Andrographolide inhibits the production of TNF-alpha and interleukin-12 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages: role of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Andrographolide has been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. In this study, we have investigated the effect of andrographolide on the production of TNF-alpha and IL-12 (Interleukin-12) in murine peritoneal macrophages. Andrographolide decreased TNF-alpha, IL-12a and IL-12b at mRNA level, and reduced the production of TNF-alpha and IL-12p70 proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, we have found that addition of andrographolide inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase, but not that of JNK, p38 or NF-kappaB. These results suggested that andrographolide inhibit LPS-induced production of TNF-alpha via suppression of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.