Cynaropicrin from Cynara scolymus L. suppresses Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines in human gingival fibroblasts and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 cells

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of an extract fromCynara scolymus L. and its pharmacologically effective compound cynaropicrin, a sesquiterpene lactone, on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) stimulated by LPS and the potential anti-osteoclastogenic effects on RAW264.7 cells induced by receptor activator of NF- κB ligand (RANKL). We found that cynaropicrin inhibited IL-8 and IL-6 mRNA and protein synthesis in LPS-stimulated HGFs in a dose-dependent manner.P. gingivalis LPS-induced degradation of I κBα and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 were also suppressed by cynaropicrin, as was LPS-stimulated NF-κB transactivation. Thus, cynaropicrin’s inhibition ofP. gingivalis LPS-induced IL-8 and IL-6 expression may be due to the inhibition of the NF- κB pathway. Furthermore, we showed that cynaropicrin dramatically reduced RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. These results suggest that cynaropicrin may be useful for preventing periodontal diseases and could prove valuable in the development of more effective preventative approaches for per iodontal diseases.
Source: Journal of Natural Medicines - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research