Influences of Skin and Base Types on the Soothing Assessment of Cosmetic Products

In order to assess the responses of different skin types stimulated by tape stripping,after which two kinds of brand cosmetics of cream and hydrogel,were separately applied to evaluate the individual soothing effect of the product on different skin types.A total of 30 volunteers aged 18~65 years were recruited,which were divided into four groups(oily,dry,normal and combined)according to the self-oiling ability of facial and T zones.Four 3 cm×3 cm of skins on inner forearm of each volunteer were chosen and randomly marked as blank,negative control,soothing cream and soothing gel.The blank area was kept untreated,and the remaining areas were tape-stripped by 10 times(Transparent universal 1527C-1,3M China Co.,Ltd.,)to disrupt the skin corneum and induce erythema.Images,erythema index(EI)and transcutaneous water loss rate(TEWL)of the marked skin areas before and 5 min after tape-stripping were taken to assess the distinct responses of different skin type to the taping treatment;Ten minutes after tape-stripping,The soothing products were applied to the test area,the skin images,EI and TEWL at 20 min and 50 min(corresponding to 30 min and 60 min after tape-stripping,respectively)were measured after cosmetics application to compare and evaluate the soothing effects of cream and hydrogel on different skin types.Results showed that different skin displayed diverse reactions to the tape-stripping,and the oily skin was more sensitive with longer duration of erythema than other skin types.After the application of soothing products,both cream and hydrogel could relieve skin erythema,while the soothing effects are dependent both on skin types and the cosmetic base materials:Hydrogel has a better efficacy in alleviating erythema and TEWL of dry skin,while the cream was more effective on normal,oily and combined skin types.The results suggest that the modelling method for soothing evaluation should consider the skin types of the volunteers,and the cosmetics of different base materials might have the target skin types.

Exploration of the Evaluation Method for the Soothing Effect of UV Induced Human Skin Damage Model

To explore the method of evaluating the soothing effect of human skin damage,a human skin damage model was established using UV light induction.Four test areas were set up,namely blank control area,UV damage prevention and soothing area,immediate soothing area after UV damage and soothing area after UV damage.Five skin parameters,including skin melanin,red pigment value,skin pigmentation value,a*value,and skin redness value,were used to characterize skin pigmentation before and after using the sample Changes in properties such as skin erythema and skin pigment.The results showed that the method showed significant changes in the skin condition of volunteers before and after using the sample,and could achieve a soothing effect,which has certain reference significance.

Antioxidant Activity and Soothing Efficacy of Tambourissa Trichophylla Leaf Extract in Vitro Study

Present study is aimed to investigate in vitro biological efficacy of Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract(TTLE),a plant-derived ingredient in cosmetic,on antioxidant activity and soothing efficacy.The total phenols content of TTLE was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method,antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH free radical scavenging assay,hyaluronidase inhibition activity was performed by using in vitro enzyme inhibitory assays based on spectrophotometric evaluation,and the soothing efficacy of TTLE was performed by the expression of nitric oxide(NO)and interleukin-6(IL-6)produced by LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.The results shown that the total phenolic content of TTLE was as high as 54%,the DPPH scavenging activity was 81.18%at the concentration of 25μg/mL,the hyaluronidase inhibition activity was 69.04%at the concentration of 5 mg/mL,and the inhibition of NO and IL-6 were 15.70%and 76.57%at 0.05 mg/mL,respectively.TTLE has a high content of total phenols,high antioxidant activity and soothing effects,which indicated that TTLE was a promising ingredient in the development and application of cosmetics.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)have been used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA).However,the optimal method for JIA has not yet been developed.AIM To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to determine the optimal instructions.METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)from PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,CNKI,and Wanfang without restriction for publication date or language at August,2023.Any RCTs that comparing the effectiveness of NSAIDs with each other or placebo for JIA were included in this network meta-analysis.The surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)analysis was used to rank the treatments.P value less than 0.05 was identified as statistically significant.RESULTS We included 8 RCTs(1127 patients)comparing 8 different instructions including meloxicam(0.125 qd and 0.250 qd),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid and 6 mg/kg bid),piroxicam,Naproxen(5.0 mg/kg/d,7.5 mg/kg/d and 12.5 mg/kg/d),inuprofen(30-40 mg/kg/d),Aspirin(60-80 mg/kg/d,75 mg/kg/d,and 55 mg/kg/d),Tolmetin(15 mg/kg/d),Rofecoxib,and placebo.There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding ACR Pedi 30 response.The SUCRA shows that celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)ranked first(SUCRA,88.9%),rofecoxib ranked second(SUCRA,68.1%),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid)ranked third(SUCRA,51.0%).There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding adverse events.The SUCRA shows that placebo ranked first(SUCRA,88.2%),piroxicam ranked second(SUCRA,60.5%),rofecoxib(0.6 mg/kg qd)ranked third(SUCRA,56.1%),meloxicam(0.125 mg/kg qd)ranked fourth(SUCRA,56.1%),and rofecoxib(0.3 mg/kg qd)ranked fifth(SUCRA,56.1%).CONCLUSION In summary,celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)was found to be the most effective NSAID for treating JIA.Rofecoxib,piroxicam,and meloxicam may be safer options,but further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger trials with higher quality studies.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Cotinus coggygria Scop.extracts in vivo

Objective:To assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of standardized extract of Cotinus coggygria(C.coggygria)in different animal models.Methods:C.coggygria extracts(25,50,and 100 mg/kg)were administered to rats and mice(n=6)during hot plate,tail-flick,acetic acid-induced writhing,and formalin tests to determine its analgesic efficacy.The anti-inflammatory activity of C.coggygria extracts was evaluated by histamine and carrageenan-induced paw edema,cotton pellet-induced granuloma,and acetic acid-induced peritoneal capillary dye leakage tests.Results:C.coggygria extracts(50 and 100 mg/kg)significantly alleviated thermal and chemical-induced pain in rodents(P<0.05).It also demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory properties by mitigating histamine and carrageenan-induced paw edema,granuloma deposits,and vascular permeability(P<0.05).Moreover,C.coggygria extracts remarkably reduced TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,COX-2,and oxidative stress in rat paws(P<0.05).Carrageenan-induced histological aberrations in hind paw tissues were effectively(P<0.05)mitigated by treatment with C.coggygria extracts.Conclusions:C.coggygria Scop.extracts show analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of COX-2 and inflammatory and oxidative mediators.

Research of Several Evaluation Methods of Soothing Efficacy in Cosmetics

In order to search an appropriate evaluation method for the soothing effect of cosmetics,the LPS-induced macrophage model,SDS-stimulated zebrafish embryos model and the clinical assessment were used.The results showed that the concentration of NO and IL-6 was significantly reduced in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells when applied to two essences.The inhibition rate of NO-release was 85.87%and 84.57%,while IL-6 was 44.18%and 38.76%,respectively.Furthermore,the spontaneous rotating of zebrafish embryos was significantly decreased to 51.85%and 76.54%in SDS-stimulated zebrafish embryos model.In the 28 days of clinical assessment,the concentration of hydration was significantly increased to 55.56%and 39.61%,while the erythrodesis was significantly decreased to 4.75%and 6.68%.This indicates that the three evaluation methods of soothing efficacy in this research were effective,and can be used in the evaluation of cosmetics.

In Vitro Study on the Soothing and Oil Control Efficacy of P-Hydroxyacetophenone

p-Hydroxyacetophenone(p-HAP)was used as preservatives in cosmetics recently,their new efficacy was rarely reported.Here,We evaluate the soothing and oil control efficacy of p-HAP in vitro cells,providing a new efficacy basis for its application in cosmetics.The content of nitric oxide(NO),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were determined in LPS-induced RAW264.7 and lipid contents were determined in testosterone-induced SZ95.The results revealed that p-HAP attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines,such as NO,TNF-αand IL-6(P<0.01).Simultaneously,0.05mg/mL of p-HAP also inhibited the formation of lipid droplets in human sebocytes,with 17.64%of inhibition(P<0.001).These findings may be beneficial in the application of p-HAP as an efficacy ingredient in cosmetics,which may have a soothing and oil control efficacy according to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipid contents.

Jonzac Thermal Spring Water Reinforces Skin Barrier Function of Human Skin and Presents a Soothing and Regenerating Effect

The skin is a formidable physical and biological barrier which communicates continuously with the outside of the body. And the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human epidermis, plays a central role in the interaction between the cutaneous tissue and the external environment. The horny layer, and more generally the whole skin layers, avoid the penetration of harmful exogenous agents, produce molecules named anti-microbial peptides which impact the composition of the cutaneous microbiota, regulate the internal corporal temperature, avoid the water loss from the inside of the body and constitute an incredible efficient anti-oxidant network. Nevertheless, nowadays, the skin is more and more solicited by the different elements of the cutaneous exposome, including atmospheric pollution and solar radiations, which can cause a dramatic acceleration of the skin ageing process. As a consequence, due to the multifunctional protective role of the skin, during the recent decade the cosmetic industry invested massively in the development of new raw materials and end-products (dermo-cosmetics) able to preserve an optimal state of the skin regarding the external environment. Based on their physical-chemical properties thermal spring waters, which are extremely rich in inorganics ions, are interesting and powerful candidates to be part, as integral component, of new efficient dermo-cosmetic formulations dedicated to protect the skin from the external stimuli. The aim of the present work was to investigate and characterize the activity of Jonzac thermal spring water on the skin. Using different models, we proved for the first time that Jonzac thermal spring water reinforces the barrier function of the skin by modulating the expression of key markers including filaggrin and human beta defensin 2 on ex vivo human skin. The ex vivo and in vivo hydration activity, by Raman spectroscopy and corneometry respectively, has been also demonstrated. We have also shown that Jonzac thermal spring water ameliorates significantly the cutaneous microrelief in vivo. To conclude, we characterize the soothing effect of Jonzac thermal spring water by the analysis of histamine release in Substance P treated skin explants and by measuring the redness of the skin following UV exposure of the skin in vivo. We observed that both parameters decreased following a preventive treatment of the skin with Jonzac thermal spring water. Taken together our results indicate that Jonzac thermal spring water is a promising and powerful dermo-cosmetic which can be used to preserve an optimal state of the cutaneous tissue.

Betalains protect various body organs through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways

Betalains are natural coloring pigments with betalamic acid as the core structure of all subclasses.Besides their coloring properties,betalains exhibit various biological activities,including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,which are highly imperative.Further in-vivo studies reported that betalains protect various body organs,leading to health enhancement.Body organs,including the heart,liver,kidney,lung,etc.,are important for a healthy life.However,these organs can be affected or damaged by various stress factors,toxicants,and harmful substances.Recent studies have claimed that betalains could protect all vital organs of the body through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.This review article described the in-vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of betalains in various cell-line or animal models.A comprehensive discussion has been provided on the mechanism of action of betalains in protecting various body organs,including cardio-protective effect,hepato-protective ability,renal protection capacity,repro-protective ability,neuro-protective effect,lung protection,and gut protection ability.Finally,future research directions and conclusions have been outlined.

Effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory activities of bioactive peptides generated in sausages fermented with Staphylococcus simulans QB7

Dry-fermented sausages are a good source of bioactive peptides,whose stability against gastrointestinal(GI)digestion determines their bioaccessibility.This study focused on evaluating the effect of peptide extracts from sausages fermented with Staphylococcus simulans QB7 during in vitro simulated GI digestion,including peptide profiles and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.Peptides present in sausages were degraded during digestion,with molecular weight reduced from>12 kDa to<1.5 kDa.Besides,the content of amino acids increased from 381.15 to 527.07 mg/g,especially tyrosine being found only after GI digestion.The anti-inflammatory activities were increased after GI digestion,however,the changes in antioxidant activities were the opposite.A total number of 255,252 and 386 peptide sequences were identified in undigested,peptic-digested and GI-digested samples,respectively.PeptideRanker,BIOPEP-UWM and admetSAR were used to further predict the functional properties and intestinal absorption of the identified peptide sequences from GI digestion.Finally,18 peptides were discovered to possess either antioxidant or anti-inflammatory capacities.

