Anti-inflammatory properties of amomum maximum roxb and amomum muricarpum elmer in the north of Vietnam

Abstract

Inflammation is the body's homeostatic defense mechanism in which the immune system reacts to remove foreign bodies. Chronic inflammation can increase the risk for additional damage like autoimmune diseases, arthritis, diabetes and can result in death. Amomum maximum Roxb and Amoimnn muricarpinn Elmer distributed widely in Vietnam have been used in traditional medicine for treatment of some gastrointestinal diseases. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the methanol extracts of A. maximum (AMM) and A. mutricarpum Elmer (AMC) in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. The total extracts showed that the extracts exhibited low cytoloxicily and potent anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing excessive nitric oxide (NO). In conclusion, AMM and AMC root extracts might be potential candidates for a study of naturally alternative anti-inflammatory drugs.