Effects of Centaurea cyanus Methanolic Extract on Antioxidant Activity and Anti-inflammatory Effects in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

초록

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), naturally produced during activities such as mitochondrial respiration, are crucial for intracellular signaling. However, excessive ROS causes oxidative stress to proteins, DNA, and lipids, resulting in the expression of growth factors, cell cycle regulators, inflammatory cytokines, and nitric oxide (NO). Excessive production of NO and inflammatory cytokines can damage tissues and cells in pathological conditions. To help regulate these processes, numerous phytochemicals from plants are frequently used to reduce oxidative stress and exhibit anti-inflammatory, lipolytic, and immune-boosting effects. Centaurea cyanus, a member of the Asteraceae family, contains compounds such as α-tocopherol, citric acid, and succinic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although the traditional use of Centaurea cyanus petals in European medicine for ocular, neurological, dermatological, and gastrointestinal disorders is well-established, studies on its full potential remain limited. This study explored the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Centaurea cyanus extract on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The extract comprised 33.76 ± 1.27 and 26.84 ± 0.16 mg/g of total polyphenols and total tannins, respectively (equivalent to gallic acid), as well as 45.28 ± 17.03 mg/g of flavonoids (equivalent to catechin). Furthermore, the extract exhibited notable antioxidant activity by effectively scavenging DPPH (SC50 = 271.77 ± 3.07 μg/mL) and ABTS (SC50 = 397.51 ± 24.71 μg/mL) radicals. Additionally, it suppressed NO production and downregulated the expression of iNOS and COX-2 enzymes in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages without cytotoxicity. The extract reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α at mRNA and protein levels. Centaurea cyanus extract exhibits potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting its potential as a functional material.

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