Ethanol extract of Justicia gendarussa inhibits lipopolysaccharide stimulated nitric oxide and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in murine macrophage

Context: Justicia gendarussa Burm (Acanthaceae) is a plant used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant has not been studied well. Objective: The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Justicia gendarussa leaves (J-01) are studied here for the first time. Materials and methods: The ethanol extract, J-01 was prepared from the leaves of Justicia gendarussa. The inhibitory effect of J-01 in nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene expressions were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Results: J-01 in a concentration dependent manner (200--50 mu mu g/mL) attenuated NO production from macrophage stimulated with LPS (1 mu mu g/mL). Further, J-01 significantly suppressed iNOS mRNA expression in these cells. J-01 has also downregulated the MMP-9 gene expression in LPS stimulated macrophage. Discussion and conclusion: The modulatory function of J-01 in inhibiting NO, iNOS, and MMP-9 as obtained from the present in vitro studies provide first scientific evidence to support the anti-inflammatory properties of Justicia gendarussa. This plant may have potential use in the management of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.