Anti-inflammatory Effects of Carex kobomugi in RAW 264.7 Cells

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Carex kobomugi extract on skin, using the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The anti-inflammatory effects of C. kobomugi extract were evaluated by examining cell viability, gene expressions, and the levels of nitric oxide (NO)/prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in RAW 264.7 cells. Pro-inflammatory gene expression (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and the levels of NO/PGE₂ were analyzed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of C. kobomugi extract. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time RT-qPCR) analysis revealed a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of IL-1α/β, IL-6 and TNF-α following treatment with C. kobomugi extract. Furthermore, reduced levels of PGE₂ and NO confirmed that C. kobomugi extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties. These results suggest that C. kobomugi extract contains bioactive compounds capable of modulating inflammatory responses. Further studies on the mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects could contribute to the development of cosmeceutical products as well as pharmacological therapies.