IκB-α phosphorylation and mitogen activated protein kinase pathways in fibroblast-like synoviocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The dried flowers of Lonicera japonica Thunb and dried roots of Anemarrhena asphodeloides BUNGE have been used for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases in traditional Korean medicine.

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of WIN-34B, a new herbal medicine, in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) obtained from patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

Materials and methods

WIN-34B is isolated from the n-butanol fraction of dried flowers of L. japonica and dried roots of A. asphodeloides. The anti-inflammatory effects of WIN-34B on cell viability, the production and release of inflammatory mediators, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), aggrecanases, tissue inhibitor of matrix proteinases (TIMP) is compared with celecoxib in IL-1β-stimulated human OA FLS. Furthermore, the effect of WIN-34B on inhibitory kappa B-α (IκB-α) phosphorylation and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the IL-1β-stimulated OA FLS was also evaluated.

Results

WIN-34B significantly inhibited the IL-1β-induced cell viability in human OA FLS without cytotoxicity. Compared to celecoxib, WIN-34B exhibited similar or better anti-inflammatory effects through significant suppression of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2 and NO), MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13) and aggrecanases (ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5), and enhancement of TIMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-3). Moreover, WIN-34B reduced the phosphorylation of IκB-α, ERK1/2, p38 and JNK1/2 in IL-1β-stimulated OA FLS.

Conclusions

WIN-34B exhibited similar or better anti-inflammatory properties in IL-1β-stimulated OA FLS compared to celecoxib. The anti-inflammatory effects of WIN-34B are due to inhibition of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2 and NO) and regulation of MMPs, ADAMTSs and TIMPs via the inhibition of IκB-α and MAPK phosphorylation in IL-1β-stimulated OA FLS.     

Effects of taraxasterol on ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Taraxasterol was isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Taraxacum officinale which has been frequently used as a remedy for inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we determined the in vivo protective effect of taraxasterol on allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in mice.

Materials and methods

Mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA, and were orally treated daily with taraxasterol at 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg from day 23 to 27 after sensitization. The number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was determined. Th2 cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13 (IL-13) production in BALF and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in sera were measured using ELISA. Histological changes in lung tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS). Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to inhaled methacholine was assessed.

Results

Taraxasterol dramatically decreased the total inflammatory cell and main inflammatory cell counts, reduced the production of Th2 cytokine IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in BALF and OVA-specific IgE in sera, and suppressed AHR in a dose-dependent manner. Histological studies demonstrated that taraxasterol substantially suppressed OVA-induced inflammatory cells infiltration into lung tissues and goblet cell hyperplasia in airways.

Conclusions

This finding suggests that taraxasterol protects against OVA-induced allergic asthma in mice.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the ethanolic extract of Bougainvillea xbuttiana

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Bougainvillea xbuttiana is widely distributed in Mexico and it is used as an analgesic in folk medicine.

Aim of the study

In the present study the in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana ethanolic extract have been studied in mice.

Materials and methods

The phytochemical analysis was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through writhing and formalin test in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined with the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema model. IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were determined by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay, whereas TNF and nitrite levels were detected by standard assay with L929 cells and colorimetric Griess reactive, respectively.

Results

The results showed that the ethanolic extract of the Bougainvillea xbuttiana has significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, by inhibition of nociception induced by acetic acid and paw oedema. This extract also induced a decrease in TNF levels and an increase of IL-6, IFN-γ and NO levels that we observed up to 2 h. The highest levels of IL-10 were observed up to 4 h. The ratios of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in sera from mice injected with the ethanolic extract, may be manifesting an anti-inflammatory status.

Conclusions

The present study provides convincing evidences that Bougainvillea xbuttiana extract possesses significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.     

Augmentation of expression of immunocytes’ functions by seed extract of Ziziphus mauritiana (Lamk.)

Aim of the study

The present study was carried out to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of Ziziphus mauritiana (Lamk.) seed extract to ascertain the folkloric claim as immunomodulator.

