• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.52-63
• /
• 2020

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effects of Pueraria lobata Ohwi flower extracts (PLFE) on macrophages and their underlying mechanism(s) of action. PLFE increased the production of NO and cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-𝛼) in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its immunostimulatory property. Furthermore, PLFE upregulated iNOS, COX-2, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, PLFE enhanced the phosphorylation of I𝜅B𝛼 and subsequent I𝜅B𝛼 degradation, thereby enabling the nuclear translocation of NF-𝜅B. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the immunostimulatory effects of PLFE are mediated by the nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-𝜅B and subsequent secretion of cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-𝛼), upregulation of iNOS and COX-2, and stimulation of MAPK signaling (JNK, ERK, and p38). Thus, PLFE may be a potential immunostimulatory therapeutic.