Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Finger Citron Extract on RAW264.7 Macrophages via NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

TL;DR

Finger Citron extract reduces inflammation in macrophages by affecting key signaling pathways, suggesting its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Contribution

The study identifies the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Finger Citron extract through NF-κB and MAPK pathways in macrophages.

Findings

Finger Citron extract suppresses production of TNF-α, IL-6, and NO in LPS-stimulated macrophages.

The extract inhibits phosphorylation in MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Polyphenols like hesperidin and hesperetin are major components contributing to anti-inflammatory effects.

Abstract

Finger Citron (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle) holds significant potential as both a culinary ingredient and a traditional medicinal remedy; however, its precise molecular mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of Finger Citron extract (FCE) in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Using UPLC-ESI-QTF-MS, we analyzed the extract’s composition, revealing a rich presence of polyphenols and polysaccharides, with hesperidin, melitidin, and hesperetin as the predominant polyphenolic compounds. Additionally, the study elucidated the monosaccharide composition profile of polysaccharides in the extract. Furthermore, Finger Citron extract markedly suppressed the production of key inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-6, and NO. The inhibition of protein phosphorylation levels of inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling was also observed, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effects of Finger Citron extract may involve the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway. Given these findings, Finger Citron extract has the potential to act as a natural product with anti-inflammatory activity.

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