Anti-inflammatory properties of Honokiol in activated primary microglia and astrocytes

Honokiol has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Activation of glial cells plays an essential role in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we show that Honokiol reduces the inflammatory response to LPS of primary cultures of microglia and astrocytes through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) and the simultaneous stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). Expression of KLF4 was induced in microglia and astrocytes after treatment with LPS and this response was mitigated by Honokiol. These findings extend our understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of Honokiol on central glial cells and support its use as a therapeutic compound in neuroinflammatory disorders. [Display omitted] •Honokiol decreases TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-activated astrocytes and microglia.•Honokiol stimulates IL-10 expression in LPS-activated astrocytes and microglia.•KLF4 is induced by LPS in microglia and astrocytes.•Honokiol downregulates KLF4 in LPS-activated microglia.