166: Isocyperol isolated from rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus, inhibits iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines through suppressing STAT3 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells
Aims The rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus (Cyperaceae) have been used in Korean traditional medicines for treatment of gynecological and inflammatory diseases. Recent scientific studies have demonstrated that C. rotundus has various pharmacological activities such as anti-bacterial, anti-mutagenic, and anti-genotoxic activities. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of isocyperol isolated from the rhizomes of C. rotundus in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Methods The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin2 (PGE2) were measured using EIA assay kit. The expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and activation of STAT3 were determined by RT-PCR and/or Western blot analysis. Results Isocyperol significantly inhibited NO production by suppressing LPS-induced expression of iNOS at both mRNA and the protein levels. However, PGE2 production and COX-2 expression were barely inhibited by isocyperol treatment. In addition, isocyperol down-regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-1β, but not IL-6. Moreover, treatment with isocyperol reduced STAT3 activation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions These data suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of isocyperol is related to the down-regulation of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines through suppressing STAT 3 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.