The anti-inflammatory effects of fuciodan and Cistanche tubulosa (CT) extract were investigated in vitro macrophage culture system and in vivo
carrageenan-induced air pouch
inflammation model. CT extract inhibited
nitric oxide production from activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, while
fucoidan was inactive. In vivo air pouch
inflammation model,
carrageenan-induced vascular exudation and increased
nitric oxide and
prostaglandin E(2) concentrations in the exudates were synergistically suppressed by co-administration of
fucoidan or CT extract. Moreover, tissue
inflammation was substantially attenuated by the combinational
therapy. However, there was no synergistic effect against the inflammatory cell infiltration, although
fucoidan and CT extract each markedly reduced the cell numbers. Therefore, it is suggested that
fucoidan blocks infiltration of inflammatory cells, while CT extract inhibits activation of the cells, and that their combinational treatment could be a promising candidate for the relief of various types of
inflammation.