Cynara scolymus L. Inhibits the LPS-induced Inflammatory Reaction via Suppression of NF-κB Activity in RAW 264.7 Cells

Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) has been traditionally used in the treatment of digestive-related disease, severe hyperlipidemia and liver disease. Recently, anti-inflammatory effect of artichoke has been reported by several studies, but its mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of artichoke was studied using an in vitro acute inflammation model. The effect of artichoke on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin- 1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, was examined by using ELISA and RT-PCR. As a result, artichoke inhibited the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose dependent manner. The expression of inflammatory mediators such as NO and PGE2 was next investigated in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. Artichoke also inhibited the production of NO and PGE2 in the cells at a dose dependent manner. Artichoke suppressed the mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2 in macrophages by LPS. The effect of artichoke on the activation of NF-κB was examined and LPS-induced NF-κB activation was decreased by treatment of artichoke, suggesting that artichoke has anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NF- κB activation.