Anti-inflammatory effect of Mussaenda villosa Wall. ex G. Don extract in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a Mussaenda villosa Wall. ex G. Don extract (MVE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. Exposure to MVE did not affect the viability of the cells but did show anti-inflammatory activities. Specifically, MVE inhibited expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and production of NO and reduced production of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying these anti-inflammatory effects showed that MVE inhibited activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inhibitor of kappa B (IκB)-α/ nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. These results suggest that MVE exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB pathways, indicating its potential as a naturally derived anti-inflammatory substance.