An ethanol extract of the rhizome of Atractylodes chinensis exerts anti-gastritis activities and inhibits Akt/NF-κB signaling

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance The rhizome of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) kodiz (Compositae) has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and stomach ache, but scanted report has been issued on its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Aim of the study Here, we investigated the anti-gastritis activities and explored the mechanism of action of an ethanolic extract of the herb (Ac-EE). Materials and methods Ac-EE was prepared with 95% ethanol. To determine its in vivo effects, we employed an HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis rat model. We used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage model for in vitro assays. Griess and MTT assays were used to measure nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viability, respectively. We used real-time PCR to determine mRNA levels. To measure prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) production we used a PGE 2 EIA kit. To estimate protein levels and enzyme activities, we employed immunoblotting. Luciferase assays were used to examine nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB activities. Results Intragastric administration of Ac-EE (30 mg/kg) ameliorated HCl/EtOH-induced stomach tissue damages in SD rats. Ac-EE inhibited the levels of NO and PGE 2, down regulated mRNA and protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)−2. Ac-EE suppressed the nuclear level of NF-κB (p50), and inhibited NF-κB luciferase activity. The Phosphorylation of Akt and IκBα was also inhibited by Ac-EE both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion Ac-EE treatment exerts an anti-gastritis effect in rats. Inhibition of the Akt/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway is associated with this effect, providing a pharmacological basis for the clinical application of the rhizome of A. chinensis in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.