Cytoprotective Activity and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Extracts-A Study with Macrophages

AbstractMacrophages are prone to oxidative stress which can result either in severe damage to their function or even cell death. The present study was aimed to reveal the cytoprotective potential of Artemisia nilagirica (clarke.) extracts against tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced cell death and possible anti-inflammatory potential using RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The extracts were shown to provide cytoprotective action in t-BHP treated cells via inhibition of lipid peroxidation, ROS generation and restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential. There was a significant change in the expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes in the cells which helped the cells to ameliorate the damaged biochemical machinery within cells. Furthermore, the extracts displayed a prominent downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) which led to a reduction of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells that indicated the anti-inflammatory potential of these extracts. It was also foun...