Anti-inflammatory Effects of <i>Aconitum ciliare</i> Decaisne Pharmacopuncture on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Background: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of action of Aconitum ciliare Decaisne pharmacopuncture (ADP) in acute inflammation using in vitro models. Methods: The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ADP were assessed by determining the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging activity, the production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide levels, and cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and cytokines were also assessed. Results: ADP significantly reduced the intracellular NO and prostaglandin E2 levels in a dose-dependent manner, with significant reductions at concentrations > 5%. The interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels decreased significantly at concentrations > 5%, with the IL-1β level significantly decreasing at 10% ADP. The gene and protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, and cytokines decreased dose-dependently, especially at concentrations > 5%. The ERK phosphorylation remained unchanged; however, p38 and JNK phosphorylation significantly reduced at 5% and 10% ADP, respectively. Conclusion: ADP shows the anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-induced acute inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage models.