Anti-inflammatory effects of a bioavailable compound, Artepillin C, in Brazilian propolis

Artepillin C is the major compound in the Brazilian green propolis from Baccharis dracunculifolia. Our aim in this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects, absorption, and bioavailability of Artepillin C in mice. The animals used were male Swiss mice subjected to: paw oedema by carrageenan (300 mu g/paw), carrageenan-induced peritonitis, and prostaglandin E(2) determination. We also measured in vitro nitric oxide production by RAW 264.7 cells and NF-kappa B activity in HEK 293 cells. Finally, we measured the absorption and bioavailability of Artepillin C in plasma from mice by means of GC-MS after a single oral dose (10 mg/kg). In vivo, Artepillin C produced a maximal inhibition of 38% after 360 min on paw oedema. Artepillin C also decreased the number of neutrophils during peritonitis (IC(50): 0.9 (0.5-1.4) mg/kg). Treatment with Artepillin C decreased prostaglandin E(2) by 29 +/- 3% and 58 +/- 5% at 1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, with a mean ID(50) of 8.5 (8.0-8.7)mg/kg). Similarly, in in vitro models, Artepillin C (3, 10, or 100 mu M) decreased nitric oxide production by RAW 264.7 cells with a mean IC(50) of 8.5 (7.8-9.2) mu M. In HEK 293 cells, Artepillin C reduced NF-kappa B activity with a mean IC(50) of 26 (22-30) mu g/ml), suggesting anti-inflammatory activity, particularly during acute inflammation. Lastly, Artepillin C was absorbed after an oral dose (10 mg/kg) with maximal peaks found at 1 h (22 mu g/ml). Collectively, Artepillin C showed anti-inflammatory effects mediated, at least in part, by prostaglandin E(2) and nitric oxide inhibition through NF-kappa B modulation, and exhibited bioavailability by oral administration. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.