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activities of novel polysaccharides obtained from Pleurotus eryngii

Natural polysaccharides named PEP-0.1-1,PEP-0-1 and PEP-0-2 from edible mushroom species Pleurotus eryngii were obtained in the present study.Results showed that molecular weights of these polysaccharides were 3235,2041 and 23933 Da,respectively.Further,structural characterization revealed that PEP-0.1-1 had a→4-α-D-Glcp-1→backbone and contained→4)-α-D-Glcp and→4)-β-D-Glcp reducing end groups.PEP-0-1 backbone contained→4-α-D-Glcp-1→and→6-α-3-O-Me-D-Galp-1→,and the side chains containedα-D-Glcp,β-D-Manp-1→andα-D-Glcp-3→.However,PEP-0-2 backbone consisted of→4-α-DGlcp-1→and→6-α-3-O-Me-D-Galp-(1→6)-α-D-Galp-1→while the side chains containedα-D-Glcp andβ-D-Manp-1→.Biological activity analysis was then carried out and found that all these polysaccharides could significantly suppress the relative mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4,nitric oxide(NO),tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation of RAW264.7 cells,as well as the over secretion of the above cell cytokines.Moreover,Western blotting analysis revealed that all these purified fractions displayed significant inhibition effects on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinases protein induced by LPS in mitogen activated protein kinase pathway,along with the relieving on the inhibition effect of LPS on IκB-αprotein expression.In summary,the information generated by the present study could provide a theoretical basis for the exploration of novel healthy food materials from edible mushroom with antiinflammation activities.

Three anti-inflammatory polysaccharides from Lonicera japonica Thunb.:insights into the structure-function relationships

This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing three polysaccharides(neutral LJP-1,acidic LJP-2 and acidic LJP-3)with significant in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities from the flowers of Lonicera japonica.The three polysaccharides differed in chemical composition,molecular weight(Mw)distribution,glycosidic linkage pattern,functional groups and morphology.They exhibited excellent protective effects(in a dose-dependent manner)in lipopolysaccharide-injured RAW264.7 macrophages and Cu SO4-damaged zebrafish via reducing NO production and inhibiting the overexpressions of inflammation-related transcription factors,inflammatory proteins and cytokines in the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.Their antiinflammatory effects varied owing to their different molecular characteristics and chemical compositions.Overall,LJP-2 at 400μg/m L was the most effective.LJP-2 consisted mainly of→5)-α-L-Araf(1→,→4)-α-LGalp A(1→and→2)-α-L-Rhap(1→residues with terminal T-β-D-Glcp.Thus,honeysuckle flowers are good sources of anti-inflammatory polysaccharides,and precise fractionation enables the production of potent antiinflammatory agents for the development of functional foods and healthcare products.

Hydration transformation behaviors of CO_(2) and excellent anti-inflammatory activity on RAW 264.7 cell

Skin care products with carbonic acid(H_(2)CO_(3))have gained extensive attention worldwide.However,the conversion of CO_(2) to H_(2)CO_(3) is not stable,and the mechanism of the effect of H_(2)CO_(3) on skin care has not been clearly proved.The hydration-dissolution behaviors of CO_(2) were investigated under different temperature,pH,and pressure conditions.Moreover,based on the phenomenon of CO_(2) hydration transformation,the inflammatory effect of CO_(2) hydrate on macrophages(RAW 264.7)was investigated.The result shows that the increase in temperature weakened the hydration of CO_(2),and the increase in pH and pressure both promoted the water-phase transformation of CO_(2).When pH<6,CO_(2) reacts with water to generate H_(2)CO_(3).When pH was between 6-7,the prompt solution was a mixture of H_(2)CO_(3) and HCO_(3)^(-).When the pH was between 7-9,they mainly generated HCO_(3)^(-).And when pH>9,CO_(2) solubility mainly converts to CO_(3)^(2-).Besides,CO_(2) can inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors by RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the p38 protein.CO_(2) hydrate inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,TNF-α,and up-regulated the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.Furthermore,the anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of CO_(2) hydration inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38.The hydration-dissolution behavior of CO_(2) was investigated.This work revealed the anti-inflammatory bioeffect of CO_(2) hydrate,providing a theoretical basis and application support for CO_(2) skin care products.

