Saucernetin-7 and saucernetin-8 isolated from Saururus chinensis inhibit the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in macrophage RAW264.7 cells.

In the present study, we demonstrate that saucernetin-8 ( 1) and saucernetin-7 ( 2), isolated from the underground parts of Saururus chinensis (Saururaceae), exerted potent inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E (2) (PGE (2)) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Both compounds 1 and 2, known as dineolignans, also suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 protein in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, this study suggests that compounds 1 and 2-mediated inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of the underground parts of Saururus chinensis.