Ginsenoyne C, a polyacetylene isolated from Panax Ginseng inhibit inflammatory mediators via regulating extracellular regulated kinases signaling

Background: Panax ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for various pathological conditions. Ginsenoyne C (GSC) is a polyacetylene, minor constituent. Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory activities of GSC for the protection of inflammation. Materials and Methods: The effects of GSC on cell viability and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells were investigated through MTT assay and the Griess reaction, respectively. The levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL-1β) and IL-6 and inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pERK were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: GSC suppressed NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. GSC suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators through downregulating phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinases signaling in LPS-induced RAW 264.7. Conclusion: GSC has a potential therapeutic agent for protection of inflammation. Abbreviation used: CCK: Cell counting kit; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2; ELISA: Enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay; ERK: Extracellular regulated kinases; FBS: Fetal bovine serum; FEG: Fermented ginseng extract; GSC: Ginsenoyne C; IL: Interleukin; iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; MAPK: Mitogen-activated protein kinases; NO: Nitric oxide; PVDF: Polyvinylidene difluoride; SDS-PAGE: Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis