No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Activated macrophages express inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and produce excessive amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which play key roles in the processes of inflammation and carcinogenesis. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and the root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., are important Chinese crude drugs used in many traditional prescriptions. 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) is a major bioactive constituent of both crude drugs. PGG has been shown to possess potent anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) isolated from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. on the COX-2 and iNOS activity in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells, COX-1 in HEL cells. To investigate the structure-activity relationships of gallate and gallic acid for the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activity, we also examined (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid, and gallacetophenone. The results of the present study indicated that PGG, EGCG, and gallacetophenone treatment except gallic acid significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in LPS-activated macrophages. All of the four compounds significantly inhibited COX-2 activity in LPS-activated macrophages. Among the four compounds examined, PGG revealed the most potent in both iNOS (IC50 approximately 18 microg/mL) and COX-2 inhibitory activity (PGE2: IC50 approximately 8 microg/mL and PGD2: IC50 approximately 12 microg/mL), respectively. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and structure-activity relationship by which PGG exerts its inhibitory actions, our results suggest that PGG might be a candidate for developing anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents.

Microbial metabolism of the sesquiterpene lactone antimalarial drug artemisinin [1] was studied. Screening studies have shown a number of microorganisms capable of metabolizing artemisinin [1]. Scale-up fermentation with Nocardia corallina (ATCC 19070) and Penicillium chrysogenum (ATCC 9480) have resulted in the production of two major microbial metabolites that have been characterized with the use of 2D-nmr techniques. These metabolites have been identified as deoxyartemisinin [2] and 3 alpha-hydroxydeoxyartemisinin [3].