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

The Japanese larch, (Larix kaempferi) is known to contain abundant taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) in its xylem. In this study, to assess the bioactivities of taxifolin rich methanol extract of L. kaempferi (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 L. kaempferi extract for use as a supplement to prevent excess inflammation and obesity.