Tumeric extracts ameliorate inflammatory mediators through MAPKs and Akt inactivations in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cell line

Turmeric, the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has a wide range of effects on human health. Curcumin, the active component of Tumeric, is known to have antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, and antiinflammatory activities. This study was designed to define anti‐inflammatory signaling pathway of Turmeric extract. The powder of Tumeric was extracted with 100%, 70%, 50%, 30% ethyl alcohol, and they were concentrated and dried. 100%, 70%, 50% groups inhibited NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cell line. Although the recovery rate of 100% group was the highest, 70% group was used for identifying the inflammatory signaling cascades due to cytotoxicity of 100% group was 89.3%. Phosphorylation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB including p65 and inhibitory kappa (Iκ)Bα and activator protein (AP)‐1, and expression of their target molecules, such as cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)‐1β, were suppressed by 70% ethyl alcohol extract. Furthermore, phosphorylation of their signaling molecules including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) and Akt were inhibited by 70% ethyl alcohol extract. In conclusion, 70% ethyl alcohol extract of Tumeric inhibits inflammatory mediators through NF‐κB and AP‐1 inactivations by MAPKs and Akt modulations in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cell line.