Various biological activities of ramie (Boehmeria nivea)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biological activities of extracts of ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud.), hereafter referred to as Bn. Bn extracts from various collecting area were extracted with methanol. Two extracts from our study, Bn-13 and -82, showed significant antioxidant properties, likely due to their ability to scavenge free radicals. In addition, Bn extracts showed stronger anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli (Bn-40), Stapylococcus aureus (Bn-33), and Helicobacter pylori (Bn-05). In addition, this study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Bn extracts in lipopolyssacharide (LPS)- and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells. Bn-37 significantly inhibited the production LPS/IFN-γinduced nitric oxide. The most noteworthy anti-cancer effect was found in Bn-23. Bn-08 showed inhibition of aldose reductase. This study provides basic information for the development of functional foods. ? The Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistry 2014.