Abstract

Neutrophils are leukocytes that are actively recruited to sites of tissue infection and/or injury by directed movement (chemotaxis). In vitro assessment of inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis is a physiologic indicator of anti-inflammatory potential. To identify nontoxic, anti-inflammatory agents, plant-derived compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, rosmarinic acid and piperine) were assessed for effects on in vitro neutrophil movement. Effects were determined on directed migration (chemotaxis) towards the potent chemoattractant of bacterial cell wall origin, f-met-leu-phe (fMLP). Curcumin significantly inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis in a concentration-dependent manner with statistically significant inhibition at 50 and 100 μM. Similarly, resveratrol (25, 50, 100 μM) and rosmarinic acid (100 μM) significantly inhibited fMLP-induced chemotaxis in concentration-dependent manners. Piperine had no effect on neutrophil chemotaxis. These results indicate that curcumin, resveratrol and rosmarinic acid have the potential to elicit anti-inflammatory effects.

Key words: Neutrophils, phytochemicals, chemotaxis,  inflammation.