Curcuma longa enhances IFN-γ secretion by natural killer cells through cytokines secreted from macrophages.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) regulates the human immune system. To study the interaction between macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, we established a THP-1 macrophage-conditioned media. Among the 58 natural plant extracts tested, Curcuma longa exerted the strongest IFN-γ-enhancing effect in NK-92 cells through THP-1 macrophages.

Adenosine and Cordycepin Accelerate Tissue Remodeling Process through Adenosine Receptor Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Stimulation by Regulating GSK3b Activity.

Adenosine is a cellular metabolite with diverse derivatives that possesses a wide range of physiological roles. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of adenosine and cordycepin for their promoting effects in wound-healing process. The mitochondrial energy metabolism and cell proliferation markers, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and Ki67, were enhanced by adenosine and cordycepin in cultured dermal fibroblasts.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Salsola komarovii extract with dissociated glucocorticoid activity.

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are anti-inflammatory drugs widely used to treat acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, despite their excellent efficacy, the long-term use of GCs is relatively limited owing to their adverse effects. Recent studies have sought to reduce these adverse effects by developing dissociated GCs that bind to GC receptors (GRs) to induce potent anti-inflammatory effects without the transcription of GC response element (GRE)-promoted genes.

Polygonum multiflorum extract support hair growth by elongating anagen phase and abrogating the effect of androgen in cultured human dermal papilla cells.

Background: Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play a key role in hair growth among the various cell types in hair follicles. Especially, DPCs determine the fate of hair follicle such as anagen to telogen transition and play a pivotal role in androgenic alopecia (AGA). This study was performed to elucidate the hair growth promoting effects of Polygonum multiflorum extract (PM extract) in cultured human DPCs and its underlying mechanisms.

Erjingwan Extracts Exert Antiaging Effects of Skin through Activating Nrf2 and Inhibiting NF-κB.

In oriental medicine, mixtures of medical plants are always used as prescriptions for diseases. Natural products extracted from herbs have great potential antiaging effects. Previous studies and clinical trials have shown several critical functions of Erjingwan (EJW), such as nourishing Yin, kidney tonifying and aging-resistance.

Clinical efficacy of herbal extract cream on the skin hydration, elasticity, thickness, and dermis density for aged skin: A randomized controlled double-blind study.

Background: Traditional medicine herbal prescriptions used for the treatment of skin disease have been developed into cosmetics. Sang-Hyul-Yun-Boo-Em (SHYBE) is a mixed herbal formula prescribed for patients with yin or blood deficiency patterns of skin disease. A previous study reported that SHYBE exercises anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Anti-allergic inflammatory effect of vanillic acid through regulating thymic stromal lymphopoietin secretion from activated mast cells.

Vanillic acid, which is well known as a benzoic acid derivative, has been used as a flavouring agent. Currently, we ascertained the therapeutic potential action of vanillic acid on allergic inflammatory reaction in human mast cell line, HMC-1. Treatment with vanillic acid resulted in a significant decrease in levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-treated HMC-1 cells.

Ameliorative effect of atractylenolide III in the mast cell proliferation induced by TSLP.

Atractylenolide III (ATL-III) is an active compound of Atractylodes lancea, which has been widely used for the treatment of cancer. Cancer is closely connected with inflammation, and many anti-inflammatory agents are also used to treat cancer. We investigated the influence of ATL-III on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-induced inflammatory reactions.

Cordycepin Suppresses Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Expression via Blocking Caspase-1 and Receptor-Interacting Protein 2 Signaling Pathways in Mast Cells.

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is one of the active components isolated from Cordyceps militaris, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. Mast cell-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory reactions. Here, we investigated the regulatory effect and mechanisms of cordycepin on the expression of TSLP in the human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells, and in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT cells.

Inhibition of c-Kit signaling by diosmetin isolated from Chrysanthemum morifolium.

The interaction of stem cell factor (SCF) with its cognate receptor c-Kit is closely associated with the survival and maturation of melanocytes. To investigate novel depigmentation agents, we screened 2,000 plant extracts for c-Kit inhibitors to identify active small molecules by using time-resolved fluorescence enzyme assays. For the active extracts identified as inhibitors of c-Kit enzyme, we evaluated the effects of the active extracts and isolated flavonoids on c-Kit phosphorylation in MO7e/melanocytes.

Cedrol Enhances Extracellular Matrix Production in Dermal Fibroblasts in a MAPK-Dependent Manner.

Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by dermal fibroblasts supports skin structure, and degradation and/or reduced production of ECM are the main causes of wrinkle formation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the active ingredient that enhances ECM production in dermal fibroblasts.

Methods: Polarity-based fractionation was used to isolate the active ingredient from natural extracts, and the effects of cedrol (isolated from Pterocarpus indicusirginia) on ECM production in cultured human dermal fibroblasts was investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot analysis.

Inhibition of melanogenesis by piceid isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum.

Piceid (5,4'-dihydroxystilbene-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) is one of the stilbenes found in Polygonum cuspidatum. Previous studies have shown that this compound has little effect on tyrosinase inhibition when compared with other stilbenes in a cell-free tyrosinase assay. Furthermore, its role for melanogenesis in melanocytes is relatively unknown.

Stimulation of the extracellular matrix production in dermal fibroblasts by velvet antler extract.

Background: Fibroblasts produce many components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and so they contribute to the maintenance of connective tissue integrity.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of velvet antler extract (VAE) on the ECM production of dermal fibroblasts cultured in vitro.

Methods: Primary cultured human dermal fibroblasts were treated with VAE, and then the ECM production was determined by RT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot analysis.

Partially purified paeoniflorin exerts protective effects on UV-induced DNA damage and reduces facial wrinkles in human skin.

Partially purified paeoniflorin (PF), a new cosmetic ingredient from roots of Paeoniae lactiflora, has been developed. Its paeoniflorin content is about 64%, far higher than that of conventional, cosmetic-grade peony root extracts (approximately 10%). In this report, we studied the effects of PF on UV-induced DNA damage in both cultured human keratinocytes and hairless mouse skin.