Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.5
2.7
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants
share announcement

Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 13078

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Wonnam Kim

E-Mail Website
Chief Guest Editor
Cnh Center for Cancer Research, Seoul 06154, Korea
Interests: cancer; tumor microenvironment; inflammation; fibrosis; network pharmacology; herbal medicine; natural product
Prof. Dr. Hyo-Jin An

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Sangji University, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26339, Korea
Interests: benign prostatic hyperplasia; inflammation; allergy; atopic dermatitis; obesity; pharmacology; herbal medicine; natural product

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation plays a pathological role in diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and bowel diseases. Understanding the molecular basis of inflammation not only revealed the mediators and involved pathways but also influenced drug discovery and clinical outcome. From prehistoric to modern times, plants have provided medical advances. Herbal medicine is a valuable repository for potent anti-inflammatory agents with minimal side effects. Plants and their derivatives have more diverse and complex bioactivity than synthetic compounds. Plants are a mixture of constituents that simultaneously target the binding sites of different tissues and compartments. Studies have discovered strategies to synergize multi-target effects of plants with conventional drugs and provide advantages for pharmaceutical purposes. Recent omics and the network pharmacology approach have helped to expand the understanding of plants and their systemic effects. Advances in drug delivery systems have also aided plant-based natural products to improve efficacy, stability, bioavailabilty, biodistribution, and reduce toxicity.

This Special Issue will focus on multi-target and/or synergistic mechanism of plants as inflammatory inhibitors. Integrated computational studies of plants are limited to papers that confirm with in vitro or in vivo data. Papers that cover traditional processing (Paozhi) to modern microbial biotransformation of plants tested in inflammatory models are also welcome.

We invite authors to submit original research articles, reviews, and short communications discussing the advances in anti-inflammatory plants.

Dr. Wonnam Kim
Prof. Dr. Hyo-Jin An
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Medicinal plants;
  • Herbal medicine;
  • Natural products;
  • Inflammation;
  • Rheumatoid arthritis;
  • Diabetes;
  • Cancer;
  • Neurodegenerative diseases;
  • Cardiovascular diseases;
  • Bowel disorder;
  • Metabolic disease;
  • Atopic dermatitis.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

