Anti-inflammatory effects of compounds derived from botanical medicinal plants in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cell line

Despite of the importance of inflammation processes in protecting body from the pathogens, chronic inflammation is in the center of multiple important human diseases such as autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of compounds derived from botanical medicinal plants on LPS-stimulated macrophages. Cytotoxicity assay, cytokine ELISA, immunofluorescence assay, and western blot analysis were performed to measure the proinflammatory cytokines response, p65 nuclear translocation, and expression of activated NF-κB mediators involved in NF-κB pathway. Out of our plant extract and compound library, we selected 3 best compounds for this presentation and they showed significant inhibition TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 proinflammatory cytokines. Further investigation showed the inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB transcription factor, p65, and significant reduction of inhibitor kappa B kinase, IKK-beta, phosphorylation which is an important regulatory component of NF-κB pathway.