Materials and methods

The aqueous-ethanolic seed extract (100–400 mg kg⁻¹) of Z. mauritiana was investigated for immunomodulatory potential in mice. The extract was standardized with HPLC using betulinic acid as a marker. Functions of various immunocytes in the form of humoral (development of anti-SRBC (sheep red blood cells) antibody titers) and cell-mediated immune response (delayed type hypersensitivity, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and bactericidal activity) was studied in SRBC immunized mice. The cytokine, IFN-γ (interferon-gamma) and IL-4 (interleukin-4) secretion was also measured quantitatively by ELISA as the expression of functions of Th-1 and Th-2 respectively. Levamisole (2.5 mg kg⁻¹) was used as standard drug.

Results

The seed extract demonstrated significant (P < 0.05–0.001) up-regulation of cell-mediated, humoral immune response and Th-1 mediated cytokine IFN-γ and decline in Th-2 mediated cytokine IL-4. At higher dose of extract the results were comparable to that of the levamisole.

Conclusion

The immunostimulatory potential of this seed extract is likely to be mediated through its effect on macrophage function and Th-1 mediated immunity confirming the folkloric use of this plant.     

Dual effects of crude extracts obtained from Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) on experimental anxiety in mice

Aim of the study

Different preparations obtained from P. alliacea have been traditionally used in South America and Brazil for many medical conditions.To investigate the effects of fresh whole plant (WP) extract, aerial part (AP) extract, and root (R) extract obtained from Petiveria alliacea using the elevated plus maze (EPM) model of anxiety in mice. Total flavonoid content present in Petiveria alliacea extracts was also determined.

Materials and methods

WP, AP, or R (300–900 mg/kg) extracts were orally administered to mice 30 min before they were subjected to the EPM and open field test. Total flavonoid content present in the extracts was determined by spectrophotometry.

Results

The WP extract (300 and 900 mg/kg) caused anxiolytic-like effects, and the AP extract (300 mg/kg) induced anxiogenic-like effects in mice subjected to the EPM. No effect on anxiety-like behavior was observed with acute administration of the R extract. The content of flavonoids present in the AP extract (1.34%) was almost threefold higher than the flavonoid content present in the WP extract (0.52%).

Conclusions

Preparations using different fresh parts of Petiveria alliacea caused opposite effects on experimental anxiety in mice. However, predicting the extent to which flavonoid content present in Petiveria alliacea extracts differentially induces anxiolysis or anxiogenesis in mice was not possible. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the effects of flavonoids or other substances present in Petiveria alliacea extracts on experimental anxiety.     

Antiplasmodial activity of root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus

Aim of the study

Antiplasmodial activity of root extract and fractions of Croton zambesicus were evaluated to ascertain the folkloric claim of its antimalarial activity and elucidate its antiplasmodial mechanism of action.

Material and method

The crude ethanolic root extract (27–81 mg/kg) and gradient fractions ( n- hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol; 54 mg/kg) of Croton zambesicus were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine - sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as the prophylactic activity were investigated. Chloroquine (5 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Thin films made from tail blood of each mouse were used to assess the level of parasitaemia of the mice. Oxidant generation potentials of the crude extract and fractions was also evaluated to elucidate their mechanism of action.

Results

The crude root extract (27 – 81 mg/kg) demonstrated significant (P < 0.01–0.001) schizonticidal activity during early and established infections and also had prophylactic activity. The activity was comparable to that of the standard drug used (chloroquine 5 mg/kg, pyrimethamine 1.2 mg/kg). Methanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions had comparative in vivo antiplasmodial activity and oxidant generation potentials.

Conclusion

The antiplasmodial activity of this root extract and fractions which is likely to be through peroxidation confirms the folkloric use of this plant.     

In vitro screening on amyloid precursor protein modulation of plants used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for memory improvement

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The 15 herbs for the screening have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine or in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cognitive disorders clinically.

Aim of the study

Fifteen plant species were investigated for the inhibition of amyloid peptide (Aβ) production and modulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.

Materials and methods

The selected plants were extracted successively with 70% ethyl alcohol and absolute alcohol concentrated with rotary evaporation then lyophilized. Using a mouse neuroblastoma cells expressing Swedish APP (N2a-SweAPP), MTT assay was performed to determine the toxicity concentration of each herbal extract. In order to evaluate the activity of ethanol extracts on Aβ inhibition, the N2a-SweAPP cells were treated with a high and low dosage of different extracts for 24 h, Aβs levels in the supernatant of conditioned media were assessed by ELISA. The most active extracts were then subjected to test the effect on APP modulation in N2a-SweAPP cells by determining their effect on sAPPα and sAPPβ through western blot analysis.