15 pages, 3730 KiB  
Article
Anti-Allergic Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng Marc on 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-like Mice Model
by Yeun Soo Jung, Jae Young Choi, Young-Sam Kwon, Gyu-Ryeul Park, VinayKumar Dachuri, Young Woo Kim, Sae-Kwang Ku and Chang-Hyun Song
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12073278 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2056
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and allergic skin disease; however, there is no cure for the disease. Red ginseng is well known to have anti-AD potential, while red ginseng marc (RGM) remaining after ginseng extraction is regarded as useless and discarded. However, [...] Read more.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and allergic skin disease; however, there is no cure for the disease. Red ginseng is well known to have anti-AD potential, while red ginseng marc (RGM) remaining after ginseng extraction is regarded as useless and discarded. However, it has recently been reported that RGM, particularly fermented RGM (fRGM), still contains bioactive properties. Thus, the anti-allergic effects of fRGM were examined in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like mice model. The model was topically treated with distilled water (control), dexamethasone, or fRGM for six weeks. Treatments of fRGM alleviated skin lesions and reduced serum IgE levels, compared with the control. The fRGM also reduced skin levels of lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion; however, it increased glutathione contents, with downregulated gene expression for inflammatory mediators. Histopathological analyses demonstrated that fRGM suppressed epidermal thickening, collagen deposition, and inflammatory cell and mast cell infiltration, which involved anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Further, fRGM suppressed hypertrophic changes and inflammatory responses in the spleen and lymph nodes. The beneficial effects were observed in the dexamethasone and fRGM groups; however, the antioxidant effects were evident only in the fRGM treatments. These results provide useful information for developing fRGM as a therapeutic source for AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 15538 KiB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Effects of Epilobium amurense subsp. cephalostigma via Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and Inhibition of NF-κB/p38 MAPK Signaling in LPS-Stimulated Macrophages
by Se-Yun Cheon, Hyun-Ae Kang, Bo-Ram Jin, Hyo-Jung Kim, Yea-Jin Park, Ren-Bo An, Soo-Yong Kim and Hyo-Jin An
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11715; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112411715 - 09 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1677
Abstract
The genus Epilobium consists of approximately 200 species that are distributed worldwide. Some of these herbs have been used for the treatment of diarrhea, infection, irritation, and other disorders associated with inflammation. Unlike that of other Epilobium species, there is little scientific understanding [...] Read more.
The genus Epilobium consists of approximately 200 species that are distributed worldwide. Some of these herbs have been used for the treatment of diarrhea, infection, irritation, and other disorders associated with inflammation. Unlike that of other Epilobium species, there is little scientific understanding of the pharmacological effect of Epilobium amurense subsp. cephalostigma (Hausskn.) C. J. Chen, Hoch & P. H. Raven. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of an E. amurense 95% ethanol extract (EACEE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and observed the underlying mechanism of this effect. We measured the productions of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species, and examined the actions of EACEE on transcription factors in the macrophages. EACEE reduced NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein levels via the inhibition of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. Additionally, EACEE suppressed redundant reactive oxygen species production and regulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling. Furthermore, EACEE significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Overall, these results indicate that EACEE exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects via the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB/p38 MAPK signaling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2652 KiB  
Article
Acute and Repeated Toxicological Study of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Formula, Yeosinsan, in Rats
by Jin-Mo Koo, Mi-Jin Yang, Bo-Kyung Kim, Jeong Eun Yoo, Jang-Kyung Park, Hee Jin Yang, Jongkil Joo, Bo Sun Joo, Jeong-Doo Heo and Ki-Tae Ha
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9325; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11199325 - 08 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1571
Abstract
Yeosinsan, an herbal formula composed of roots of Paeonia lactiflora and tubers of Cyperus rotundus, was reported as a possible anti-inflammatory and pro-fertility drug. However, the safety of Yeosinsan has not yet been previously investigated. The possible acute and chronic oral toxicity [...] Read more.
Yeosinsan, an herbal formula composed of roots of Paeonia lactiflora and tubers of Cyperus rotundus, was reported as a possible anti-inflammatory and pro-fertility drug. However, the safety of Yeosinsan has not yet been previously investigated. The possible acute and chronic oral toxicity of Yeosinsan was estimated using female and male Sprague Dawley rats. During the administration period, rats were monitored for mortality, body weight changes, food intake, clinical signs, and gross findings. Hematological analysis, serum biochemistry analysis, urinalysis, organ weight measurement, and histopathological examination were also conducted after sacrifice. Acute and chronic oral administration of Yeosinsan did not result in any signs of toxicity in the animals during the observation period. However, in the histopathological examination, several significant changes were observed in the stomach and spleen. In the high-dose group, extramedullary hematopoiesis and increased pigmentation in the spleen and squamous cell hyperplasia in the forestomach were observed. In conclusion, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of the test material, Yeosinsan, was estimated at 1000 mg∙kg−1∙d−1 for both male and female rats. Therefore, our data suggest that Yeosinsan might be safe to use for treating female infertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4850 KiB  
Article
Effect of Coptischinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Fermented Glycine max Extract as Proactive Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis
by Beom-Chan Park, Sang-Hyun Ahn, In-Jun Yang and Ki-Bong Kim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11188380 - 09 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Coptis chinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and fermented Glycine max (3Hb) extract on lipid barrier recovery and the alleviation of atopic dermatitis (AD). The 3Hb extract was administered to [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Coptis chinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and fermented Glycine max (3Hb) extract on lipid barrier recovery and the alleviation of atopic dermatitis (AD). The 3Hb extract was administered to lipid barrier-eliminated mice (3HbT) for 5 days. Subsequently, the effect of the 3Hb extract on general skin features and the regulation of filaggrin, inflammatory response, Th2 differentiation, and the skin micro-environment for defense, was evaluated. In the 3HbT, filaggrin was effectively recovered. The clinical skin score was significantly lower in the 3HbT compared with control groups. In addition, significant decreases in pH and TEWL as well as in the levels of kallikrein 7, PAR-2, TSLP, IL-4, Fc ε receptor, and phosphate-NF-κB p65 were observed in the 3HbT, compared with the other control groups. Further, compared with control groups, the 3HbT showed a significant increase in those of claudin, cathelicidin, TLR, and NHE-1. Our results indicated that the 3Hb extract effectively recovered filaggrin. Through the recovery of filaggrin, inflammation and the Th2 differentiation process can be regulated, and microenvironments for defense can be recovered. Therefore, we confirmed the potential of the 3Hb extract for use in the proactive therapy of AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4615 KiB  
