In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ethyl acetate extract and nicotinic acid from Cordyceps neovolkiana DL0004 in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethyl acetate extract (EA) of Cordyceps neovolkiana DL0004, a native fungal species recently isolated in Vietnam and its purified compound, nicotinic acid (NCA), using in vitro assays. Data showed that both EA and NCA significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages without inducing cytotoxicity. Further, western blot analysis demonstrated that both agents suppressed the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) subunit p50 and p65 in a concentration-dependent manner, with NCA exhibiting greater potency at lower concentrations. In addition, EA and NCA effectively protected cellular DNA and proteins against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage, confirming their antioxidant potential. These findings suggest that C. neovolkiana and its constituents, particularly NCA, possess promising anti-inflammatory activities as evidenced by suppression of NO production, NF-κB activation, and oxidative stress.