Anti-inflammatory effects of hard antler button extract on inflammation in vitro and prostatitis in vivo in mice
Huixin Xing A # , Chao Ma A B # , Xiaoli Wang B # , Yan Zhao A , Yudong Shang B * , Hengxing Ba
A B * and Chunyi Li A B
A
B
# These authors contributed equally to this paper
Handling Editor: Gordon Dryden
Abstract
Deer hard antler button (HAB) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries to treat inflammatory conditions such as mastitis and prostatitis. Despite its historical use, its pharmacological mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of HAB through in vitro and in vivo experiments and metabolomic analysis, using hard antler shaft (HAS) as a control.
This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effects of HAB extract in vitro using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophage model and in vivo with a carrageenan (CAR)-induced prostatitis mouse model. It further identifies key bioactive metabolites in HAB via untargeted metabolomics.
LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages were used to measure cytokine concentrations (interleukin IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin IL-10) after HAB or HAS extract treatment. A CAR-induced prostatitis mouse model assessed histological changes and serum cytokines post-treatment. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics identified differentially expressed metabolites in HAB and HAS, with a focus on metabolites potentially contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects of HAB.
HAB significantly increased IL-10 and reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB in vitro, demonstrating strong anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo, high-dose HAB restored acini structures and reduced inflammation more effectively than did HAS. Metabolomics showed distinct profiles, with HAB showing more upregulated metabolites, including taurocholate, trans-traumatic acid, and 1,4-naphthoquinone, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
HAB exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects, surpassing HAS in efficacy. Its therapeutic potential is likely to stem from specific bioactive compounds identified through metabolomics.
These findings provide pharmacological evidence supporting the traditional use of HAB and highlight its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Future studies should focus on isolating key metabolites for targeted therapy development.
Keywords: anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone, hard antler button, hard antler shaft, metabolomics, prostatitis, taurocholate, traditional Chinese medicine.
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