Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract in Human Keratinocytes

• Published in: Immune network Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 42 - 49
• Main Authors: Hong, Chang-Eui, Lyu, Su-Yun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: TNF- ${\alpha}; Korean red ginseng; Atopic dermatitis; IL-8; Anti-oxidation
• ISSN: 1598-2629; 2092-6685

Background: In this study, we have investigated the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts on the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 in human keratinocytes. Also, to examine the antioxidative effect of red ginseng extracts, free radical scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in human dermal fibroblasts was measured. Methods: To investigate the effect of KRG in atopic dermatitis, we measured the level of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 secretion in LPS-stimulated human keratinocytes after the treatment of KRG extracts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-oxidative activity was investigated by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and SOD activity. Results: The stimulation of human keratinocytes with KRG extracts shifted the LPS-induced cytokine secretion toward a more immunosuppressive response. KRG dose-dependently decreased TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 production in HaCaT cells and a significant inhibition of TNF-${\alpha}$ was shown when cells were treated with 500 and $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ of KRG extracts. Additionally, KRG extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging and SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner. Particularly, SOD activities of concentrations higher than $60{\mu}g/ml$ of KRG extracts were significantly different in human dermal fibroblast cells. Conclusion: Based on this study, KRG extracts may be a useful immunosuppressive agent in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.