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In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of Zao-Jiao-Ci (the spine of Gleditsia sinensis Lam.) aqueous extract and its mechanisms of action

Authors Li, Kai Kai; Zhou, Xuelin; Wong, Hing Lok; Ng, Chun Fai; Fu, Wei Ming; Leung, Ping Chung; Peng, Guiyuan; Ko, Chun Hay

Journal JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY , NOV 4 2016,:192

DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2016.07.020 PubMed 27401288

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance: Zao-Jiao-Ci (ZJC), as the spine of Chinese Honey locust (Gleditsia sinensis Lam.), is traditionally used as Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation.Aim of the study: The present study aimed to investigate an anti-inflammatory effect of ZJC aqueous extract both in vitro and in vivo, as well as its underlying mechanisms.Materials and methods: Anti-inflammatory effect of ZJC aqueous extract was evaluated by using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. In addition, the inhibitory effects of ZJC on nitric oxide production, intracellular reactive oxygen species production, pro-inflammatory mediator expression and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) production were determined by using LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-oxidant activity of ZJC was assessed using 2,2''-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay.Results: ZJC aqueous extract showed significant suppressive effect on paw edema in rats at 100 mg/kg. Moreover, ZJC aqueous extract decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and significantly decreased the PGE(2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6 production in LPS-activated macrophages in dose-dependent manners. ZJC aqueous extract inhibited the mRNA expression of these inflammatory cytokines as well. Furthermore, ZJC aqueous extract was found as an anti-oxidant and could inhibit ROS production in the LPS-induced cells.Conclusions: These findings show the potential of ZJC aqueous extract as a naturally occurring COX-2 inhibitor to reduce inflammation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Species covered 皂荚 Gleditsia sinensis