The Protective Effect of a Functional Food Consisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Trichosanthes kirilowii, and Angelica gigas or Its Active Component Formononetin against Inflammatory Skin Disorders through Suppression of TSLP via MDM2/HIF1α Signaling Pathways

An herbal mixture (SH003) of Astragalus membranaceus, Trichosanthes kirilowii, and Angelica gigas exhibits therapeutic effects on carcinomas and immunosuppression. However, the role of JRP-SNF102, which is an advanced mixture of SH003, in regulating inflammatory responses is unexplored. We aim to substantiate the therapeutic potential of JRP-SNF102 and its active component, formononetin (FMN), as a functional food that moderates inflammatory responses. The inhibitory effects of JRP-SNF102 or FMN on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels were evaluated in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187-activated human mast cell line-1 (HMC-1) cells and a mouse model of PMA-induced ear edema. The JRP-SNF102 or FMN inhibited the secretion and mRNA expression of TSLP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the activated HMC-1 cells. The expression levels of murine double minute 2 (MDM2), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), and NF-κB were also suppressed by JRP-SNF102 or FMN in the activated HMC-1 cells. The JRP-SNF102 or FMN inhibited TSLP and VEGF levels, attenuating redness and ear thickness in mice with acute ear edema; JRP-SNF102 or FMN reduced the expression levels of MDM2, HIF1α, and NF-κB in the ear tissues. These findings suggest the potential for JRP-SNF102 as a functional food in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders through suppression of TSLP and VEGF.

Development of a nanotechnological hydrogel containing desonide nanocapsules in association with acai oil: design and in vivo evaluation

Nanotechnological products have been used as strategies to optimize the therapy and minimize the side effects of topical corticoids. The objective of this study was to develop hydrogels by the addition of sclerotium gum to the suspensions of desonide-loaded açai oil-based nanocapsules and to study their biological effect using an animal model of acute skin inflammation. The hydrogels presented a pH compatible with topical application (4.4 to 5.0), nanometric mean diameter (131 to 165 nm), pseudoplastic behavior, and stability under room conditions during 30 days. The in vitro skin permeation/penetration study demonstrated that a higher amount of desonide (p < 0.05) was retained in the epidermis from the nanotechnological-hydrogels (0.33 to 0.36 µg.cm²) in comparison to the commercial gel cream (0.16 µg.cm²). In the dermis, the nanostructured hydrogels promoted a lower DES retention compared to the non-nanostructured formulations (p < 0.05). This result may indicate a smaller amount of drug reaching the bloodstream and, thus, fewer side effects can be expected. Concerning the anti-inflammatory effect, the developed hydrogels reduced both ear edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, showing an effect comparable to the commercially available formulation, which presents twice the drug concentration. The hydrogels developed may be considered a promising approach to treat dermatological disorders.

In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Fabaceae species extracts screened by a new ex vivo assay using human whole blood

INTRODUCTION

Plants have been considered a promising source for discovering new compounds with pharmacological activities. The Fabaceae family comprises a large variety of species that produce substances with diverse therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory activity. The limitations of current anti-inflammatories generate the need to research new anti-inflammatory structures with higher efficacy as well as develop methods for screening multiple samples, reliably and ethically, to assess such therapeutic properties.

OBJECTIVE

Validate and apply a quantification method for prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ) production from an ex vivo assay in human blood in order to screen anti-inflammatory activity present in many Fabaceae species extracts.

METHODS

Human blood was incubated with extracts from 47 Fabaceae species. After lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, PGE₂ was quantified in the plasma by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The extracts that presented PGE₂ production inhibition were further assessed through in vivo assay and then chemically characterised through an analysis of ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS² ) data.

RESULTS

The new ex vivo anti-inflammatory assay showed that five out of the 47 Fabaceae species inhibited PGE₂ production. Results from an in vivo assay and the metabolic profile of the active extracts supported the anti-inflammatory potential of four species.

CONCLUSION

The quantification method for PGE₂ demonstrated fast, sensitive, precise, and accurate results. The new ex vivo anti-inflammatory assay comprised a great, reliable, and ethical approach for the screening of a large number of samples before an in vivo bioassay. Additionally, the four active extracts in both ex vivo and in vivo assays may be useful for the development of more efficient anti-inflammatory drugs.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Nanoencapsulated Curcuminoids Extracted from Curcuma longa L. in a Model of Cutaneous Inflammation

The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of nanoencapsulated curcuminoid preparations of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (Nano-cur) and free curcuminoids (Cur) in an experimental model of croton oil-induced cutaneous inflammation. Male Swiss mice, weighing 25-30 g, received oral treatment by gavage 1 h before CO application or topical treatment immediately after CO application (200 μg diluted in 70% acetone) with a single dose of Cur and Nano-cur. After 6 h, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized. The ears were sectioned into disks (6.0 mm diameter) and used to determine edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and oxidative stress. Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) was used to evaluate the percutaneous penetration of Cur and Nano-cur. Topical treatment with both preparations had a similar inhibitory effect on the development of edema, MPO activity, and the oxidative response. The PAS technique showed that the percutaneous permeation of both topically applied preparations was similar. Oral Nano-cur administration exerted a higher anti-inflammatory effect than Cur. Topical Cur and Nano-cur application at the same dose similarly inhibited the inflammatory and oxidative responses. Oral Nano-cur administration inhibited such responses at doses that were eight times lower than Cur, suggesting the better bioavailability of Nano-cur compared with Cur.Graphical abstract.

