Analysis of the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Berberis aristata DC. root extract through NF-κB expression modulation

Abstract

Berberis aristata DC. is a medicinal plant known for its rich phytochemical profile and therapeutic properties, especially its anti-inflammatory potential. This study investigated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of B. aristata aqueous root extract (BAE) in broiler chicken splenocytes using biochemical assays and molecular analysis. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed using protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition assays at concentrations of 100-1000 μg/mL, with diclofenac sodium serving as the standard reference. Dose-dependent inhibition was observed for both assays, with BAE exhibiting significant activity, yielding IC₅₀ values ​​of 695.065 μg/mL (protein denaturation) and 1232.316 μg/mL (proteinase inhibition), comparable to diclofenac sodium. To further elucidate the molecular mechanism behind the observed activity, gene expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B1 (NF-κB1) were measured in unstimulated and concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated chicken splenocytes following exposure to BAE. Compared to control cells, BAE significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB1, inhibit the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signalling pathway. The responses were similar to those induced by dexamethasone, further strengthening the anti-inflammatory potential of BAE. The biochemical and molecular results suggest that B. aristata extract has anti-inflammatory effects through a combination of protein-stabilizing, enzyme-inhibitory, and gene-regulatory mechanisms. These results support the traditional medicinal use of B. aristata and highlight its potential as a natural phytogenic anti-inflammatory agent for therapeutic and nutraceutical applications, particularly in poultry health management.