Echinacea alkylamides modulate TNF‐α gene expression via cannabinoid receptor CB2 and multiple signal transduction pathways

• DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.10.064
• Publication Date: 2004-11-05T18:00:12Z
• Authors: Juerg Gertsch; Roland Schoop; Urs Kuenzle; Andy Suter
• Keywords: Mechanism of Action

Echinacea plant preparations are widely used in the prevention and treatment of common cold. However, so far no molecular mechanism action has been proposed. We analyzed standardized tincture Echinaforce found that it induced de novo synthesis tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA primary human monocytes/macrophages, but not TNF-alpha protein. Moreover, LPS-stimulated protein was potently inhibited early phase prolonged late phase. A study main constituents extract showed alkylamides dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamides (1/2), trienoic (3) dienoic (4) derivatives responsible for this effect. The upregulation to be mediated by CB2 receptors, increased cAMP, p38/MAPK JNK signaling, as well NF-kappaB ATF-2/CREB-1 activation. This is first report a possible Echinacea, highlighting role potent immunomodulators potential ligands receptors.