□ The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM / President: Lee Jin-Yong) announced that its research team led by Dr. Go Younghoon (lead author: Dr. Kim Jae Kwang) had verified anti-neuroinflammatory effect from the extract of Quercus acuta Thunb.

◦ The outcome of the research was published in international academic journal Antioxidants (IF 7.675; within top 5 percent in JCR) on September 20, 2022.

※ Paper title:　Quercus acuta Thunb. Suppresses LPS-Induced Neuro　inflammation in BV2 Microglial Cells via Regulating MAPK/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

□ Quercus acuta Thunb. (QA) is a type of native oak tree growing in the southern coastal area of Korea including Jeollnam-do and Jeju-do, which is actively studied as a functional substance for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Due to the recent global warming, its habitat is likely to gradually move north.

□ The research team showed the antiviral effect of QA extract on herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) in 2021 (lead author: Dr. Kim Bu-yun), and in the recent research, BV2 microglial cells activated by using QA extract were found to reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines that induce immune reactions, have anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing intracellular oxidative stress, and inhibit the activation of inflammation-mediated signaling molecules.

◦ Microglia in brain plays the role of protecting brain activities, but its excessive activation is known to induce neuroinflammation and damage neuron cells and memory, thus leading to degenerative brain disorders. The research team anticipated, “Following the recent research that showed the inhibition of neuroinflammation by locally grown Quercus acuta Thunb., the tree is expected to be used as a functional substance to address degenerative brain disorders through follow-up research.”

□ Dr. Go Younghoon, the team leader, said, “Recently, neuroinflammation and herpes virus infection are drawing attention as emerging dementia-inducing factors. We will continue our research to utilize natural products including not only herbal medicine but also forest resources for the prevention and treatment of dementia.”

□ The research was carried out as part of the key programs of KIOM, an affiliate of the Ministry of Science and ICT.