Gui‐ling‐gao inhibits Concanavalin A‐induced inflammation by suppressing the expressions of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines in mice isolated splenocytes

Gui-ling-gao (GLG), also known as turtle/tortoise jelly, has been traditionally used as a functional food in southern China, Singapore, and Malaysia to regulate the immune system. In the present study, the antiinflammatory effects of GLG against Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced inflammation in BALB/c mice isolated splenocytes were evaluated. GLG significantly (p < .05) inhibited Con A-induced splenocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Con A-mediated increases in mRNA and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were suppressed by GLG treatment (p < .001). GLG decreased the upregulated mRNA expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (p < .05) and IL-15 (p < .001) induced by Con A. These findings suggest that GLG possesses potential antiinflammatory effects by inhibiting the expressions of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-15. Practical applications The present study revealed that Gui-ling-gao (GLG) exhibited potential antiinflammatory effect. Thus, GLG could be employed as an effective health food for regulating immune system to cope with inflammation.