Halodule uninervis ethanolic extract reduces inflammation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages via NF-κB, STAT3,...

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Plant-derived compounds offer a promising alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, with potent activity and reduced toxicity. The seagrass Halodule uninervis exhibits several pharmacological properties due to the presence of various bioactive metabolites. However, its anti-inflammatory activity is not yet explored. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic extract of H. uninervis (HUE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by assessing its effect on the expression and activation of different inflammatory mediators. Our results revealed that HUE inhibited the LPS-stimulated inflammatory response in macrophages by downregulating the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and reduced the expression of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory potential of HUE was associated with reduced cellular migration and the suppression of the NF-κB, STAT3, and MAPKs pathways. Altogether, H. uninervis exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and may contribute to the modulate of inflammatory responses.