Maackiapterocarpan B from Sophora tonkinensis Suppresses Inflammatory Mediators via Nuclear Factor-kappa B and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways

Abstract

Maackiapterocarpan B, one of the pterocarpan analogs found in Sophora tonkinensis, is known to display pharmacological activities. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of maackiapterocarpan B and its molecular mechanism have yet to be clearly elucidated. In the present study, the effects of maackiapterocarpan B on macrophage-mediated inflammation in vitro were assessed. Maackiapterocarpan B inhibited the production of nitric oxide, the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha, colony stimulating factor 2, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6, and the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinases in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. These observations suggest the potential of maackiapterocarpan B in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.