Antioxidant Efficacy of <italic>Samin-tang</italic> and its Anti-inflammatory Effects in Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Objectives: This study evaluated the antioxidant efficacy of <i>Samin-tang</i> (SIT) and its anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.Methods: Antioxidant efficacy was assessed by measuring total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, along with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring NO, PGE2, and cytokine production, together with the mRNA and protein expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs were analyzed.Results: SIT contained 20.52±0.14 mg GAE/g total polyphenols and 5.93±0.51 mg QE/g flavonoids. It showed concentration-dependent increases in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. It significantly reduced NO, PGE2, and cytokine production while suppressing iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, SIT inhibited JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, without significantly affecting ERK phosphorylation.Conclusions: SIT demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic for inflammatory diseases.