Pro and anti-inflammatory diets as strong epigenetic factors in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is the consequence of a complex interplay between environmental factors,like dietary habits,that alter intestinal microbiota in response to luminal antigens in genetically susceptible individuals.Epigenetics represents an auspicious area for the discovery of how environmental factors influence the pathogenesis of inflammation,prognosis,and response to therapy.Consequently,it relates to gene expression control in response to environmental influences.The increasing number of patients with IBD globally is indicative of the negative effects of a food supply rich in trans and saturated fats,refined su-gars,starches and additives,as well as other environmental factors like seden-tarism and excess bodyweight,influencing the promotion of gene expression and increasing DNA hypomethylation in IBD.As many genetic variants are now associated with Crohn's disease(CD),new therapeutic strategies targeting modi-fiable environmental triggers,such as the implementation of an anti-inflammatory diet that involves the removal of potential food antigens,are of growing interest in the current literature.Diet,as a strong epigenetic factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders like IBD,provides novel insights into the pathophysio-logy of intestinal and extraintestinal inflammatory disorders.

Anticancer,Anti-inflammatory,Analgesic,and Anxiolytic Effects of Koumine and Their Molecular Mechanisms

Koumine is an indole alkaloid monomer extracted from the Chinese herb Gelsemium elegans,which has a variety of pharmacological effects.This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of koumine,with a particular emphasis on its mechanisms of action in the context of anticancer,anti-inflammatory,analgesic,and anxiolytic properties.The aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for further research and the application of koumine in clinical practice.

Anti-Cancer, Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Herbacetin and Its Molecular Mechanisms

Rhodiola rosea,a perennial herb of the genus Rhodiola in the Crassulaceae family,is commonly used to treat depression,fatigue,cancer and cardiovascular diseases.Herbacetin is a natural flavonol compound extracted from R.rosea plant,with many pharmacological effects such as anti-cancer effect,anti-oxidant effect and anti-inflammatory effect.In this paper,the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of herbacetin were summarized by consulting domestic and foreign literature,in order to provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of herbacetin.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Polysaccharide from Embelia parviflora Wall.on Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats

[Objectives]To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Embelia parviflora Wall.polysaccharide on rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in rats.[Methods]RA rat model was induced by type II collagen.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into model group,positive group,low,medium and high dose of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide groups,and normal control group.Body mass,toe volume and arthritis index were measured,and thymus index and spleen index were calculated.The levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were detected by ELISA.[Results]Compared with the normal control group,the pathological changes such as synovial hyperplasia and unclear layer were observed in the model group,the body mass was decreased(P<0.05),the toe volume,arthritis index,thymus and spleen index were increased(P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and ankle synovial tissue were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the histopathological changes in synovium of ankle joint in the positive group and the medium and high dose groups of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide were significantly improved,and the body mass was increased(P<0.05).The toe volume,arthritis index,thymus index and spleen index were decreased(P<0.05).The levels of IL-Iβ,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were increased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the low dose group of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide and the model group(P>0.05).[Conclusions]E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide can reduce the body's inflammatory response and improve RA,which may be related to the inhibition of the activation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α.

Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of an ACAZY Herbal Formula Used in Traditional Medicine to Treat Respiratory Infections

ACAZY is a plant formula used in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso to treat respiratory infections. After phytochemical analysis, this study evaluated extracts’ anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties from the ACAZY recipe. Three extractions, an aqueous macerate (AM), an aqueous decoction (AD) and an hydroethanolic macerate (HEM) of the ACAZY recipe powder were carried out. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and the determination of phenolic compounds. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed in vitro using pro-inflammatory enzyme inhibition tests. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) antioxidant properties were also determined. The antibacterial activity was evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae strains. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthracenosids, sterols and triterpenes in the extracts. The extracts inhibited pro-inflammatory enzymes by more than 40% at only 100 µg/mL. The extracts also showed potent antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration 1 mg/mL on Staphylococcus aureus and 2 mg/mL on Streptococcus pneumoniae. The extracts in the ACAZY formula have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in vitro. The AD also showed an antibacterial activity. This justifies its use in traditional medicine to treat acute respiratory infections.

