Modulation of Pro-Inflammatory Markers by Couroupita guianensis Aubl Extracts in a Murine Macrophage Model

Inflammation is a vital protective response against injury or infection, but chronic inflammation contributes to diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. The murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line is a key in vitro model to study inflammatory pathways, particularly nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the ethanolic extract of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. aerial parts. The extract was prepared by Soxhlet extraction using ethanol and tested for its effects on NO inhibition (Griess assay), cell viability (MTT assay), and cytokine modulation (TNF-α, IL-6 by ELISA). The extract significantly and dose-dependently reduced NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with minimal cytotoxicity. It also suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 secretion and downregulated iNOS expression. These results suggest that C. guianensis exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NO synthesis and cytokine release, validating its traditional use and potential for natural anti-inflammatory drug development.