Anti-inflammatory effects of the polyherbal mixture Vital Air Herb™ on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells

Abstract Background Dysregulated inflammation is a key factor in chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of Vital Air Herb™ (VAH), a blend of thirteen traditional East Asian medicinal plants, against a specific inflammatory disease (e.g., allergy). Methods VAH extracts were prepared by maceration in water or ethanol. The IncuCyte® system was used to assess VAH's cytotoxicity on RAW264.7 macrophages, and its effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. Quantitative analyses of the effect of VAH extracts on pro-inflammatory cytokines and key inflammatory pathways were performed using real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. Results The VAH extracts exhibited no cytotoxicity, indicating safe profiles. Additionally, these extracts significantly suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1β. The VAH extracts also modulated essential inflammatory pathways, as evidenced by changes in the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor-kappa B, p65, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Conclusions The VAH extracts effectively controlled inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators and pathways. These findings suggest their potential for developing anti-inflammatory treatments for targeted diseases.