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Tremella fuciformis Berk (TFB) has long been used as a traditional medicine in Asia. Although TFB exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, the mechanisms of action responsible have remained unknown. We confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of Tremella fuciformis Berk extract (TFE) in RAW 264.7 cells and observed significantly suppressed LPS-induced iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 production. TFE also suppressed LPS-induced IKK, IkB, and p65 phosphorylation, as well as LPS-induced translocation of p65 from the cytosol. Additionally, TFE inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs. In an acute inflammation study, oral administration of TFE significantly inhibited LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production and iNOS and COX-2 expression. The major bioactive compounds from TFB extract were identified as gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and coumaric acid. Among these compounds, protocatechuic acid showed the strongest inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. Overall, these results suggest that TFE is a promising anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 expression, as well as the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory skin disorder that affects approximately 2–3% of the global population due to significant genetic predisposition. It is characterized by an uncontrolled growth and differentiation of keratinocytes, leading to the formation of scaly erythematous plaques. Psoriasis extends beyond dermatological manifestations to impact joints and nails and is often associated with systemic disorders. Although traditional treatments provide relief, their use is limited by potential side effects and the chronic nature of the disease. This review aims to discuss the therapeutic potential of keratinocyte-targeting natural products in psoriasis and highlight their efficacy and safety in comparison with conventional treatments. This review comprehensively examines psoriasis pathogenesis within keratinocytes and the various related signaling pathways (such as JAK-STAT and NF-κB) and cytokines. It presents molecular targets such as high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1), and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) for treating psoriasis. It evaluates the ability of natural compounds such as luteolin, piperine, and glycyrrhizin to modulate psoriasis-related pathways. Finally, it offers insights into alternative and sustainable treatment options with fewer side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patulin (PAT) is a natural mycotoxin found in decaying pome fruits. Although some toxicological studies have been conducted on PAT, recent research has highlighted its anticancer and antifungal effects. However, studies have yet to examine the effects and molecular mechanisms of PAT in other metabolic diseases. Obesity is a chronic disease caused by excessive food intake and abnormal lifestyle, leading to low-grade inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effect of PAT on obesity at the cellular level. PAT treatment reduced lipid accumulation, suppressed glucose and LDL uptake, inhibited lipid deposition and triglyceride synthesis, upregulated fatty acid oxidation-related genes (Pgc1α), and downregulated adipogenic/lipogenic genes (Pparγ and C/ebpα) in hypertrophied 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, PAT treatment enhanced mitochondrial respiration and mass in differentiated adipocytes and alleviated inflammatory response in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, PAT treatment downregulated pro-inflammatory genes (il-6, Tnf-α, Cox-2, and inos), suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increase in inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, and NO), and restored mitochondrial oxidative function in LPS-stimulated macrophages by improving oxygen consumption and mitochondrial integrity and suppressing ROS generation. Overall, these findings suggest a potential for PAT in the prevention of lipid accumulation and inflammation-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhus javanica has long been used in traditional medicines, and found to possess bioactive properties. In this study, we sought to investigate whether Rhus javanica extract (RJE) has preventive effects against UVB-induced inflammation and photoaging. RJE was identified as a promising candidate based on an MMP-1 promoter assay, and we confirmed suppressive effects on UVB-induced COX-2 and MMP-1 expression (67.6% and 80.9%, respectively) in immortalized human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. RJE suppressed both UVB-induced mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt signalling pathways as well as EGFR activity. RJE significantly suppressed repetitive UVB-induced wrinkle formation and COX-2 and MMP-13 expression in vivo . Among the compounds identified, syringic acid was found to exhibit the strongest inhibitory effect on UVB-induced MMP-1 promoter activity (45.2%). These results demonstrate that RJE has potent preventive activity for skin inflammation and photoaging which occurs via suppression of pathways related to EGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to investigate whether Curcuma zedoaria extract (CZE) has preventive effects against UVB‐induced skin inflammation and photoaging. CZE was identified as a promising anti‐inflammatory and photoaging candidate based on a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 promoter assay and the suppressive effects of CZE on UVB‐induced cyclooxygenases (COX)‐2 and MMP‐13 expression were confirmed in immortalized skin human keratinocytes. CZE suppressed UVB‐induced phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinases 3/6/p38, B‐Raf/ERK kinase (MEK)1/2/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, and Akt as well as phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Src. Using a chronic skin inflammation and photoaging model, we observed that CZE significantly suppressed repetitive UVB‐induced wrinkle formation and COX‐2 and MMP‐13 expression in vivo. Among the compounds investigated, curcumin was found to exhibit the strongest inhibitory effect on UVB‐induced MMP‐1 promoter activity. These results demonstrate that CZE has a potent preventive activity for UVB‐induced skin inflammation and photoaging, which occurs via the suppression of EGFR, Src, MAPKKs/MAPKs, and Akt phosphorylation. Practical applications This study is a study to develop materials that can prevent skin inflammation and photoaging by UVB exposure. Therefore, it can be applied to functional cosmetics or functional foods after standardization and clinical studies on this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]