Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a cytokine secreted by macrophages, was recently recognized as an important molecule in host defense mechanism. However, its overproduction is also implied in many acute and chronic disease states. The inhibition of TNF-α overproduction, therefore, leads to suppression of acute and chronic inflammation. This work was undertaken to ascertain whether vegetable juice from perilla leaf, which may be a new candidate for an antiinflammatory reagent, can inhibit the endogenous production of TNF-α in mice.
Both red and green perilla juice significantly inhibited TNF-α production byperos administration. Perilla juice showed nearly the same level of an inhibitory activity against TNF-α production as did Saibokuto, an antiinflammatory reagent. The inhibitory activity was stable for heat treatment (100°C, 10 min) . Perilla contains an active molecule (s) which can inhibit a host from releasing TNF-α. This molecule thus may suppress host defense systems as well as antiinflammatory drugs such as glucocorticoid or Saibokuto.