Bamboo leave extract ameliorated 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced ear inflammation by reducing MAP kinase levels and NF-κB activation in mice model

Sasa coreana Nakai (SCN) is a medicinal plant commonly used against inflammation. However, the underlined mechanisms against skin inflammation is poorly understood. The present study investigated the effects of SCN leave extract on ear inflammation. To this aim, six-week-old male ICR mice was subjected to 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate induce ear edema, which were then topically treated with the leave extract of SCN. Ear thickness, weight, and morphological changes were recorded to ensure the induction of ear edema. Further, histological analysis and protein expression for inflammatory markers were also recorded to validate the study. Topical treatment with SCN repressed TPA-induced ear edema in a dose-dependent manner. Further, SCN treatment significantly antagonized the protein expression of MAP kinase signaling pathway and reduced the effect of TPA-induced NF-κB activation, sequentially, deactivated its transcriptional targets in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, the study suggested that SCN could be a useful therapeutic agent against skin inflammation.

Fish oil preparation inhibits leukocyte recruitment and bands that characterize inflamed tissue in a model of phenol-induced skin inflammation: percutaneous penetration of a topically applied preparation demonstrated by photoacoustic spectroscopy

Fish oil (FO) is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, with well-established beneficial effects in inflammatory diseases when FO is orally administered. This study investigated the effects of a topically applied FO preparation (FOP) on phenol-induced ear edema and evaluated the percutaneous penetration of FOP in ear tissue. After applying phenol, groups of mice received FOP on the ear. After 1 h, ear tissue was collected to determine the percent inhibition of edema, myeloperoxidase activity, and to perform photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). Treatment with FOP did not reduce edema, but reduced myeloperoxidase activity. The FOP decreased the area of bands that characterize inflamed tissue and penetrated into the tissue. These results indicated an inhibitory effect of FOP on leukocyte recruitment in phenol-induced ear edema. These data support the applicability of PAS as a non-destructive method for evaluating the inflammatory response, percutaneous penetration and antiinflammatory activity of compounds.

Design and Synthesis of New Benzophenone Derivatives with In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity through Dual Inhibition of Edema and Neutrophil Recruitment

A series of novel benzophenone derivatives containing a thiazole heterocyclic nucleus were designed by molecular hybridization. Molecular docking studies have demonstrated the inhibitory potential of the designed compounds against cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes. These compounds were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory properties by the croton oil-induced ear edema assay to examine their effect on both prostaglandin (PG) production and neutrophils recruitment. The thiazole derivatives displayed a potent effect in terms of reducing ear edema. The analysis suggested that the presence of 4-phenyl-2-hydrazinothiazole and the absence of C4'-OCH₃ on the benzophenone derivative structure are strongly related to the inhibition of PG production. In addition, the derivatives 2e, 3a and 3c concomitantly inhibit PG production and neutrophil recruitment, which may be a mechanism of action better than of common NSAIDs due to their inability to inhibit the neutrophil recruitment. Thus, these compounds can be considered as potential lead compounds toward the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs with an innovating mechanism of action.

Evidence of Bioactive Compounds from Vernonia polyanthes Leaves with Topical Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Vernonia polyanthes Less. (Asteraceae), popularly known as "assa-peixe", is a plant species used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of cutaneous damage, cicatrization, inflammation, and rheumatism. Based on these ethnopharmacological findings, the current study evaluated the topical anti-inflammatory effects of the hexane (HEVP) and ethyl acetate (EAEVP) extracts from V. polyanthes leaves in experimental models of skin inflammation. Chemical characterization was carried out by HPLC-UV/DAD analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using Croton oil-, arachidonic acid (AA)-, phenol-, ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-, and capsaicin-induced ear edema models in mice. Histopathological evaluation and measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) enzymes were also performed. Rutin, luteolin, and apigenin were identified in EAEVP. Topically applied HEVP and EAEVP significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) reduced edema induced by five different irritants at the doses tested (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ear). Histopathological analysis revealed a reduction of edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vasodilation. In addition, the enzymes activity (MPO and NAG) in the ear tissues was reduced by the topical treatment of HEVP and EAEVP (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). The results suggest that V. polyanthes leaves are effective against cutaneous damage, which support its traditional use and open up new possibilities for the treatment of skin disorders.

IN VIVO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF TARAXASTEROL AGAINST ANIMAL MODELS

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine Taraxacum officinale has been widely used to treat various inflammatory diseases. Taraxasterol is one of the main active components isolated from Taraxacum officinale. Recently, we have demonstrated that taraxasterol has the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to determine the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of taraxasterol against animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in four animal models by using dimethylbenzene-induced mouse ear edema, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeability and cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma tests.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that taraxasterol dose-dependently attenuated dimethylbenzene-induced mouse ear edema and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, decreased acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeability and inhibited cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma formation.

