Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Respiratory Inflammation by an Alkaline Extract of Sasa senanensis Leaves

Periodontal pathogens, including <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> (<i>P. gingivalis</i>), are implicated in respiratory inflammatory conditions, and aspirated oral bacterial components may contribute to airway inflammation. This association has prompted the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies in addition to conventional oral hygiene practices. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of an alkaline extract of <i>Sasa senanensis</i> leaves (SE) against heat-inactivated <i>P. gingivalis</i>-induced inflammation in respiratory tissues. In human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), SE reduced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and cytokine secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SE attenuated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), indicating broad anti-inflammatory actions. In mice, SE administration decreased early lung cytokine levels and reduced NF-κB activity following intratracheal challenge with heat-inactivated <i>P. gingivalis</i>. Together, these in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that SE suppresses proinflammatory signaling triggered by <i>P. gingivalis</i> components and may serve as a natural adjunct to mitigate bacteria-associated airway inflammatory responses.