Aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) inflorescences suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages

David R. Burk, Zbigniew Cichacz, Sasha M. Daskalova

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Yarrow Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), is a perennial herb highly recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies on molecular mechanisms underlying these properties are scarce. The present work focuses on examining the effect of aqueous extract of A. millefolium L. inflorescences on the inflammatory responses of RAW 264.7 macrophages challenged with LPS. Applied at a concentration range of 25 - 300 μg/ml, the extract did not affect cell viability. LPSinduced NO production was strongly suppressed and correlated with a dose-dependent downregulation of iNOS protein expression. The extract exerted no significant effect on PGE 2 synthesis and protein COX-2 levels. The secretion of GM-CSF and IL-10 was decreased, while the production of TNF-α and IL-1β was enhanced. The levels of IL-6 were not significantly altered. The anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were partially mediated by the suppression of the activation of transcription factor NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling cascade. In addition, at the higher concentrations tested, the extract demonstrated good free radical scavenging activity and ability to decrease the levels of intracellular ROS. The present work corroborates the traditional use of A. millefolium L. infusions as antiphlogistic drug.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)225-234
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Medicinal Plants Research
Volume4
Issue number3
StatePublished - Feb 4 2010

Keywords

  • Achillea millefolium L.
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Cytokines
  • MAPK signaling
  • NF-κB
  • Nitric oxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Drug Discovery
  • Plant Science
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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