Highlights

• The invention reveals that Leonurine, a specific alkaloid from Leonurus japonicus, significantly inhibits TNF-α-induced transcription and expression of various inflammation-related genes, and reduces nitric oxide release, thereby effectively alleviating endothelial inflammation.
• The patent clarifies the anti-inflammatory mechanism at the molecular level, confirming that Leonurine has strong potential as a drug candidate for inflammation, and provides essential experimental evidence for the application of traditional Chinese medicine monomers in the prevention and treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Summary

This invention patent investigates the protective effect of Leonurine against inflammation using a TNF-α-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) inflammation model. The study utilized real-time PCR and Western blot techniques to assess Leonurine’s effects on the transcription and expression of various inflammatory proteins and enzymes, as well as its impact on nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant.

Results showed that Leonurine significantly inhibited the transcription and protein expression of multiple inflammation-related genes induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and reduced NO release.

The primary mechanism is through the inhibition of TNF-α-induced activation of p38 MAPK, thereby suppressing inflammatory responses. Experimental data confirmed that Leonurine offers notable protective effects against inflammation-related diseases, particularly cardiovascular inflammation.

This patent not only deepens the understanding of the molecular pharmacological mechanisms of Leonurine but also provides theoretical and experimental support for developing highly selective anti-inflammatory drugs based on natural compounds.

朱依谆, 刘新华, 潘礼龙, “Application of Leonurine in the Preparation of Drugs for the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammation-Related Diseases,” China Patent CN102258510A, Apr. 22, 2015.