NF-kappaB Activation by compounds found in Platycodon grandiflorum extract.

Compounds extracted from Platycodon grandiflorum were evaluated for an activation effect on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB). In its active state, NF-kappaB turns on the expression of genes related to cell proliferation or death. NF-kappaB activators promote growth of neuron cells and can be used to control neurodegenerative diseases. The biological activity of P. grandiflorum extracts toward NF-kappaB had not yet been studied. Although the biological activity of several compounds extracted from P. grandiflorum was evaluated, only three exhibited any significant activation effect on NF-kappaB.