Dietary Cameroonian Plants Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells

Abstract

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 TNFα-induced NF-κB 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-κB-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 affecting PTGS1 (COX-1). In conclusion, the selected extracts decreased pro-inflammatory markers by inhibiting the NF-κB 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.

Cameroonian Spice Extracts Modulate Molecular Mechanisms Relevant to Cardiometabolic Diseases in SW 872 Human Liposarcoma Cells

“…Among the 11 tested extracts, four (A. melegueta, D. glomerata, T. tetraptera and E. giganteus) were effective in significantly reducing (−29/−43%) IL-6 release. T. tetraptera, and D. glomerata were also found to similarly reduce IL-6 release by GES-1 gastric epithelial cells [6]. In addition, four spice extracts (X. parviflora, X. aethiopica, M. myristica, and Z. leprieurii) were able to reduce (−21/−36%) IL-8 release, whereas this was markedly increased by D. glomerata and A. citratum.…”

“…Preliminary experiments were conducted to assess the effect of 11 Cameroonian spice extracts on the viability of differentiated SW 872 cells by MTS assay and morphological analysis. The extraction protocol, molecular composition, and potential cytotoxic effects in other cell lines of the spice extracts used in this study have been previously reported [5][6][7]. The MTS assay was conducted after treatment with different concentrations (1-100 µg/mL) of extracts for 24 h and 48 h. Viability threshold was set at 80% [15].…”

“…Our research group, along with other researchers, has previously investigated the composition and the molecular effects of several spice extracts from Cameroonian plants commonly used in traditional medicine. In particular, we explored the ability of these extracts to modulate the activity of some enzymes relevant to the control of cardiometabolic functions [5], the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by gastric epithelial cells [6] and glucose uptake and antioxidant activity in human HepG2 cells [7].…”

Anti-Th17 and anti-Th2 responses effects of hydro-ethanolic extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Khaya senegalensis and Xylopia aethiopica in hyperreactive onchocerciasis individuals’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells

“…Additional anti-inflammatory effects were recorded, including a significant decrease in IL-6 levels at 250 μg / mL and 500 μg / mL and a significant inhibition of lipoxygenase at concentrations ranging from 16 μg / mL to 250 μg / mL [ 39 ]. Also, pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-8, IL-6 and the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (PTGS2) (COX-2) were significantly inhibited [ 40 ]. It is demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of A .…”

Special Issue: Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Plant Polyphenols 2.0

“…NF-κB is an excellent target for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of various molecules, including those of plant origin. In fact, several classes of polyphenols can inhibit the action of this transcription factor in different cellular models [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”