Molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of Pluchea indica leaves in macrophages RAW 264.7 and its action in animal models of inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pluchea indica Less.: (Asteraceae) is a Thai medicinal plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hemorrhoids, lumbago, leucorrhoea and inflammation. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of Pluchea indica leaf extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and also determined its action in acute inflammation animal models. Materials and methods: The inhibitory effect of Pluchea indica leaf extract on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated by Griess reaction. Protein and mRNA expressions were determined by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) promoter activity was evaluated by iNOS promoter based reporter gene assay. In vivo anti-inflammatory effect was examined in ethylphenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat models. Results: Ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Pluchea indica leaves (EFPI) exhibited the potent inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-induced macrophages and also inhibited PGE(2) release. EFPI reduced iNOS mRNA and protein expression through suppressed iNOS promoter activity and nuclear translocation of subunit p65 of nuclear factor-kappa B, but did not inhibit phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Moreover, EFPI possessed anti-inflammatory activities on acute phase of inflammation as seen in EPP-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Conclusions: These data support the pharmacological basis of Pluchea indica plant as a traditional herbal medicine for treatment of inflammation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.