Paeonol attenuates inflammation-mediated neurotoxicity and microglial activation
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Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Kyong Nyon Nam1, Byung-Cheol Woo2, Sang-Kwan Moon2
1Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 446-701, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Chronic activation of microglial cells endangers neuronal survival through the release of various proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors. The root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall has been considered useful for the treatment of various disorders in traditional oriental medicine. Paeonol, found in the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, has a wide range of pharmacological functions, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of paeonol in the repression of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity and microglial cell activation. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and primary microglial cells from rat brain were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Paeonol pretreatment was performed for 30 minutes prior to lipopolysaccharide addition. Cell viability and nitrite (the production of nitric oxide), tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta products were measured after lipopolysaccharide treatment. In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, paeonol blocked lipopolysaccharide-related hippocampal cell death and inhibited the release of nitrite and interleukin-1beta. Paeonol was effective in inhibiting nitric oxide release from primary microglial cells. It also reduced the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β from microglial cells. Paeonol possesses neuroprotective activity in a model of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity and reduces the release of neurotoxic and proinflammatory factors in activated microglial cells.
Insights
Paeonol, derived from Paeonia lactiflora, protects brain cells from inflammation. This compound reduces the release of harmful factors from activated microglial cells, offering neuroprotection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic microglial cell activation releases neurotoxic factors, endangering neurons.
- Paeonia lactiflora Pall root is used in traditional medicine; its compound, paeonol, exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate paeonol's efficacy in reducing inflammation-induced neurotoxicity.
- To determine paeonol's effect on microglial cell activation and the release of inflammatory mediators.
Main Methods:
- Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures and primary rat microglial cells were used.
- Cells were pretreated with paeonol before stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide.
- Measurements included cell viability, nitric oxide (nitrite), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta.
Main Results:
- Paeonol pretreatment inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced hippocampal cell death.
- Paeonol significantly reduced the release of nitrite, interleukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from activated microglial cells.
- Paeonol demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting nitric oxide release.
Conclusions:
- Paeonol exhibits significant neuroprotective activity against inflammation-induced neurotoxicity.
- Paeonol effectively suppresses the release of neurotoxic and proinflammatory factors from activated microglial cells.
