Phyllanthus niruri leaves: Unveiling their reversible anti-inflammatory activity on MIF protein and macrophage cells

Background: Phyllanthus niruri leaves have been known for their various biological activities, including potential anti-inflammatory effects for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. However, their anti-inflammatory effects have not yet been comprehensively elaborated. This study focuses on unveiling the Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract's potential for chronic inflammation treatment via inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) activity, evaluating its reversibility of inhibition, and examining its ability to reduce the concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: We measure MIF tautomerase activity inhibition by the Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract, determine its IC50 value, conduct reversibility study of the MIF inhibition, perform macrophage RAW 264.7 cell viability study, and measure the reduction of IL-1β and IFN-γ pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations. Results: Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract inhibited MIF activity reversibly with an IC50 in the low mg/L range and reduced the concentrations of IL-1β and IFN-γ pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells to different extents. Conclusion: Phyllanthus niruri leaves showed potency as an anti-inflammatory agent for inflammatory-associated chronic diseases.