Screening of Anti-inflammatory Active Ingredients from Gancao Qinlian Extract and Study of Its Efficacy

[Objectives]To establish the chromatographic fingerprint of Gancao Qinlian Extracts(GQE)and reveal the possible material basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of GQE by the correlation analysis between the fingerprint chromatographic peaks of different components of GQE and its anti-inflammatory activity.[Methods]Ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC)was used to detect the different ingredients of GQE to establish its chromatographic fingerprint and analyze the differences among the three medicine components;LPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells to construct an inflammatory cell model.The NO secretion of cells was detected by the Griess method.ELISA was used to detect the changes in TNF-αand IL-10 contents.RT-qPCR tested the mRNA expression levels of TNF-αand IL-10.Grey relational analysis was carried out by combining fingerprint chromatographic peak data and anti-inflammatory activity data.[Results]The GQE fingerprint was established,34 fingerprint characteristic peaks were calibrated,and 33 related chromatographic peaks were screened out.The corresponding chromatographic peaks in the three components were obtained,and the content of the components was calculated;the anti-inflammatory results showed that the content of NO,TNF-α,and the expression of TNF-αmRNA in the high and medium-dose groups of GQE were significantly lower than those in the blank group(P<0.01).The NO content and TNF-αmRNA expression in the high-dose group of GQE I was considerably lower than those in the blank group(P<0.01).The secretion of NO,TNF-α,and the expression of TNF-αmRNA in the high,medium,and low dose groups of GQE II were significantly lower than those in the blank group(P<0.01);the results of grey relational analysis showed that the correlation degree of the three components was GQE II>GQE>GQE I,and the characteristic fingerprint peaks 12,15,22,23,28,31,33 may be closely related to the anti-inflammatory effect.[Conclusions]The best component of the anti-inflammatory effect in GQE is water-soluble component,and its main components are flavonoids and alkaloids.These components can alleviate cellular inflammatory damage by inhibiting the excessive secretion of NO and reducing the expression of TNF-αmRNA.

Safety and in Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus umbellata (Vahl.) Leaves

Toxicity is the totality of adverse effects, which can be functional and morphological lesions in a living organism, caused by a substance introduced in relatively high single doses or in small, repeated doses. The aim of this study was to assess the OECD-recommended acute oral toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaves. Animals were given a single oral dose of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/Kg body weight (BW) of the extract. For the anti-inflammatory activity test, rats were given the ethanolic extract of F. umbellata leaves at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg/Kg or aspirin® at a concentration of 100 mg/Kg PC orally, one hour before injection of 0.05 ml of 1% formalin under the plantar fascia of the rat’s right hind paw. Paw volume measurements were taken one, two and three hours after formalin injection, using an electronic caliper. After 14 days of observation, no deaths were observed in treated rats. The LD50 of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaf powder is greater than 5000 mg/Kg body weight. This extract has no significant effects on hematological parameters and on the main markers of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity for a single dose of less than 5000 mg/Kg PC. It reduces formalin-induced edema. Evaluation of the percentage inhibition showed that the extract had greater anti-inflammatory activity at 3 hours after the start of the experiment. However, better inhibition of inflammatory oedema of the paw of rats treated with 500 mg/Kg was observed at 5 hours after the start of the experiment, with a percentage inhibition of 69.23 ± 1.02, compared with the reference group treated with aspirin® 100 mg/Kg, which showed an inhibition of 63.50 ± 0.98. These results show that F. umbellata leaves possess anti-inflammatory activity, which would justify their use in traditional African medicine to prevent or treat inflammation.