Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of root bark extracts of Acanthopanax henryi

AIM:To investigate the cytotoxicity,anti-inflammatory activity,and action mechanism of root bark extracts of Acanthopanax henryi.METHOD:The hot methanol extract of the root bark of A.henryi was subjected to XAD-4 column chromatography eluting with a gradient of methanol in water.The cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of the MeOH fractions were evaluated on the inhibition on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced nitric oxide,prostaglandin E2,interleukin-1,and interleukin-6 production in RAW 264.7 macrophages.RESULTS:The 80% MeOH fraction was a better inhibitor of LPS-induced NO,PGE2,IL-1,and IL-6 production,and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) at the protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner.CONCLUSION:The 80% MeOH fraction of A.henryi root bark has significant anti-inflammatory activity.This provides a pharmacological basis for clinical application for the treatment of inflammation.