Cacalol Acetate, a Sesquiterpene from Psacalium decompositum, Exerts an Anti-inflammatory Effect through LPS/NF-KB Signaling in Raw 264.7 Macrophages

Inflammatory diseases remain critical health problems worldwide. The search for anti-inflammatory drugs is a primary activity in the pharmaceutical industry. Cacalol is a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory potential that is isolated from Psacalium decompositum, a medicinal plant with several scientific reports supporting its anti-inflammatory activity. Cacalol acetate (CA) is the most stable form. Nevertheless, the participation of CA in the main signaling pathway associated with inflammation is unknown. Our aim was to study the anti-inflammatory effect of CA and to determine its participation in NF-kappa B signaling. In TPA-induced edema in mice, CA produced 70.3% inhibition. To elucidate the influence of CA on the NF-kappa B pathway, RAW 264.7 macrophages were pretreated with CA and then stimulated with LPS, evaluating NF-KB activation, IKK phosphorylation, IKB-alpha, p65, cytokine expression, and COX-2 release and activity. CA inhibited NF-kappa B activation and its upstream signaling, decreasing phosphorylation IKB-alpha and p65 levels. CA also reduced expression and secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6. Additionally, it decreased the activity and expression of COX-2 mRNA. These data support that CA regulates the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, which might explain, at least in part, its anti-inflammatory effect. CA is a bioactive molecule useful for the development of anti-inflammatory agents with innovative mechanisms of action.