Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines by ethyl acetate extract of Scrophularia striata

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of ethyl acetate extract of S. striata on pro-inflammatory production by macrophages. Methods: Mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured in solvent either alone or with 2 μg/ml lipopolysaccaride (LPS) with/without different doses of ethyl acetate extract of S. striata. Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor - α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were examined using ELISA. Results: Ethyl acetate fraction of S. striata in doses of 10, 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, and PGE2) production by LPS stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract on pro-inflammatory cytokines may ameliorate inflammatory diseases, possibly via an immunomodulatory mechanism. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved.