Acer tegmentosum Maxim (ATM) is known as traditional medicine for treatment of hepatic disorders such as hepatitis, related-inflammatory disease, and hepatic cancer. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ATM extracted with 80°C water or 95% ethanol. Antioxidant activities of ATM extracts were measured based on DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, total polyphenolic compound contents, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The anti-inflammatory effects of ATM extract were assayed on release of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. In these experiments, 95% ethanol extract of ATM showed stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than water extract. Therefore, we determined the effects of ATM ethanol extract on an animal model of sepsis. Seven days oral gavage of ATM ethanol extract followed by LPS stimulation reduced the protein levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum as well as mRNA levels of TNF-α and interleukin-6 in intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, ATM ethanol extract reduced DNA damage in mouse lymphocytes. These results indicate that ATM extract has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in vitro and in vivo effects and may be developed as a potential food material for prevention of inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: Acer tegmentosum Maxim, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, animal model of sepsis