The production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in peritoneal macrophages is inhibited by Andrographis paniculata, Angelica sinensis and Morus alba ethyl acetate fractions

Abstract Aim of the study Traditional Chinese medicine herbs (TCMHs) are used in medicines as well as in daily dietary supplements in Asia. In this study, we employed pNF-κB-Luc or pIFN-γ-Luc and BALB/c mice peritoneal macrophages or splenocytes to investigate both the immune and inflammatory effects of six selected plant species. Materials and Methods Specifically, we used ethyl acetate fractions of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge var. mongholicus (Bunge) Hsiao ( Fabaceae ) (AM), Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (AP), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels ( Apiaceae ) (AS), Eucommia ulmodes Oliv. (Eucommiaceae) leaves (EU leaves), Isatis indigotica Fort. ( Brassicaceae ) (II) and Morus alba L. (Moraceae) (MA). Results We found that ethyl acetate fractions of AP, AS and MA significantly decreased NF-κB luciferase activity and also the secretion of NO and PGE 2 in LPS/IFN-γ stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages ( p 2 ), at least in part via suppression of a signaling pathway such as NF-κB. Conclusions Collectively, we have found that three potent bioactive TCMH species exerted significant NF-κB inhibitory activity and acted in a cell type dependent fashion.