Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell. extracts reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine and PGE₂ secretion, decrease COX-2...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) possesses high antioxidant capacity.
• Previous research focused on fruit therapeutic properties, neglecting anti-inflammatory potential and leaf extracts.
• Immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of T. ferdinandiana extracts require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts.
• To evaluate the inhibition of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, including effects on NF-κB pathways.

Main Methods:

• Utilized RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
• Employed multiplex bead immunoassays and ELISA assays to measure cytokine and chemokine secretion.
• Assessed cytosolic COX-2, PGE2, LTB4, and NF-κB levels.

Main Results:

• Methanolic extracts significantly inhibited secretion of IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-2a, and TNF-α.
• Methanolic extracts reduced cytosolic COX-2 levels (87-95%) and PGE2 synthesis (~98%).
• Methanolic extracts upregulated LTB4 secretion (~60-90%), while aqueous extracts inhibited it (~27%); NF-κB levels decreased (33-44%).

Conclusions:

• T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts, particularly methanolic ones, exhibit significant immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The anti-inflammatory effects are likely mediated through the inhibition of NF-κB transcription pathways.
• These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of T. ferdinandiana extracts for inflammatory conditions.