Abstract

The aim of this study is to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extract (MeOH) of Salvia fruticosa Mill. on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and in Balb/c mice. Tumor necrosis factor –α (TNF-α), Interlukin-6 (IL-6), and Interlukin 1β (IL-1β) production in RAW 264.7 cells and in Balb/c mice were evaluated. The extract of S. fruticosa exhibited potent inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines production in both cellular and animal models stimulated by LPS. Our data suggested that, the methanolic extract of S. fruticosa could be developed as a potential anti-inflammatory candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Key words: Pro-inflammatory cytokines, herbal medicine, macrophages, salvia.

Abbreviation

NSAID, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; NF-кB, nuclear factor kappa B; IP, intraperitoneal; OD, optical density.