• Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Artemisia fragrans Essential Oil Through iNOS Gene Suppression in Activated Macrophages: A Molecular Insight
  • Maryam Farghadan,1,* Sepideh Ashouri Movassagh,2
    1. Human and Animal Cell Bank, Iranian Biological Resource Center (IBRC), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
    2. Human and Animal Cell Bank, Iranian Biological Resource Center (IBRC), ACECR, Tehran, Iran


  • Introduction: Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and autoimmune conditions. One of the central mediators in inflammatory pathways is nitric oxide (NO), primarily produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in activated macrophages. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of Artemisia fragrans essential oil, focusing on its effects on iNOS gene expression and NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells.
  • Methods: The essential oil was extracted from the aerial parts of A. fragrans and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing 32 constituents with camphor (31.84%) and 1,8-cineole (29.01%) as the major components. Cytotoxicity assays using MTT revealed no significant toxicity at concentrations up to 7 mg/mL, ensuring suitability for further biological evaluation.
  • Results: Macrophages were activated with LPS (1 µg/mL) and treated with different concentrations (1.75, 3.5, and 7 mg/mL) of the essential oil. NO levels in culture media were quantified using the Griess reaction, while iNOS mRNA expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in NO production and iNOS expression, with the most substantial inhibition observed at 7 mg/mL (p < 0.0001).
  • Conclusion: These findings suggest that A. fragrans essential oil exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity, likely mediated by its major monoterpenes, camphor and 1,8-cineole. By suppressing iNOS transcription and subsequent NO production, the oil may offer therapeutic benefits in inflammatory conditions. Further studies, including in vivo and mechanistic investigations, are warranted to fully elucidate its pharmacological potential.
  • Keywords: Artemisia fragrans, Essential oil, iNOS, NO, Anti-inflammatory