Combination of Pelargonium sidoides and Coptis chinensis root inhibits nuclear factor kappa B-mediated inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

BackgroundPelargonium sidoides (PS) and Coptis chinensis root (CR) have traditionally been used to treat various diseases, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, dysmenorrhea, and hepatic disorders. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of PS and CR in vitro and in vivo.MethodsThe in vitro effects of PS + CR on the induction of inflammation-related proteins were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured using the Griess reagent and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, respectively. The expression of inflammation-related proteins was confirmed by Western blot. Additionally, the effects of PS + CR on paw edema volume, skin thickness, and numbers of infiltrated inflammatory cells, mast cells, COX-2-, iNOS-, and TNF-α-immunoreactive cells in dorsum and ventrum pedis skin were evaluated in a rat model of carrageenan (CA)-induced paw edema.ResultsPS + CR significantly reduced production of NO, PGE2 and three pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) and also decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Treatment with PS + CR significantly reduced the protein expression levels of LPS-stimulated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κB (p-I-κBα). Additionally, PS + CR significantly inhibited the increases in paw swelling, skin thickness, infiltrated inflammatory cells, mast cell degranulation, COX-2-, iNOS-, and TNF-α-immunoreactive cells in the rat model of CA-induced acute edematous paw.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that PS + CR exhibits anti-inflammatory properties through decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), suppressing NF-κB signaling in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, the results of the CA-induced rat paw edema assay revealed an anti-edema effect of PS + CR. Furthermore, it is suggested that PS + CR also inhibits acute edematous inflammation by suppressing mast cell degranulation and inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-α). Thus, PS + CR may be a potential candidate for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, and it may also contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory response regulation.

Effects of Pelargonium sidoides and Coptis Rhizoma 2 : 1 Mixed Formula (PS + CR) on Ovalbumin‐Induced Asthma in Mice

“…Recent studies have shown that these herbs have antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory pharmacological activities [17,18]. In addition, we previously reported that PS + CR had potent anti-inflammatory activities, in vitro and in vivo [19].…”

“…PS and CR were prepared and supplied by Korea United Pharm. Inc. (Seoul, Korea) [19]. In this study, CMC stock solution was dissolved in distilled water at a concentration of 5 mg/ml and autoclaved at 121°C for 20 min using a general and commercial autoclave (DAC-40, Woori Science, Seoul, Korea).…”

“…PS + CR was orally administered in a volume of 10 ml/kg (as equivalent to 300 and 1,000 mg/kg in PS + CR) once a day for 16 days, using a zonde attached to a 1 ml syringe. e dosage of PS + CR was selected based on our previous in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy test [19]. DEXA was prepared by dissolving in saline as a 0.3 mg/ml concentration and used as a reference drug.…”

Physicochemical properties and in vitro stability studies of green synthesized gold nanoparticles using pelargonium sidoides

“…The higher the negative value of ZP, the better the stability. Accordingly, highly stable particles have fewer chances of aggregation and this is a crucial requirement for the particles to maintain their properties [14]. This will then qualify them for biomedical applications.…”

“…On the other hand, Pelargonium sidoides (PS) is an important medicinal plant that is native to Southern Africa. Among other parts of PS, the roots have been extensively used in the treatment of ailments such as common cold and cough, dysmenorrhea, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, hepatic disorders and diarrhea [14]. These claims were validated by modern research results whereby the roots of PS showed potent antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial [15], antioxidant [16], and antimicrobial [17] properties.…”