An Integrative Study of <i>Scrophularia takesimensis</i> Nakai in an Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Model of Asthma: The Effect on T Helper 2 Cell Activation

• Main Authors: Yun-Soo Seo (Author), Jun-Ho Song (Author), Hyo Seon Kim (Author), Hyeon Hwa Nam (Author), Sungyu Yang (Author), Goya Choi (Author), Sung-Wook Chae (Author), Jeongmin Lee (Author), Bokyung Jung (Author), Joong-Sun Kim (Author), Inkyu Park (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<i>Scrophularia</i> have traditionally been used as herbal medicines to treat neuritis, sore throats, and laryngitis. In particular, <i>S. takesimensis</i>, a Korean endemic species with restricted distribution on Ulleung Island, holds significant resource and genetic value. However, its pharmacological properties have not been thoroughly evaluated. Thus, we provide detailed morphological characteristics and genomic information for <i>S. takesimensis</i> in this study. Moreover, its pharmacological activity was evaluated in an ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model, using extracts of <i>S. takesimensis</i> roots (100 or 200 mg/kg). The distinguishing features of <i>S. takesimensis</i> from related species include the presence or absence of stem wings, leaf shape, and habitat. The chloroplast (cp) genome of this species is 152,420 bp long and exhibits a conserved quadripartite structure. A total of 114 genes were identified, which included 80 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The gene order, content, and orientation of the <i>S. takesimensis</i> cp genome was highly conserved and consistent with the general structure observed in <i>S. buergeriana</i> and <i>S. ningpoensis</i> cp genomes. Confirming the anti-inflammatory effects of <i>S. takesimensis</i> extract (STE) using an established mouse model of ovalbumin-induced asthma, we observed reduced asthmatic phenotypes, including inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production, and suppression of T helper 2 (Th2) cell. Furthermore, STE treatment reduced Th2 cell activation and differentiation. This study underscores the medicinal value of <i>S. takesimensis</i>. The importance of preserving <i>S. takesimensis</i> was revealed and crucial insights were provided for further research on its utilization as a medicinal resource.

Item Description

10.3390/pharmaceutics16040529
1999-4923