Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 via NF-κB Pathway in A549 Cells and Human Asthmatic Lung Tissue

Abstract

Objective. There is limited information of the anti-inflammatory effects of Rg3 on inflamed lung cells and tissues. Therefore, we confirmed the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 in inflamed human airway epithelial cells (A549) and tissues whether Rg3 regulates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity. Methods. To induce the inflammation, IL-1β (10 ng/ml) was treated to A549 cells for 4 h. The effects of Rg3 on NF-κB activity and COX-2 expression were evaluated by western blotting analysis in both IL-1β-induced inflamed A549 cell and human asthmatic airway epithelial tissues. Using multiplex cytokines assay, the secretion levels of NF-κB-mediated cytokines/chemokines were measured. Result. Rg3 showed the significant inhibition of NF-κB activity thereby reduced COX-2 expression was determined in both IL-1β-induced inflamed A549 cell and human asthmatic airway epithelial tissues. In addition, among NF-κB-mediated cytokines, the secretion levels of IL-4, TNF-α, and eotaxin were significantly decreased by Rg3 in asthma tissues. Even though there was no significant difference, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-13 secretion showed a lower tendency compared to saline-treated human asthmatic airway epithelial tissues. Conclusion. The results from this study demonstrate the potential of Rg3 as an anti-inflammatory agent through regulating NF-κB activity and reducing the secretion of NF-κB-mediated cytokines/chemokines.

Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine

“…2) are the main bioactive dammarane triterpenoids derived from the rhizomes of many plants including Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, Panax ginseng and Cinnamomum cassia Presl., with various biological effects including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities [219][220][221][222]. Ginsenosides mainly exert anti-cancer effects in colorectal, breast, liver and lung cancers, through inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, and reversing drug resistance [7,[223][224][225][226][227][228][229][230].…”

Fermentation-Mediated Enhancement of Ginseng��s Anti-Allergic Activity against IgE-Mediated Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis In Vivo and In Vitro

“…In contrast, the ginsenosides Rh1, Rh2, Rg1, and Rg3 have been reported to inhibit allergic responses [32][33][34][35]. Furthermore, Rg3 has been reported to reduce inflammatory responses in human asthmatic airway epithelial cells and tissues [35]. Consistent with these reports, we found that FPG showed lower levels of Rb1, Rb2, and C-K and had enhanced anti-allergic effect compared to PG and that the levels of Rh1, Rh2, and Rg3 were higher in FPG than in PG.…”

“…In a previous study, the ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, F2, and compound K (C-K) were reported to induce β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells [3]. In contrast, the ginsenosides Rh1, Rh2, Rg1, and Rg3 have been reported to inhibit allergic responses [32][33][34][35]. Furthermore, Rg3 has been reported to reduce inflammatory responses in human asthmatic airway epithelial cells and tissues [35].…”

Effects of Red and Fermented Ginseng and Ginsenosides on Allergic Disorders

“…Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg3 significantly reduced chloroquine-induced scratching in mice. Lee et al reported that ginsenoside Rg3 inhibited NF-κB activation and COX-2 expression in IL-1β-stimulated human asthmatic airway epithelial tissues [79]. Ginsenoside Rh2 attenuates allergic airway inflammation in ovalbumin-sensitized mice by regulating NF-κB activation and p38 MAPK phosphorylation [80].…”