1 research outputs found
Dietary Cameroonian Plants Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells
In Cameroon, local plants are traditionally used as remedies for a variety of ailments. In this
regard, several papers report health benefits of Cameroonian spices, which include antioxidant and
anti-microbial properties, whereas gastric anti-inflammatory activities have never been previously
considered. The present study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of
hydro-alcoholic extracts of eleven Cameroonian spices in gastric epithelial cells (AGS and GES-1
cells). The extracts showed antioxidant properties in a cell-free system and reduced H2O2-induced
ROS generation in gastric epithelial cells. After preliminary screening on TNF-induced NF-B
driven transcription, six extracts from Xylopia parviflora, Xylopia aethiopica, Tetrapleura tetraptera,
Dichrostachys glomerata, Aframomum melegueta, and Aframomum citratum were selected for further
studies focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity. The extracts reduced the expression of some
NF-B-dependent pro-inflammatory mediators strictly involved in the gastric inflammatory process,
such as IL-8, IL-6, and enzymes such as PTGS2 (COX-2), without aecting PTGS1 (COX-1).
In conclusion, the selected extracts decreased pro-inflammatory markers by inhibiting the NF-B
signaling in gastric cells, justifying, in part, the traditional use of these spices. Other molecular
mechanisms cannot be excluded, and further studies are needed to better clarify their biological
activities at the gastric level