Molecular Mechanism Underlying Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Allergic Activities of Phytochemicals: An Update

Abstract

The resort worldwide to edible medicinal plants for medical care has increased significantly during the last few years. Currently, there is a renewed interest in the search for new phytochemicals that could be developed as useful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents to reduce the risk of many diseases. The activation of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) has now been linked to a variety of inflammatory diseases, while data from numerous studies underline the importance of phytochemicals in inhibiting the pathway that activates this transcription factor. Moreover, the incidence of type I allergic disorders has been increasing worldwide, particularly, the hypersensitivity to food. Thus, a good number of plant products with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity have been documented, but very few of these compounds have reached clinical use and there is scant scientific evidence that could explain their mode of action. Therefore, this paper intends to review the most salient recent reports on the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of phytochemicals and the molecular mechanisms underlying these properties.

In vitro study of Myristica fragrans seed (Nutmeg) ethanolic extract and quercetin compound as anti-inflammatory agent

“…47 Recent research also confirmed that quercetin as one of active compound from M. fragrans can inhibit various cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. 15,16,31,48,49 NO plays a significant role in host immune defense, vascular regulation, neurotransmission, and other system in normal condition. Overproduction of inducible NO Synthase (iNOS) is especially related to various human diseases including inflammation.…”

Morusin induces apoptosis by regulating expression of Bax and Survivin in human breast cancer cells

“…Morusin which has been isolated from the root bark of Morus alba L. (Moraceae), known and read as SangBekPi in Republic of Korea, possesses various biological activities including antimicrobial, scavenging against superoxide anion radical and anti-inflammatory activities (1)(2)(3). Previous studies have indicated that morusin suppresses cancer cell growth, and induces cell death in cervical cancer, hepatoma, glioma and prostate cancer (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9).…”

Anti-inflammatory Activities and Gastric Ulcer-inducing Properties of Tetraacetylquercetin and Tetrapivaloylquercetin

“…This yielded 1.55 g (65.9 %) of white crystal with a melting point of 69.0-69.5°C. Analysis with 1 3,3',4',7-tetrapivaloylquercetin (3) was analogously synthesized according to the procedure reported by Mattarei, et al [10]. Pivaloyl chloride (12.06 ml, 0.1 mol) was added dropwise and under continuous stirring to a mixture of quercetin (1.55 g, 5 mmol) and anhydrous pyridine (4.25 ml, 50 mmol) that was previously cooled in a dry ice bath.…”

“…When intraperitoneally administered, quercetin decreases the production of edema in the acute phase after carrageenan injection, but has no significant action on the chronic phase [3,4]. Quercetin has also been reported to promote antioxidant enzyme activity, prevent free radical attacks as well as enhance endogenous antioxidant molecules [1]. In addition, quercetin possesses gastric protective and gastric ulcer healing-promoting action [5], so quercetin was chosen as lead compound for the development of anti-inflammatory agents with low-risk of gastrointestinal toxicity.…”

“…Quercetin acts as antiinflammatory agent via several target pathways, i.e. modulation of cellular activities of inflammation-related cells, modulation of arachidonic acid-related enzymes, modulation of the production of other proinflammatory molecules, as well as modulation of proinflammatory gene expression [1]. Quercetin inhibits carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats and suppresses the contents of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the mRNA for cyclooxygenase [2].…”