Phytochemicals from Botrychium ternatum with the Anti-inflammatory Activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages

To discover anti-inflammatory drugs, we have investigated phytochemicals in Botrychium ternatum and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects using RAW 246.7 macrophages induced by LPS. Phytochemical investigation has resulted in the identification of 18 compounds including two steroids, one bibenzyl derivative and 15 flavonoids. And six compounds were first found in the genus Botrychium as well as one compound was obtained in B. ternatum for the first time. Next evaluations have revealed except compounds 1 and 2, all the other compounds showed anti-inflammatory activity at 10 mu M via inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, enzymes and mediators. Further explorations using compounds 3, 11 and 12 have unraveled the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds were closely associated with the inactivation of both NF-kappa B and MAPK signaling pathways. These results could provide evidences for the discovery of anti-inflammatory agents from nature and application of B. ternatum in practice.