Abstract
Inflammation is the underlying factor for degenerative diseases; hence, targeting inflammatory cascades are of greater importance in preventing these disorders. The traditionally used medical plant Thottea siliquosa is often used against inflammation associated health problems in folk medicines. To provide scientific validation to their traditional uses, the potential of the methanol extract of the plant was analyzed as a possible inflammation inhibitory agent was analyzed. The TSM pre-treatment showed significant inhibition against lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.05). To provide the mechanistic basis, the qPCR analysis also showed a marked decline in the expression of inflammatory genes (toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NF-kB) TSM treatment. Further, the results indicated no significant toxic effects for the TSM in onion root cells. In addition, it was found to reduce the genotoxic effect of ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS) in the Allium cepa root cells. It is thus possible that TSM may be a possible candidate for anti-inflammatory drugs. Further, the anti-genotoxic property also indicates the possible use of the plant against different genotoxic agents.
•Thottea siliquosa leaves are used in traditional medicines against various diseases.•Thottea inhibited LPS- induced cytokine release and NO production in macrophages.•Mechanistic basis of action is via inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB signalling.•Thottea siliquosa methanolic extract was found to be safer and non-genotoxic.•Thottea protected against EMS-induced genotoxicity in Allium cepa model.