scholarly journals An Exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants with Anti-Inflammatory Activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Fan ◽  
Hui-zi Jin ◽  
Lehao Wu ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Richard D. Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Cytotoxic Activities ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Ear Edema ◽  
Proinflammatory Mediators ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

In a continuing effort to discover more anti-inflammatory medicinal plants in China, the anti-inflammatory activities of 101 extracts from different parts of 84 traditional medicinal plants were evaluated by a panel of in vitro and in vivo assays. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitory effects were determined by luciferase assay in stably transfected Hela cells. Cytotoxic activities were assessed using the MTT assay. Inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production and proinflammatory mediators were assessed by Griess reaction and Real-Time PCR analysis, respectively. In vivo anti-inflammatory activities were examined by xylene-induced mice ear edema model. In total, 22 extracts showed promising NF-κB inhibitory effects whereas 9 of them did not affect the cell viability. The 9 hit extracts were active in at least one of the subsequently performed in vitro pharmacological test systems. The extract from Hemerocallis minor (root) was selected to perform the in vivo study because it demonstrated significant suppressive effects in all the in vitro assays. Results showed that the extract of Hemerocallis minor (Root) was able to alleviate ear edema effectively in xylene-induced mice ear edema mode. Collectively, our study provides evidence for the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the medicinal plants traditionally used in China. Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies remain to be clarified.

scholarly journals Downregulation of TNF-α/TNF-R1 Signals by AT-Lipoxin A4 May Be a Significant Mechanism of Attenuation in SAP-Associated Lung Injury

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhui Yu ◽  
Jianming Xie ◽  
Yukai Xiang ◽  
Shengjie Dai ◽  
Dinglai Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Injury ◽  
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor ◽  
Microvascular Endothelial Cell ◽  
Death Domain ◽  
Lipoxin A4 ◽  
Proinflammatory Mediators ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Significant Mechanism

Our previous studies verified the potent anti-inflammatory effects against severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) of AT-Lipoxin A4 and their analogues. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of AT-Lipoxin A4 on SAP-associated lung injury are not thoroughly known. We used western blot, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunofluorescence to investigate the downregulation of TNF-α signals in cellular and animal models of SAP-associated lung injury following AT-Lipoxin A4 intervention. In vitro, we found that AT-Lipoxin A4 markedly suppressed protein expression in TNF-α signals in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell, such as tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), TNF-R1-associated death domain (TRADD), receptor-interacting protein (RIP), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. Moreover, AT-Lipoxin A4 inhibited downstream signals activated by TNF-α, including NF-κB/p65, JNK/MAPK, and ERK/MAPK. In vivo, AT-Lipoxin A4 significantly decreased pathological scores of the pancreas and lungs and the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. Immunofluorescence, western blotting, and real-time PCR assay showed that AT-Lipoxin A4 significantly attenuated the expression of TNF-R1, TRADD, TRAF2, and RIP in the lungs of SAP rats. In addition, the activation of NF-κB was also downregulated by AT-Lipoxin A4 administration as compared with SAP rats. AT-Lipoxin A4 could inhibit the production of proinflammatory mediators and activation of TNF-α downstream signals such as NF-κB and MAPK. Downregulation of TNF-α signals by AT-Lipoxin A4 may be a significant mechanism in the attenuation of SAP-associated lung injury.

scholarly journals Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Malaria in Embu County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Bibianne Waiganjo ◽  
Gervason Moriasi ◽  
Jared Onyancha ◽  
Nelson Elias ◽  
Francis Muregi
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Stem Bark ◽  
Antiplasmodial Activity ◽  
Chloroquine Resistance ◽  
Cytotoxic Activities ◽  
Aqueous Extracts ◽  
Methanolic Extracts

