Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro
12:00

Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro

Published on: July 5, 2017

Flavonoids from Theobroma cacao down-regulate inflammatory mediators

Emma Ramiro1, Angels Franch, Cristina Castellote

  • 1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|October 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cocoa extract effectively reduces inflammatory mediators like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages. These cocoa flavonoids also down-regulate inflammatory cytokines and chemokines at the RNA level.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages play a crucial role in inflammatory responses.
  • Proinflammatory mediators secreted by macrophages contribute to various diseases.
  • Dietary compounds are increasingly investigated for their immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of cocoa extract on the secretion and gene expression of inflammatory mediators in macrophages.
  • To compare the efficacy of cocoa extract with its components, epicatechin and isoquercitrin.

Main Methods:

  • Macrophages were treated with varying concentrations of cocoa extract.
  • Secretion levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured.
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of TNFalpha, interleukin (IL) 1alpha, and IL-6 was analyzed.
  • The timing of cocoa extract administration (pre- vs. post-activation) was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Cocoa extract significantly inhibited the dose-dependent secretion of TNFalpha and NO.
  • The inhibitory effect of cocoa extract on TNFalpha was greater than epicatechin but less than isoquercitrin.
  • Pre-treatment with cocoa extract enhanced the inhibition of TNFalpha secretion.
  • Cocoa extract and epicatechin reduced TNFalpha, IL-1alpha, and IL-6 mRNA expression, indicating transcriptional regulation.
  • Cocoa extract demonstrated a greater inhibitory effect on NO secretion than epicatechin.

Conclusions:

  • Cocoa flavonoids possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Cocoa extract effectively inhibits nitric oxide release from macrophages.
  • Cocoa extract down-regulates the expression of key inflammatory cytokines and chemokines at the transcriptional level.

More Related Videos

Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade09:50

Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade

Published on: August 14, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR activation may...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...