Estragole Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Activity with the Regulation of NF-κB and Nrf-2 Signaling Pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

Abstract

− Estragole is a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid obtained from essential oils found in a broad diversity of plants. Although the phenylpropanoids show many biological activities, clear regulation of the inflammatory signaling pathways has not yet been determined. Here, we scrutinized the anti-inflammatory effect of estragole. The anti-inflammatory effect of estragole was determined through the inhibitory mechanisms of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogenactivated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways and the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Estragole significantly inhibited NO production, iNOS and COX-2 expression as well as LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPK activation. Furthermore, estragole suppressed LPS-induced intracellular ROS production but up-regulated the stress response gene HO-1 via the activation of transcription factor Nrf-2. These findings demonstrate that estragole inhibits the LPS-induced expression of inflammatory mediators via the down-regulation of iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways, as well as the up-regulation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway, indicating that this phenylpropanoid has potential therapeutic and preventive applications in various inflammatory diseases.

Effect of Herbal Formulation on Immune Response Enhancement in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

“…Nitric oxide is synthesized during immune and inflammatory responses of the host against infectious agents. Nitric oxide is used as a toxin for the self-defense of the host or acts as an immunoregulatory mediator that participates in both innate and adaptive immune responses [33,34]. Our results also showed that the synthesis of NO was slightly stimulated by treatment with prednisolone (PDS) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), even though they were used as anti-inflammatory drugs.…”

Evaluation of Anti-Colitis Effect of KM1608 and Biodistribution of Dehydrocostus Lactone in Mice Using Bioimaging Analysis

“…The site in which most dehydrocostus lactone accumulated was the lung. A recent study revealed that dehydrocostus lactone was effective in the attenuation of LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice via the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB [ 29 , 30 ]. Thus, our present results may support those of this previous study.…”

The Efficacy of Topical Basil Essential Oil on Relieving Migraine Headaches: A Randomized Triple-Blind Study

“…The analgesic effect of basil has been attributed to its compounds. Cineole, geraniol, flavonoids, and estragole have anti-inflammatory properties [45][46][47][48][49]. Extract of Table 2.…”