Suppression of inflammation by the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides via regulation of nuclear factor-κB and p38 signal transduction pathways in macrophages

Abstract

Abstract. The rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (A. asphodeloides) has been used as a traditional East Asian medicine for the treatment of various types of inflammatory disease. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no systemic studies regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of the A. asphodeloides rhizome anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanism of action of ethanol extracts of the rhizome of A. asphodeloides (EAA) in murine macrophages. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of EAA (10-100 µg/ml) significantly decreased the production of NO and interleukin (IL)-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, while the production of tumor necrosis factor-α was not regulated by EAA. EAA-mediated reduction of nitric oxide (NO) was due to reduced expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Furthermore, protein expression levels of LPS-induced cyclooxygenase-2, another inflammatory enzyme, were alleviated in the presence of EAA. EAA-mediated reduction of those proinflammatory mediators was due to inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 transcriptional activities followed by the stabilization of inhibitor of κ Bα and inhibition of p38, respectively. These results indicate that EAA suppresses LPS-induced inflammatory responses by negatively regulating p38 and NF-κB, indicating that EAA is a candidate treatment for alleviating inflammation.

Nephroprotective Role of Zhibai Dihuang Wan in Aristolochic Acid-Intoxicated Zebrafish

“…In addition, previous research thought the anti-inflammatory effects of ZDW come from its antioxidant properties of five components: Fu Ling ( Poria cocos ), Zhi Mu ( Rhizoma Anemarrhenae ), Shu Di Huang ( Radix Rehmanniae Preparata ), Shan Zhu Yu ( Fructus Corni ), and Huang Bai ( Cortex Phellodendri ) [ 20 – 24 ]. For example, Fu Ling extract regulates the inflammatory response of macrophages via inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1 β , and TNF- α through inactivation of the NF- κ B signaling pathway [ 24 – 26 ]; the aqueous extract of Zhi Mu and Shan Zhu Yu was reported to exert it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by suppressing COX-2 and iNOS expression through the downregulation of NF-kappaB binding activity [ 27 – 31 ]. In addition, many animal studies reported that Fu Ling possesses protective effects against chemical-induced liver injuries [ 32 , 33 ]; Shan Zhu Yu can be used to treat diabetic or epileptic rats through the regulation of their immune function [ 28 , 34 ].…”

Estrogenic Plants: to Prevent Neurodegeneration and Memory Loss and Other Symptoms in Women After Menopause

“…In Korea, A. asphodeloides B is employed as antipyretic, diuretic, sedative, and antitussive medicine ( Lee et al, 2018 ). The study of ethanol extracts of A. asphodeloides B revealed anti-osteoporotic effects, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and reducing inflammation ( Kim et al, 2017 ). Dichloromethane fractions of A. asphodeloides B showed EA with a RP of 1.9 × 10 –4 (RP of Estradiol (E2) was 1.0) ( Kim et al, 2008 ).…”

Synedrella nodiflora (Linn.) Gaertn. inhibits inflammatory responses through the regulation of Syk in RAW 264.7 macrophages

“…Calculated gene expression was normalized to reference genes, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and β-actin. The sequences of the PCR primers are listed in a previous study (41).…”