Anticolitic Effect of the Rhizome Mixture of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and Coptidis chinensis (AC-mix) in Mice

• Published in: Biomolecules & therapeutics 2013-09, Vol.21 (5), p.398-404
• Main Authors: Jang, Se-Eun, Jeong, Jin-Ju, Hyam, Supriya R, Han, Myung Joo, Kim, Dong-Hyun
• Format: Article
• Language: Korean
• Subjects: AC-mix; Anemarrhena asphodeloides; Colitis; Coptidis chinensis
• ISSN: 1976-9148; 2005-4483

During a screening program to search the anticolitic herbal medicines, 80% ethanol extract of the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides (AA) was found to potently inhibit the expression of proinfl ammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the activation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated colonic macrophages, followed by that of the rhizome of C. chinensis (CC). AA also potently inhibited TNBS-induced colitic markers, shortening of the colon and increase of macroscopic score, myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in mice. The synergistic effect of CC against the anticolitic effect of AA was investigated. CC synergistically inhibited the anticolitic effect of AA. AC-mix (AA+CC, 1:1) potently inhibited them. AC-mix also inhibited the activation of NF-κB, as well as the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2. The effects of AC-mix against oxazolone-induced colitis were investigated in mice. AC-mix also potently inhibited oxazolone-induced infl ammatory markers, colon shortening, macroscopic score, myeloperoxidase activity, NF-κB activation and proinfl ammatory cytokines. Overall, the anti-colitic effect of AC-mix was superior to that of mesalazine. Based on these fi ndings, AC-mix may improve colitis by inhibiting NF-κB activation.