Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of galangin in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia through regulation of IL-1β production and the NF-κB signaling pathways

Neuroinflammation resulting from microglial activation is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s diseases. Microglial activation plays an important role in neuroinflammation and contributes to several neurological disorders. Hence, inhibition of both microglial activation and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines may lead to an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of galangin were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. Galangin significantly decreased the generation of nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. In addition, galangin inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2. Furthermore, it was observed that activation of both IκB-α and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly increased following LPS stimulation, and this effect was suppressed by galangin treatment. In conclusion, galangin displayed an anti-neuroinflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. Galangin inhibited LPS-induced neuroinflammation via the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and might act as a natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of various neuroinflammatory conditions.