The anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of theseaweed Sargassum macrocarpum (SME) in bone marrowderivedmacrophages (BMDMs) and dendritic cells (BMDCs)were investigated. Primary BMDMs and BMDCs wereused for cytokine production and western blot analysis.
SME (0-50 μg/mL) pre-treatment resulted in a stronginhibitory effect against interleukin (IL)-12 p40, IL-6, andtumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in CpG-stimulatedBMDMs and BMDCs. SME pre-treatment caused a stronginhibitory effect against NF-κB activation, as evaluatedusing degradation of IκBα and the NF-κB reporter geneassay. SME has significant anti-inflammatory propertiesand warrants further study regarding potential use as amedicinal food.