Nuruk extract inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced production of nitrite and interleukin-6 in RAW 264.7 cells through blocking activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Nuruk, which is a natural inoculator and source of amylolytic enzymes, is used in Korean traditional rice wine. A methanol extract of nuruk (NE) attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced nitrite and interleukin (IL)-6 in RAW 264.7 cells. Both the n-hexane and water fractions from NE (MEH and MW, respectively) inhibited the production of nitrite and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells. MEH and MW also inhibited the LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Further, and MEH protected against the LPS-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Together, these results indicate that nuruk may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive effects of Korean traditional rice wine.