Results

Among the screened herbal extracts, only Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (root) and Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. (leaves) showed profound inhibition of Aβ production. MTT assay demonstrated that the anti-Aβ effect of these extracts was not a sequential consequence of their cytotoxicity. The extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (root) could reduce Aβ production only through APP modulation, which was exhibited together with the up-regulation of sAPPα and down-regulation of sAPPβ.

Conclusion

The results show that extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (root) can lower Aβ generation by modulating APP processing in the N2a-SwedAPP cell line. These results corroborate the traditional use of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (root) for the treatment of cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD).     

Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang attenuates allergic airway inflammation and remodeling in repetitive Dermatogoides pteronyssinus challenged chronic asthmatic mice model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang (XQLT) has been used for centuries in Asia to effectively treat patients with bronchial asthma.

Aim of the study

We previously found that single and multiple doses of XQLT administered to sensitized mice before allergen challenge resulted in suppressed airway hyper-responsiveness and airway inflammation. In this study we aimed to investigate whether XQLT has the potential to attenuate the severity of asthma symptoms, and immunomodulatory mechanism of XQLT in a repetitive Dermatogoides pteronyssinus (D. pteronyssinus)-challenged chronic asthmatic mice model.

Materials and methods

BALB/c mice were intratracheally (i.t.) inoculated with five doses of D. pteronyssinus (50 μl, 1 mg/ml) and orally administered of XQLT (1 g/kg) at 1-week intervals. At three days after the last challenge, mice were sacrificed to evaluate airway remodeling, inflammation, lung histological features, and the expression profiles of cytokines and various genes.

Results

XQLT significantly reduced bronchial inflammatory cell infiltration and airway remodeling. It inhibited D. pteronyssinus-induced total IgE and D. pteronyssinus-specific IgG1 in serum, and changed the “T_H2-bios” in BALF by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB. Collagen assay and Histopathology indicated that XQLT reduced airway remodeling in the lung. Simultaneously, the RT-PCR analysis showed that XQLT downregulated IL-10, IL-13, RANTES, Eotaxin, and MCP-1 mRNA expression in the lung. Moreover, EMSA and immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that XQLT inhibited NF-κB expression in the nucleus of bronchial epithelial cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that XQLT exhibits anti-airway inflammatory, anti-airway remodeling, and specific immunoregulatory effects in a chronic asthmatic mice model.     

Inhibitory effects of Duchesnea chrysantha extract on ovalbumin-induced lung inflammation in a mouse model of asthma

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Duchesnea chrysantha (D. chrysantha) is a herb with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties.

Aim of the study

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs, and the hallmarks of the disease are increased inflammatory cell infiltration into the airways and poor respiratory function. Although there is the possibility that D. chrysantha may have an inhibitory effect on lung inflammation, the effects of D. chrysantha on asthma have not been fully investigated. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of D. chrysantha extract (Dc extract) on lung inflammation in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma.

Materials and methods

Dc extract was obtained from dried and powdered whole plants of D. chrysantha using 80% ethanol. BALB/c mice induced by ovalbumin sensitization and nebulization were used as a mouse model of asthma. RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of cytokines. We examined the effects of Dc extract on leukocyte infiltration and mucus secretion using periodic acid-Schiff staining as well as hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

Dc extract significantly inhibited leukocytosis and eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (p < 0.01). Dc extract significantly reduced the elevated infiltration of inflammatory cells (p < 0.05) and inhibited the increased mucus secretion, despite the absence of significant value. Although Dc extract weakly inhibited the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin, it strongly inhibited the protein expression of IL-5 (p < 0.05) and eotaxin (p < 0.01) in BAL fluid. Ovalbumin-specific IgE levels in the serum and BAL fluid were blocked by Dc extract (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest the possibility that Dc extract can exert suppressive effects on asthma and may provide evidence that Dc extract is a useful agent for the treatment of allergic airway disease.