Anti-inflammatory properties of an extract of M. ilicifolia in the human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell line

Ethnopharmacology relevance
Maytenus ilicifolia is a Celastracea plant used in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive tract inflammatory disorders.

Aim of the study
We investigated anti-inflammatory properties of M. ilicifolia crude extract towards Caco-2 cell line, as a model of Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR-2) inflammatory pathway.

Materials and Methods
Toxicity was assessed following culture of Caco-2 with M. ilicifolia, using apparent cell permeability and trans-epithelial electric resistance. Anti-inflammatory properties of M. ilicifolia were assessed through IL-8 secretion and TLR-2 associated gene expression of Caco-2 cells with or without an LTA challenge.

Results
M. ilicifolia was not toxic to Caco-2 cells. M. ilicifolia down-regulated TLR2 expression with and without LTA challenge but had no effect on other genes. Following LTA challenge of Caco-2 cells, 100 and 200 µg/mL M. ilicifolia abrogated IL-8 secretion.

Conclusions
We provide preliminary data for some M. ilicifolia anti-inflammatory properties. Further research must establish the full extent and mode of action on particular inflammatory pathways