In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid accumulation properties of taxifolin-rich extract from the Japanese larch, .

The Japanese larch, () is known to contain abundant taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) in its xylem. In this study, to assess the bioactivities of taxifolin rich methanol extract of (LK-ME), anti-inflammatory effect, and the anti-lipid accumulation effect of LK-ME were investigated. The results showed that nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were reduced after treatment with LK-ME, and that lipid accumulation in adipocyte differentiated 3T3-L1 cells was inhibited after the cells were grown in medium containing LK-ME. Taxifolin, the major compound contained in LK-ME, and its related compounds, quercetin and luteolin also exhibited similar effects with LK-ME. The LK-ME exhibits relatively strong anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid accumulation activities compared with that of similar amounts of taxifolin contained in LK-ME, suggesting that other minor compounds contained in LK-ME is involved in the effects. These results indicate the potential of taxifolin-rich extract for use as a supplement to prevent excess inflammation and obesity.