Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRC), the dried root bark of Lycium chinese Mill., has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb in East Asia to treat fever and hyperhidrosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LRC extract on ligation-induced experimental periodontitis and associated alveolar bone loss in rats. Twenty-four hours after ligation placement, LRC was orally administered once daily for 10 days. Firstly, LRC administration inhibited anaerobic bacterial proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in gingival tissues. Additionally, LRC exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E₂, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. LRC treatment also downregulated mRNA expression of these inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Furthermore, LRC showed an antioxidant effect by decreasing the malondialdehyde level and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in gingival tissues. Moreover, LRC effectively prevented the connective tissue degradation by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-8 expression and the loss of collagen-occupied areas in gingival tissues. LRC also decreased the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) ratio, as well as the number and occupied areas of osteoclasts on the alveolar bone surface, thereby inhibiting alveolar bone loss. In summary, these findings suggest that LRC is a promising medicinal herb for alleviating periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss through its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

This study investigated the lung-protective effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma extracts (the root of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex Kitam), known as AJ extracts, in mitigating subacute pulmonary injuries caused by particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) exposure in Balb/c mice. AJ was given orally at concentrations of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg, demonstrating a promising impact by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase α (p38 MAPKα) pathways and reducing mucus overproduction. These protective effects were achieved through the downregulation of p38 MAPKα and PI3K/Akt mRNA expressions, enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and increased mucolytic expectorant effects arbitrated by elevated lung acetylcholine (ACh) and substance P levels, along with decreased mRNA expressions of MUC5AC and MUC5B. Importantly, these outcomes occurred without significant hepatotoxicity. While all AJ dosages provided dose-dependent pulmonary protection, their effects were less pronounced than those of dexamethasone (DEXA) at 0.75 mg/kg. However, AJ uniquely exhibited mucolytic expectorant activities absent in DEXA-treated mice. The results indicate that A. japonica may serve as a potential candidate for creating alternative treatments for respiratory conditions or as an ingredient in functional foods.

This study investigated the growing environmental concern of particulate matter (PM)-induced pulmonary injury and explored novel preventive strategies. In particular, it evaluated the protective effects of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex. Kitam root extract (AJ), which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, against PM_2.5-induced subacute pulmonary injuries in Balb/c mice. The experimental design involved administering AJ at a concentration from 400 to 100 mg/kg over a ten-day period, with comparisons made to the mucolytic agent ambroxol hydrochloride (AX). The results revealed that AJ significantly alleviated PM_2.5-induced pulmonary injuries, mucus overproduction, and respiratory acidosis in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, body surface redness was reduced by up to 55% at a concentration of 100 mg/kg compared to the control. These effects were evidenced by reduced mRNA expression of the mucus-associated genes MUC5B and MUC5AC and increased concentrations of substance P (up to 475%) and acetylcholine (up to 355%) in the lungs at 400 mg/kg, compared to the intact vehicle control. Particularly, the 400 mg/kg dose of AJ demonstrated comparable effectiveness to AX, highlighting its potent mucolytic and expectorant activities. The results of this study highlight the fact that AJ could act as a promising alternative for respiratory protection, with potential applications as a functional food ingredient. This study substantiates AJ’s role in enhancing respiratory health, emphasizing its capacity as a candidate for further development into therapeutic agents against toxic environmental exposure.

Vitis coignetiae Pulliat ex Planch, commonly referred to as “meoru” in Korea (crimson glory vine), is a grape species belonging to the Vitaceae family, native to East Asia. This study investigated the protective effects of a hot water extract prepared from the vine stems of V. coignetiae (CG) in a model of CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. Mice received oral administration of CG (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) or silymarin (200 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (0.5 mL/kg). CG attenuated CCl₄-induced oxidative stress, as indicated by reduced hepatic malondialdehyde production and decreased 4-hydroxynonenal-positive cells. These effects were accompanied by restoration of antioxidant defense systems, including increased glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, along with increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA expression. Hepatic inflammatory responses were also attenuated by CG treatment, with reductions in TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA expression. Furthermore, CG attenuated apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by decreased cleaved caspase-3-positive and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-positive cells. CG also lowered serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transferase levels, and alleviated hepatocellular degeneration in histopathological analysis. Collectively, these findings suggest that CG may exert protective effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.