Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Finger Citron Extract on RAW264.7 Macrophages via NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Finger Citron (<i>Citrus medica</i> L. var. <i>sarcodactylis Swingle</i>) holds significant potential as both a culinary ingredient and a traditional medicinal remedy; however, its precise molecular mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of Finger Citron extract (FCE) in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Using UPLC-ESI-QTF-MS, we analyzed the extract's composition, revealing a rich presence of polyphenols and polysaccharides, with hesperidin, melitidin, and hesperetin as the predominant polyphenolic compounds. Additionally, the study elucidated the monosaccharide composition profile of polysaccharides in the extract. Furthermore, Finger Citron extract markedly suppressed the production of key inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-6, and NO. The inhibition of protein phosphorylation levels of inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling was also observed, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effects of Finger Citron extract may involve the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway. Given these findings, Finger Citron extract has the potential to act as a natural product with anti-inflammatory activity.