Anti-inflammatory activity of Cinnamomum cassia bark on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein and expression levels of pro-inflammatory mRNAs and cytokines

Purpose: To assess the inhibitory effect of extract of Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) bark on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein, expression levels of pro-inflammatory mRNAs and cytokines of macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: Inhibition of MIF tautomerase activity following administration of cinnamon bark extract was measured and the IC50 value was determined. expressions of pro-inflammatory TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL�8 mRNAs were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Also, IL-1β and IFN-γ cytokines were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Cinnamon bark extract displayed inhibitory activity on MIF protein with an IC50 value lower than 1 mg/L, and reduction of the expressed levels of TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-8 mRNAs; and IL-1β, and IFN-γ cytokines of macrophage RAW 264.7 cells with varying levels of effectiveness depending on the specific pro-inflammatory mediators. Conclusion: Extract of cinnamon bark decreases the expression of TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-8 pro-inflammatory mRNAs, as well as IL-1β and IFN-γ pro-inflammatory cytokines released by macrophage RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS.