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Planta Med 2025; 91(04): 208-221
DOI: 10.1055/a-2520-0013
Original Papers

Combating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Exploring the Cellular Effects of Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Extract

Katarzyna Zima  ‡
1   Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
2   AronPharma Ltd. R&D Department, Gdańsk, Poland
,
Laura Banaszkiewicz 
2   AronPharma Ltd. R&D Department, Gdańsk, Poland
,
Mateusz Kacper Woźniak 
3   Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
,
Barbara Khaidakov 
2   AronPharma Ltd. R&D Department, Gdańsk, Poland
,
Krzysztof Lemke 
2   AronPharma Ltd. R&D Department, Gdańsk, Poland
,
Paulina Kowalczyk  ‡
2   AronPharma Ltd. R&D Department, Gdańsk, Poland
4   3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
› Author AffiliationsThis study was supported by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Smart Growth Operational Programme. Project POIR.01.01.01 – 00 – 1206/20 is implemented under The National Centre for Research and Development (Narodowe Centrum Badań i Rozwoju) call for proposals: “Fast Track”.
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Abstract

Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica, known as blue honeysuckle or haskap berry, is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which are linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The research specifically investigates the effects of an L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract that has been standardized to contain a minimum of 15% anthocyanins on inflammation and oxidative stress at the cellular level.

In vitro studies using A549 human lung epithelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated the extractʼs anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and reduced the production of IL-8 in A549 cells. It also downregulated the expression of proinflammatory genes (RELA and PTGS2) while upregulating antioxidant genes (CAT, HMOX1, and SOD2). In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract decreased the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Additionally, the extract inhibited reactive oxygen species formation and nitric oxide production, demonstrating its potential to modulate oxidative stress. Furthermore, in vitro assays indicated that L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract could hinder the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the hACE2 receptor, suggesting antiviral potential.

These findings suggest that L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract exerts significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, indicating its potential as a functional food ingredient or dietary supplement to combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

Keywords

Caprifoliaceae - Lonicera caerulea - anthocyanins - inflammation - antioxidant - SARS-CoV-2

Supporting Information

    Supporting Information includes additional experimental data: Fig. 1S – MTT assay results showing the viability percentage of the A549 cell line and PBMCs treated with LCK extract; Fig. 2S – IL-6 and IL-8 levels in A549 cells after LCK extract pretreatment and LPS stimulation; Fig. 3S – IL-1β and IL-6 levels in PBMC cells after LCK extract pretreatment and LPS stimulation.

  • Supporting Information


Publication History

Received: 22 May 2024

Accepted after revision: 19 January 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
19 January 2025

Article published online:
11 February 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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