Peanut shell by-products have been explored for their pharmacological
potential, particularly through applications developed from their
utilization. This study aimed to investigate the effects of peanut shell
extract (UPE) obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. High-performance liquid
chromatography analysis revealed elevated levels of luteolin in the
ultrasound-extracted peanut shell extract (UPE). UPE demonstrated
significant in vitro antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its ability to
scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and
2,2?-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. The
anti-inflammatory effects of UPE were assessed using the nitric oxide (NO)
Griess assay, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis and reverse
transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to evaluate the
expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2). UPE significantly reduced NO, PGE2, and IL-6 levels in LPS-treated
RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, UPE downregulated the expression of iNOS and COX-2, thereby
suppressing NO and PGE2 production. These findings indicate that peanut
shell extracts obtained through UAE have therapeutic potential due to their
enhanced antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, likely attributed to
increased levels of luteolin.