Malaria is a deadly disease caused by a protozoan parasite whose mode of transmission is through a female Anopheles mosquito. It affects persons of all ages; however, pregnant mothers, young children, and the elderly suffer the most due to their dwindled immune state. The currently prescribed antimalarial drugs have been associated with adverse side effects ranging from intolerance to toxicity. Furthermore, the costs associated with conventional approach of managing malaria are arguably high especially for persons living in low-income countries, hence the need for alternative and complementary approaches. Medicinal plants offer a viable alternative because of their few associated side effects, are arguably cheaper, and are easily accessible. Based on the fact that studies involving antimalarial medicinal plants as potential sources of efficacious and cost-effective pharmacotherapies are far between, this research was designed to investigate antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of organic and aqueous extracts of selected plants used by Embu traditional medicine practitioners to treat malaria. The studied plants included Erythrina abyssinica (stem bark), Schkuhria pinnata (whole plant), Sterculia africana (stem bark), Terminalia brownii (leaves), Zanthoxylum chalybeum (leaves), Leonotis mollissima (leaves), Carissa edulis (leaves), Tithonia diversifolia (leaves and flowers), and Senna didymobotrya (leaves and pods). In vitro antiplasmodial activity studies of organic and water extracts were carried out against chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistance (W2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. In vivo antiplasmodial studies were done by Peter’s four-day suppression test to test for their in vivo antimalarial activity against P. berghei. Finally, cytotoxic effects and safety of the studied plant extracts were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) rapid calorimetric assay technique. The water and methanolic extracts of T. brownii and S. africana and dichloromethane extracts of E. abyssinica, S. pinnata, and T. diversifolia leaves revealed high in vitro antiplasmodial activities (IC50≤10 μg/ml). Further, moderate in vivo antimalarial activities were observed for water and methanolic extracts of L. mollissima and S. africana and for dichloromethane extracts of E. abyssinica and T. diversifolia leaves. In this study, aqueous extracts of T. brownii and S. africana demonstrated high antiplasmodial activity and high selectivity indices values (SI≥10) and were found to be safe. It was concluded that T. brownii and S. africana aqueous extracts were potent antiplasmodial agents. Further focused studies geared towards isolation of active constituents and determination of in vivo toxicities to ascertain their safety are warranted.

scholarly journals (E)-2-Cyano-3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-Phenylacrylamide, a Hybrid Compound Derived from Indomethacin and Paracetamol: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Potential

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2591
Author(s):  
Pablo Silva ◽  
Maria de Almeida ◽  
Jamire Silva ◽  
Sonaly Albino ◽  
Renan Espírito-Santo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condensation Reaction ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Paw Edema ◽  
Substituted Anilines ◽  
Hybrid Compound ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The compound (E)-2-cyano-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide (ICMD-01) was designed and developed based on the structures of clinically relevant drugs indomethacin and paracetamol through the molecular hybridization strategy. This derivative was obtained by an amidation reaction between substituted anilines and ethyl 2-cyanoacetate followed by a Knoevenagel-type condensation reaction with indole aldehyde that resulted in both a viable synthesis and satisfactory yield. In order to assess the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro assays were performed in J774 macrophages, and significant inhibitions (p < 0.05) of the production of nitrite and the production of cytokines (IL-1β and TNFα) in noncytotoxic concentrations were observed. The anti-inflammatory effect was also studied via CFA-induced paw edema in vivo tests and zymosan-induced peritonitis. In the paw edema assay, ICMD01 (50 mg kg−1) showed satisfactory activity, as did the group treated with dexamethasone, reducing edema in 2–6 h. In addition, there was no significant inhibition of PGE2, IL-1β or TNFα in vivo. Moreover, in the peritonitis assay that assesses leukocyte migration, ICMD-01 exhibited promising results. Therefore, these preliminary studies demonstrate this compound to be a strong candidate for an anti-inflammatory drug together with an improved gastrointestinal safety profile when compared to the conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.

scholarly journals Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activity of Pollen Extract Collected by Stingless Bee Melipona fasciculata

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 4512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes ◽  
Cleydlenne Costa Vasconcelos ◽  
Francisco Assis Nascimento Pereira ◽  
Rosa Helena Moraes Silva ◽  
Pedro Felipe dos Santos Queiroz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Stingless Bee ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Pollen Extract ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Analgesic Activities

The stingless bee, Melipona fasciculata Smith (Apidae, Meliponini), is a native species from Brazil. Their products have high biotechnological potential, however there are no studies about the biological activities of pollen collected by M. fasciculata. In this context, the present study investigated the chemical composition, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of hydroethanolic pollen extracts collected by M. fasciculata in three cities in Maranhão State, Brazil. We verified the antioxidant activity of the extracts and inhibitory activity against the cyclooxygenase enzyme using in vitro assays and in allowed to select the extract with higher efficiency to be used on in vivo assays. In these trials, the selected extract showed high anti-inflammatory activity as well as nociceptive effects at central and peripheral level, suggesting that this extract acts on inhibition of histamine release and decreased synthesis of prostaglandins and the in-silico study suggested that polyphenols and acids fatty acids in the extract may be associated with these activities. The results of the present study report the high biological potential of pollen extract and we conclude that the pollen collected by M. fasciculata can be considered as the object of research for new pharmacological alternatives.

scholarly journals Immune Homeostatic Macrophages Programmed by the Bacterial Surface Protein NhhA Potentiate Nasopharyngeal Carriage ofNeisseria meningitidis

mBio ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Mikael Sjölinder ◽  
Yumin Gao ◽  
Yi Wan ◽  
Hong Sjölinder
Keyword(s):  
Neisseria Meningitidis ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Meningococcal Infection ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Bacterial Surface ◽  
Proinflammatory Mediators ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Mucosa

ABSTRACTNeisseria meningitidiscolonizes the nasopharyngeal mucosa of healthy populations asymptomatically, although the bacterial surface is rich in motifs that activate the host innate immunity. What determines the tolerant host response to this bacterium in asymptomatic carriers is poorly understood. We demonstrated that the conserved meningococcal surface protein NhhA orchestrates monocyte (Mo) differentiation specifically into macrophage-like cells with a CD200Rhiphenotype (NhhA-Mφ). In response to meningococcal stimulation, NhhA-Mφ failed to produce proinflammatory mediators. Instead, they upregulated interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Th2/regulatory T cell (Treg)-attracting chemokines, such as CCL17, CCL18, and CCL22. Moreover, NhhA-Mφ were highly efficient in eliminating bacteria. Thein vivovalidity of these findings was corroborated using a murine model challenged withN. meningitidissystematically or intranasally. The NhhA-modulated immune response protected mice from septic shock; Mo/Mφ depletion abolished this protective effect. Intranasal administration of NhhA induced an anti-inflammatory response, which was associated withN. meningitidispersistence at the nasopharynx.In vitrostudies demonstrated that NhhA-triggered Mo differentiation occurred upon engaged Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1)/TLR2 signaling and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) activation and required endogenously produced IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Our findings reveal a strategy that might be adopted byN. meningitidisto maintain asymptomatic nasopharyngeal colonization.IMPORTANCENeisseria meningitidisis an opportunistic human-specific pathogen that colonizes the nasopharyngeal mucosa asymptomatically in approximately 10% of individuals. Very little is known about how this bacterium evades immune activation during the carriage stage. Here, we observed thatN. meningitidis, via the conserved surface protein NhhA, skewed monocyte differentiation into macrophages with a CD200Rhiphenotype. Bothin vivoandin vitrodata demonstrated that these macrophages, upon meningococcal infection, played an important role in forming a homeostatic immune microenvironment through their capacity to eliminate invading bacteria and to generate anti-inflammatory mediators. This work provides novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the commensal persistence ofN. meningitidis.

Appraisal of Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Folkloric Medicinal Plant Peganum Harmala

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Furqan Akhtar ◽  
Syed Ahmad Raza ◽  
Ammara Saleem ◽  
Irfan Hamid ◽  
Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf Baig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Extract ◽  
Protein Denaturation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Peganum Harmala ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Dpph Scavenging

Background: Peganum harmala is traditionally used to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions. However, its use against RA has not been scientifically evaluated. The current study was designed to assess the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of P. harmala leaves by in vitro and in vivo methods. Methods: The in vitro assays were carried out to determine the effect of plant extract on inhibition of egg albumin denaturation and human red blood cell membrane (HRBC) stabilization. Moreover, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity was performed to determine the antioxidant potential. In vivo anti-arthritic activity was performed by determining the curative effect against Complete Freund’s adjuvant (0.1 ml). The plant extract was administered to rats orally at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day for 21 days. Results: The values of IC50 of plant extract in protein denaturation, stabilization of HRBC and DPPH assays were 77.54 mg/ml, 23.90 mg/ml and 58.09 µg/ml respectively. Moreover, the plant extract significantly attenuated the poly-arthritis and weight loss, anemia and paw edema. The plant extract restored the level of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in poly-arthritic rats. Moreover, the plant extract restored the immune organs weight in treated rats. Treatment with P. harmala also significantly subdued the oxidative stress by reinstating superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase and malondialdehyde in poly-arthritic rats. The plant extract notably restored the prostaglandin-E2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the serum of poly-arthritic rats. Conclusion: It was concluded that P. harmala extract had potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activities which primarily might be attributed to alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols.

