Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bangpungtongsung-San, a Traditional Herbal Prescription

Abstract

Bangpungtongsung-san (BPTS), a traditional oriental herbal prescription, is widely used for expelling wind, draining heat, and providing general improvement to the immune system. In this study, we investigated the effects of BPTS on induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), proinflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS- ) stimulated Raw 264.7 cells, and on paw edema in rats. At concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/mL, treatment with BPTS inhibited levels of expression of LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38) as well as production of proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by LPS. These results suggest that BPTS may exert anti-inflammatory effects via reduction of proinflammatory mediators, including NO, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6 through suppression of the signaling pathways of NF-κB and MAPKs in LPS-induced macrophages. In addition, using the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, an antiedema effect of BPTS was observed in rats. These findings may provide scientific evidence validating the use of BPTS in treatment of patients with heat syndrome in Korean oriental medicine.

Triptolide Attenuates Inflammatory Response in Membranous Glomerulo-Nephritis Rat via Downregulation of NF-κB Signaling Pathway

“…The free NF-κB is then translocated into the nucleus and works as transcription factor. In the nucleus, NF-κB dimers activated the transcription of inflammatory related genes by combining with target DNA elements [36,37]. During inflammation, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2 and iNOS were regulated by activated NF-κB [38].…”

Gelam Honey Attenuates Carrageenan-Induced Rat Paw Inflammation via NF-κB Pathway

“…The free NF-κB is translocated into the nucleus and acts as transcription factor. In the nucleus, NF-κB dimers combine with target DNA elements to activate transcription of genes encoding for proteins involved in inflammation [48], [49]. In inflammation, activated NF-κB regulates transcription of IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-α [50].…”

Inhibitory Effects of Traditional Herbal Formula Pyungwi-San on Inflammatory ResponseIn VitroandIn Vivo

“…These findings suggest that treatment with PWS may inhibit NF- κ B activation via suppression of degradation of I- κ B α and nuclear translocation of NF- κ B in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. In addition, involvement of NF- κ B in regulation of COX-2 and iNOS expression has been reported [13], and NF- κ B has also been reported as a master regulator of LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines [39]. Overall, the results also indicate that the inhibitory properties of PWS against NF- κ B activation show correlation with inhibition of induction of COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, and TNF- α .…”

“…MAPKs play important roles in regulation of the inflammatory response by mediators. The signaling pathways of MAPKs can lead to activation of NF- κ B and induce expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including interleukins, TNF- α , COX-2, and iNOS [11–13]. IL-6 is a pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesized primarily by macrophages and plays a role in the acute phase response [14].…”