Coptis chinensis Extract Inhibits the Production of Inflammatory Mediators and Delayed Type Hypersensitivity in Mice

Background: Coptis chinensis rhizome has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional Oriental medicine. We investigated the effects of Coptis chinensis extract on inflammatory mediators and delayed type hypersensitivity in mice. Methods: The inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of Coptis chinensis (CCE) on cell proliferation was evaluated using MTS assay. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the Con A-activated mouse splenocytes were cultured with various concentrations of CCE. Total nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by Griess reaction. The amounts of secreted prostaglandine E2 ($PGE_2$), interleukin (IL)-2 and IFN-${\gamma}$ were measured by ELISA. To investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of CCE, oxazolone-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) model was used. Results: The CCE at $100{\mu}g/ml$ significantly blocked the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE) in RAW264.7 macrophages. Also, it significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-${\gamma}$) production in splenocytes. Furthermore, when splenocytes from CCE fed mice (200 mg/kg for 2 weeks) were activated with Con A, cell proliferation and cytokine production were significantly inhibited. In addition, CCE decreased in vivo inflammation in oxazolone-induced DTH model mice. Conclusion: We suggest that Coptis chinensis can be used as an anti-inflammatory drug by exerting an inhibitory effect in inflammatory mediator- and cell-mediated inflammation.