The chemical composition and anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil obtained from Abeliophyllum distichum flowers

Abstract

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the flowers of Abeliophyllum distichum, commonly known as white forsythia, was examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Thirty-five components including epoxy linalool, methyl salicylate, linalool oxide (pyranoid), and L-linalool were identified in the EO of A. distichum flowers (AfEO). In addition, the AfEO exhibited a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We found that this anti-inflammatory effect was mediated by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory mediators, including IL-1?, IL-6, and IL-18. Taken together, these results confirm the potential use of the AfEO as an anti-inflammatory agent for topical application.