Phyllanthus niruri leaves: Unveiling their reversible anti-inflammatory activity on MIF protein and macrophage cells

نویسندگان

  • Tjie Kok
  • Angga Juniansa
  • Dewi Galuh Surtikanthi
  • Fenny Irawati
  • Zheng Guan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v8i8.1623

چکیده

Background: Phyllanthus niruri leaves have been known for their various biological activities, including potential anti-inflammatory effects for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. However, their anti-inflammatory effects have not yet been comprehensively elaborated. This study introduces the novel finding that Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract reversibly exhibits inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) activity, a key protein in chronic inflammation, with a low IC50. Furthermore, it demonstrates the extract's ability to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IFN-γ in macrophage cells, suggesting a previously unelaborated mechanism for its anti-inflammatory potential.

Methods: The research innovatively combines the assessment of MIF tautomerase inhibition with the evaluation of pro-inflammatory cytokine reduction in macrophage cells to comprehensively characterize the anti-inflammatory activity of Phyllanthus niruri. The determination of the reversibility of MIF inhibition adds a crucial layer of understanding to its potential therapeutic action, suggesting a dynamic interaction with the target protein.

Results: Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract inhibited MIF activity reversibly with an IC50 in the low mg/L range and reduced the concentrations of IL-1β and IFN-γ pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells to different extents.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract holds promise as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for managing inflammation-associated chronic diseases. The demonstrated in vitro efficacy warrants further investigation into its potential as a therapeutic or preventive agent, paving the way for future in vivo studies and clinical trials to validate its use in human health.

Keywords: inflammatory-associated chronic diseases, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), macrophage cells, Phyllanthus niruri, anti-inflammatory agent.

چاپ شده

2025-08-13

شماره

نوع مقاله

Research Articles