Standardized extract of Centella asiatica ECa 233 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release in skin keratinocytes by suppressing ERK1/2 pathways

Objective: To evaluate the effect of standardized extract of Centella asiatica ECa 233 on inflammatory mediator production through cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) pathway in keratinocyte Ha Ca T cells. Methods: Ha Ca T cells were treated with 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/m L ECa 233 in the presence of lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Proinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 were assessed with ELISA. Western blotting was used to determine the inhibition of COX-2, ERK1/2 and NF-κB protein expression.Results: ECa 233 suppressed LPS-induced release of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E2. ECa 233 also inhibited COX-2, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the activation of NF-κB. Moreover, the formation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) was decreased in response to LPS-inflamed keratinocytes.Conclusions: ECa 233 inhibits LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes via suppressing ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways. The suppressive effect of ECa 233 may be related to an inhibition of ROS production.