Article
Lingonberry Fruit Ethanol Extract Ameliorates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis In Vivo and In Vitro
by Yong-Deok Jeon, Ji-Hyun Lee, Sa-Haeng Kang, Hyun Myung and Jong-Sik Jin
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7955; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11177955 - 28 Aug 2021
Viewed by 1712
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory chronic intestinal disease with pathological characteristics, including imbalanced immune function and the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6) were oversecreted in UC condition. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory chronic intestinal disease with pathological characteristics, including imbalanced immune function and the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6) were oversecreted in UC condition. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin (PG)E2 were also overexpressed in colon tissue. Lingonberry (LB) (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) possesses pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects. To explore LB’s effects on UC, BALB/c mice were administered with 3% (w/v) dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) and LB extract (70% ethanol) orally for nine days. The severity of UC was measured by the change in body weight and colon length. To evaluate LB’s regulatory effect on inflammatory cytokines, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to measure the inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum. Mouse peritoneal microphages were used to detect LB’s anti-inflammatory effect. The results showed that LB treatment ameliorated less weight loss and longer colon length compared to the DSS-treated group. LB treatment also ameliorated the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. These results indicated that LB has potential as an herbal medicine to treat UC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1148 KiB  
Article
Geongangbuja-Tang Decoction and Its Active Ingredient, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata, Exerts Inhibitory Effects on Heat Stress-Induced Inflammation in Mice
by Eugene Huh, Wonil Lee, Yujin Choi, Tae Hee Lee and Myung Sook Oh
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6902; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11156902 - 27 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1440
Abstract
Heat stress induces the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, influences biological responses, and reduces energy metabolism. Geongangbuja-tang (GBT) and its components, Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZOR) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (ALRP) have been used to induce energy metabolism; however, the effects of GBT and its [...] Read more.
Heat stress induces the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, influences biological responses, and reduces energy metabolism. Geongangbuja-tang (GBT) and its components, Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZOR) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (ALRP) have been used to induce energy metabolism; however, the effects of GBT and its ingredients on heat-induced inflammatory responses have not yet been investigated. In this study, we performed an open-field test to evaluate locomotor activity in mice. To assess the effects of GBT and its ingredients on inflammation, the protein levels of c-fos, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cortisol were measured in the mouse hypothalamus and serum. The results showed that GBT alleviated locomotive activity and reduced c-fos levels in a dose-dependent manner under the heat exposure. After investigating the active constituent of GBT, we found that compared to GBT and ZOR, ALRP significantly suppressed c-fos expression under heat stress. Subsequently, ALRP decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-9 and -13 and prostaglandin, under the heat stress in the mouse hypothalamus. Moreover, treatment with ALRP inhibited cortisol secretion in the mouse serum following heat exposure. These results indicate that GBT and its active component, ALRP, could be the thermoregulatory agents that regulate the HPA axis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1051 KiB  
Article
Processed Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Extract Alleviates LPS-Induced Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress through a Crosstalk between NF-κB and KEAP1/NRF2 Signaling in Macrophage Cells
by Akhtar Ali, En Hyung Kim, Jong-Hyun Lee, Kang-Hyun Leem, Shin Seong and Wonnam Kim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 6055; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11136055 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1958
Abstract
Prolonged inflammation results in chronic diseases that can be associated with a range of factors. Medicinal plants and herbs provide synergistic benefits based on the interaction of multiple phytochemicals. The dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its compounds possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and [...] Read more.
Prolonged inflammation results in chronic diseases that can be associated with a range of factors. Medicinal plants and herbs provide synergistic benefits based on the interaction of multiple phytochemicals. The dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its compounds possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anticancer effects. Processing is a traditional method to achieve clinical benefits by improving therapeutic efficacy and lowering toxicity. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of processed Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract (PSGE) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Data using Griess assay and ELISA showed that PSGE decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels against LPS. PSGE treatment up-regulated 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH), while cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 expression did not change. Interestingly, PGE2 inhibition was regulated by prostaglandin catabolic enzyme 15-PGDH rather than COX-2/mPGES-1, enzymes essential for PGE2 synthesis. Additionally, PSGE-suppressed LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production through NF-κB signaling. NF-κB release from an inactive complex was inhibited by HO-1 which blocked IκBα phosphorylation. The ROS levels lowered by PSGE were measured with the H2DCFDA probe. PSGE activated NRF2 signaling and increased antioxidant Hmox1, Nqo1, and Txn1 gene expression, while reducing KEAP1 expression. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of HO-1 confirmed that the antioxidant enzyme induction by PSGE was responsible for ROS reduction. In conclusion, PSGE demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects due to NRF2/HO-1-mediated NF-κB and ROS inhibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Anti-inflammatory Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop