In Vitro Identification of Potential Anti-inflammatory Agents From Peruvian Medicinal Plants

The area of northern Peru is rich in plant biodiversity and is home to at least 510 medicinal native plant species, many of which are reported to have anti-inflammatory and cancer treating potential.  Because of the positive medical implications anti-inflammatory therapeutics have on chronic inflammation and the progression of several types of cancers, this study assesses the potential anti-inflammatory effects of one commercially obtained Peruvian medicinal plant extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages.  The Lepechinia meyenii ethyl acetate extract dose dependently inhibited LPS-induced NF-kB transcription activity; a current sought-after molecular drug target that regulates inflammatory and innate immune responses.  This study suggests that the downregulation of NF-kB transcription activity is a potential mechanism by which this traditional anti-inflammatory herb promotes its therapeutic effects.