CONCLUSION

Our finding indicates that taraxasterol has obvious in vivo anti-inflammatory effects against animal models. It will provide experimental evidences for the traditional use of Taraxacum officinale and taraxasterol in inflammatory diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effect of a resveratrol derivative 3,4,5-trimethoxy-4',5'-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (WL-09-5) via ROS-mediated NF-κB pathway

Inflammation derived from macrophages activation leads to various diseases. Synthetic modifications of resveratrol have been shown to have better anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, croton oil-induced mouse ear edema and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of WL-09-5, a derivative of resveratrol. Furthermore, the activation of NF-κB was determined. Results showed that WL-09-5 significantly reduced the croton oil-induced ear edema, scavenged NO and ROS production, and reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, WL-09-5 may significantly inhibit the translocation of NF-κB in macrophage cells stimulated by LPS in a dose-dependent manner, which is a potent mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, WL-09-5 is an underlying candidate for inflammatory diseases that need further investigations.

Inhibitory Effects of 4'-Demethylnobiletin, a Metabolite of Nobiletin, on 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-Induced Inflammation in Mouse Ears

Nobiletin (NOB) is major citrus flavonoid with many health-promoting benefits. We reported previously that 4'-demethylnobiletin (4DN), a major metabolite of NOB, significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. In this study, we further studied the anti-inflammatory effects of 4DN in TPA-induced skin inflammation in mice. We demonstrated that topical application of 4DN decreased TPA-induced ear edema by >88 ± 4.77% in mice. This inhibitory effect was associated with inhibition on TPA-induced up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Immunoblotting results showed that 4DN resulted in profound effects on multiple proteins related with inflammation and carcinogenesis. 4DN significantly decreased the expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9, suppressed phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and ERK, and increased the levels of HO-1 and NQO1 in TPA-treated mice. Overall, the results demonstrated that 4DN had strong anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, which provided a scientific basis for using NOB to inhibit inflammation-driven diseases.

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of a monofloral honey of Mimosa scabrella provided by Melipona marginata during winter in southern Brazil

Melipona marginata is an endangered species of stingless bee from Brazil that produces honey with particular physicochemical features and a remarkable exotic flavor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report devoted to exploring the medicinal potential of this honey. Thus, the aim of this paper was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory activity of honey extract from M. marginata on skin inflammation. The honey sample was classified as a monofloral honey of Mimosa scabrella. The presence of 11 phenolic compounds as kaempferol and caffeic acid was detected using the high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-UV-ESI-MS) method. The anti-inflammatory activity was measured using a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear edema model of inflammation in mice. The topical application of the M. marginata honey extract (1.0 mg/ear) was able to reduce ear edema with an inhibitory effect of 54 ± 5%. This extract decreased the myeloperoxidase activity in 75 ± 3%, which suggests a lower leucocyte infiltration that was confirmed by histological analysis. This extract also provided a reduction of 55 ± 14% in the production of reactive oxygen species. This anti-inflammatory activity could be due to a synergic effect of the phenolic compounds identified in the honey sample. Taken together, these results open up new possibilities for the use of M. marginata honey extract in skin disorders.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Heliotropium strigosum in animal models

The current project was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of crude extract of Heliotropium strigosum and its subsequent solvent fractions in post carrageenan-induced edema and post xylene-induced ear edema at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The results revealed marked attenuation of edema induced by carrageenan injection in a dose-dependent manner. The ethyl acetate fraction was most dominant with 73.33% inhibition followed by hexane fraction (70.66%). When the extracts were challenged against xylene-induced ear edema, again ethyl acetate and hexane fractions were most impressive with 38.21 and 35.77% inhibition, respectively. It is concluded that various extracts of H. strigosum possessed strong anti-inflammatory activity in animal models.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Houttuynia cordata injection

Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae) injection (HCI) is a traditional Chinese medicine used in China. It was chosen as one of eight types of traditional Chinese medicine that play a unique role in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) owing to the effect of curbing inflammation. In order to validate this plausible anti-inflammatory property, the chemical composition of HCI has been analysed by GC/MS, 22 components were identified, and the inflammation induced by carrageenan in the rat pleurisy model and by xylene in the mice ear edema model was adopted to study the anti-inflammatory activity of HCI. Injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity elicited an acute inflammatory response characterized by protein rich fluid accumulation and leukocyte infiltration in the pleural cavity. The peak inflammatory response was obtained at 24 h when the fluid volume, protein concentration, C-reactive protein and cell infiltration were maximums. The results showed that these parameters were attenuated by HCI at any dose and touched bottom at dose of 0.54 ml/100 g, although less strong than dexamethasone. This drug was also effective in inhibiting xylene induced ear edema, and the percentage of inhibition came to 50% at dose of 80 microl/20 g. The results clearly indicate that HCI have anti-inflammatory activity.