Abstract

Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL) has been used for treating erectile dysfunction, in which inflammation plays a major role. EL tissue cultures can overcome the shortage of material; however, the anti-inflammatory property of such cultures has not been investigated. Herein, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of root and callus cultures of EL and of a related species, Eurycoma harmandiana Pierre (EH), on lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Eurycomalactone and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one were the predominant compounds in EL calli. Eurycomanone content was 0.283 mg/g in EL root culture and 0.348 mg/g in intact roots. The extracts of the root and callus cultures significantly inhibited nitric oxide production, and inhibited the expression of iNOS, IL-6, and COX-2 genes. Overall, the tissue cultures of EH and EL produced eurycomanone, chaparinone, eurycomalactone, 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one, canthin-6-one, and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one, which exhibited anti-inflammatory effects. These tissue cultures may be a valuable and sustainable source of active ingredients effective against inflammatory conditions.