Anti-inflammatory effect of methanol extracts of hemp leaf in IL-1β-induced synovitis

Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of some hemp (Canabis sativa) leaf extracts as an antiinflammatory agent on synovitis in vitro.Methods: Synovial fibroblast cell line SW982 was induced with 5 ng/mL of interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) to trigger cellular inflammation. The cells were then treated with prepared extracts of hemp (Canabis sativa) leaf originating from three different cultivation sites with varying proportions of terpenoids and cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production as well as expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and IL-1β genes were determined.Results: All hemp extracts reduced the production of NO and PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner. The expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and IL-1β genes were significantly decreased by the hemp extracts. This effect was likely related to the amount of sesquiterpenoids and THC. The extract from Huai Hoi (HH) cultivar showed the most promising results for further studies.Conclusion: The extracts of hemp leaf substantially reduces the level of biomarkers for inflammation in vitro. Therefore, the extracts have a potential application as an inflammatory counteractant in synovitis.Keywords: Canabis sativa, Hemp, Synovitis, Cannabinoids, Nitric oxide, Interleukin-1 bet

Ultraviolet Radiation Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of <i>Kaempferia galanga</i> L. Rhizome Oil and Microemulsion: Formulation, Characterization, and Hydrogel Preparation

Long-term UV radiation exposure can induce skin disorders such as cancer and photoallergic reactions. Natural products have been considered as non-irritate and potential sunscreen resources due to their UV absorption and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro ultraviolet radiation protective effect and anti-inflammatory activity of K. galanga rhizome oil and microemulsions. The chemical components of K. galanga rhizome oil was analyzed via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Microemulsions containing K. galanga rhizome oil were formulated using a phase-titration method. The microemulsion was characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential, using a dynamic light-scattering technique. The physical and chemical stability of the microemulsion were evaluated via a dynamic light scattering technique and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, respectively. The UV protection of K. galanga rhizome oil and its microemulsion were investigated using an ultraviolet transmittance analyzer. The protective effect of K. galanga rhizome oil against LPS-induced inflammation was investigated via MTT and nitric oxide inhibitory assays. In addition, a hydrogel containing K. galanga rhizome oil microemulsion was developed, stored for 90 days at 4, 30, and 45 °C, and characterized for viscosity, rheology, and pH. The chemical degradation of the main active compound in the microemulsion was analyzed via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The formulated O/W microemulsion contained a high loading efficiency (101.24 ± 2.08%) of K. galanga rhizome oil, suggesting a successful delivery system of the oil. The size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential values of the microemulsion were optimized and found to be stable when stored at 4, 30, and 45 °C. K. galanga rhizome oil and microemulsion demonstrated moderate sun protective activity and reduced the nitric oxide production induced by LPS in macrophage cells, indicating that microemulsion containing K. galanga rhizome oil may help protect human skin from UV damage and inflammation. A hydrogel containing K. galanga rhizome oil microemulsion was developed as a topical preparation. The hydrogel showed good physical stability after heating and cooling cycles and long-term storage (3 months) at 4 °C. The use of K. galanga rhizome oil as a natural sun-protective substance may provide a protective effect against inflammation on the skin. K. galanga rhizome oil microemulsion was successfully incorporated into the hydrogel and has the potential to be used as a topical sunscreen preparation