Maydis Stigma Elicits Analgesia and Blocks Edema in Mice and Inhibits Inflammation in Macrophages

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (07) ◽  
pp. 1477-1496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Hee Jeong ◽  
You-Chang Oh ◽  
Won-Kyung Cho ◽  
Hye Jin Yang ◽  
Jin Yeul Ma
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Ear Edema ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Maydis Stigma (MS) is an herb traditionally used in many parts of the world. Previous studies have reported that MS plays a role in several biological activities, including antidiabetic and anticancer activities. However, the effects of a MS ethanolic extract (MSE) on the anti-inflammatory cellular mechanism remain unclear. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of MSE and its molecular mechanism both in vitro and in vivo. The effects of MSE on the production of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and related proteins and the identification of target genes were determined using LPS-stimulated macrophages. We also determined the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of MSE by examining acetic acid-induced writhing responses and xylene-induced ear edema in mice. Our results indicated that MSE markedly decreased iNOS and COX-2 levels without causing cytotoxicity and suppressed the secretion of NO in LPS-stimulated macrophages. MSE also inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-6, and IL-1[Formula: see text], and induced the expression of HO-1. Moreover, MSE treatment significantly reduced the LPS-stimulated activation of MAPK, NF-[Formula: see text]B, and AP-1. Furthermore, MSE exerted an analgesic effect on the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing response test and an anti-inflammatory effect on xylene-induced ear edema in ICR mice. Finally, we investigated the components of MSE using UPLC-ESI-MS and found that it contains the maysin as a marker component. Overall, these observations demonstrate that MSE has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects both in vitro and in vivo, which may provide new scientific evidence for its use as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammation.

scholarly journals Hepatoprotective Effects of Garlic Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Liver Injury via Modulation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Hepatocyte Architecture

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 6200
Author(s):  
Saleh A. Almatroodi ◽  
Shehwaz Anwar ◽  
Ahmad Almatroudi ◽  
Amjad Ali Khan ◽  
Faris Alrumaihi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Marker ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Garlic Extract ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 ◽  
In Vitro Investigation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The current study aims to explore the hepatoprotective mechanisms of garlic extract through in vivo and in vitro assays. The in vitro investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential showed maximum 67.5% of free radical scavenging and 71.36% albumin denaturation inhibition by 600 μg/mL garlic extract. To explore the hepatoprotective activity by in vivo experiments, the animals were orally intoxicated with 150 μL of CCl4 (1:1 v/v in olive oil) and treated with garlic extract (75 mg/kg b.w.) 3 times/week, for eight successive weeks. The administration of garlic extract significantly ameliorated CCl4 induced increment in amounts of serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Aspartate transaminaseas (106.7, 116.3, 136.4 U/L) as compared to disease control which showed increased level (140.5, 156.2, 187.6 U/L). Besides, significant reduction of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidases (GPx), and Glutathione (GSH) (29.3, 48.4, and 25.9 U/mg protein) was noticed in CCl4 induced animals, respectively. Likewise, garlic extract treatment facilitated a significant increment in all tested antioxidant enzymes levels (41.6, 63.3, and 32.5 U/mg protein), respectively. Additionally, Tumor necrosis factor⍺ (TNF-⍺), C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1) level (63.79, 580.2, 18.3, 63.74 and 148.4 pg/mL) were increased significantly in CCl4-induced group, while garlic extract treatment decreased these pro inflammatory marker levels (40.24, 460.4, 15.4, 45.14, and 125.3 pg/mL). The animals exposed to CCl4 showed various types of alterations like lymphocytes infiltration, edema and congestion, while the animals treated with garlic extract plus CCl4 showed amelioration of the hepatocytes architectures. Thus, our finding advocates that the consumption of garlic can be a potential therapeutic remedy in the inhibition of liver ailments.

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