Anti-neuroinflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, and chemical profile of Jatropha curcas L

The ethyl acetate extract of the stems of Jatropha curcas (ESJ) exerted prominent anti-neuroinflammatory effect through inhibiting microglial overactivation, and reducing mRNA expression of inflammatory factors, including nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase, and interleukin-18 in the cortex and the formation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes in C57BL/6 mice. Phytochemical research afforded twenty-three major constituents, including five undescribed components (diterpenes 1-3, 7 and a triterpene 18) and a new natural product [a diterpene, (3S,5S,10R)-3-hydroxy-12-methoxy-13-methylpodopcarpa-8,11,13-trien-7-one (8)], by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data. Bioassay showed that ESJ (IC50: 6.49 mu g/mL), diterpenes 1, 5, 12, 14, 15, 17, triterpenes 18, 19, preussomerin 22, and lactone 23 (IC50 values from 0.10 to 49.05 mu M) inhibited NO production more strongly than the positive control in lipopolysaccharidestimulated BV-2 cells. HPLC experiment further substantiated that 1, 5, 12, 14-15, 17-19, 22-23 are the characteristic constituents of ESJ, suggesting they might possess the potential for the treatment of neuroinflammation.

Automated summary

The ethyl acetate extract of Jatropha curcas stems (ESJ) has a significant anti-neuroinflammatory effect by inhibiting microglial overactivation and reducing the expression of inflammatory factors. The study also identified major constituents of ESJ, some of which showed stronger anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting their potential for the treatment of neuroinflammation.