Dipsacus inermis Wall. modulates inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB pathway: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Dipsacus inermis Wall. is an edible Himalayan herb which is extensively used in traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine against various inflammation related disorders.This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Dipsacus inermis Wall. methanol extract (DIME) by using in vitro and in vivo models and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.The in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of DIME was determined in LPS stimulated J774A.1 cells. The inhibitory effect of DIME on COX-2, PGE2 and inflammatory cytokines was determined by ELISA and RT-PCR. The suppression of ROS in response to DIME was determined by flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 and IκB degradation was determined by western blotting.Significant inhibition of NO, COX-2, PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 was found in response to DIME in LPS stimulated J774A.1 cells. The extract was found to down regulate the LPS induced expression of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 along with inhibition of intracellular ROS. The in vivo studies carried on Wistar rats showed significant preventive effect of DIME against acetic acid induced increase in vascular permeability and carrageenan induced paw edema along with stabilization of histopathological alterations.The study demonstrated that DIME has significant in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effect which is mediated by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway. Our data opened a promising new pharmacological approach of designing anti-inflammatory drugs by studying individual fractions of the plant extract.