Jeju Lava Seawater Enhances Anti-inflammatory Activity of Litsea japonica Fruit in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells

Litsea japonica fruit has been reported uses to relief bone pain, inflammation, and asthma. In a previous study, we demonstrated that Litsea japonica fruit extract (LFE) exerts anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing NO, iNOS, and COX-2 levels in LPS-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. This article aimed to address the synergistic effects of Jeju Lava Seawater (JLS) and LFE on anti-inflammatory activity. JLS was optimized to exhibit a Ca:Mg ratio of 2:1 and water hardness of 1,000 ppm. Combined treatment showed stronger inhibition of NO production and iNOS and COX-2 expression compared to the LFE-only treated group. Furthermore, the combined treatment also downregulated the phosphorylation of MAPK/NF-κB and degradation of IκB-α. This investigation indicates that JLS, containing trace elements such as Ca and Mg, would enhance the anti-inflammatory activity of LFE.