Polyscias Scutellaria Root Extract Shows Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties Against Harmful Immune Responses
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 23, 2025 2 days, 3 hours, 24 minutes ago
Medical News: A Natural Solution to Inflammation
A recent study conducted by researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Wonju National University in South Korea, Traphaco Joint-Stock Company in Vietnam, and the Vietnam Korea Institute of Science and Technology has uncovered the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract from the roots of Polyscias scutellaria (EEPS). The study sheds light on how this plant extract can help reduce inflammation at the cellular level, offering potential new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism triggered by the immune system in response to infections, injuries, and harmful stimuli. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and even cancer. This
Medical News report highlights how scientists explored the potential of Polyscias scutellaria to counteract harmful inflammatory responses by studying its effects on immune cells known as macrophages.
How the Study Was Conducted
To investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of Polyscias scutellaria, researchers used RAW 264.7 macrophages, a type of immune cell that plays a significant role in inflammation. These cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial toxin that stimulates an intense inflammatory response, leading to the production of harmful molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory enzymes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
The EEPS extract was prepared using a 70% ethanol solution and tested to determine its ability to suppress these harmful effects. Researchers measured the levels of inflammatory markers and examined the molecular pathways influenced by EEPS to understand how it exerts its anti-inflammatory action.
Key Findings from the Study
The study revealed that EEPS significantly reduced the levels of nitric oxide and inflammation-related enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This means that the extract can help prevent excessive immune responses that damage tissues.
Further analysis showed that EEPS effectively inhibited the activation of two major pathways that drive inflammation: the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. These pathways are responsible for triggering the production of inflammatory molecules. The extract prevented the activation of key proteins in these pathways, thereby reducing inflammation at the cellular level.
Additionally, EEPS lowered the levels of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium accumulation in the cells, both of which contribute to chronic inflammation and cell damage. The reduction of these harmful substances further supports the extract's role in promoting cellular health and reducing inflammation.
Discovery of Active Compounds
The study also identified seven active compounds from the EEPS extract, including saponins and flavonoids. Among these, saponin derivatives ex
hibited the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, reducing NO production by up to 70%. This discovery suggests that these compounds could be key contributors to the extract's therapeutic effects and may be further developed for use in anti-inflammatory treatments.
Conclusion
The findings from this study provide strong evidence that Polyscias scutellaria root extract has significant anti-inflammatory potential. By reducing the production of nitric oxide, inflammatory enzymes, and cytokines while blocking critical inflammatory pathways, EEPS could serve as a promising natural remedy for inflammation-related diseases. The active compounds identified in the extract offer further potential for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.
Future research, including animal and human studies, will be needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in clinical applications.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Natural Product Communications.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X251324006
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