Protective effect of Perilla leaf extract against ROS formation and inflammation induced by TNF-α in A549 human lung carcinoma cell line

Perilla frutescens is an herb traditionally used to treat chronic diseases owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of perilla leaf extract (PLE) in TNF-α- treated A549 human lung carcinoma cell line. Perilla frutescens leaves were extracted with 70% ethanol, and the phenolic, flavonoid, and rosmarinic acid contents were determined. Cytotoxicity of PLE was assessed using the MTT assay. The antioxidant activity and intracellular ROS production in TNF-α-treated A549 cells were evaluated. Furthermore, mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators was assessed by RT-qPCR. These results showed that PLE contained phenolic acid, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid and had no cytotoxicity. PLE exhibits antioxidant activity through a reduction in intracellular ROS production in TNF-α-treated A549 cells. Moreover, PLE showed significantly decreased mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and COX-2. Thus, PLE plays an important role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for the prevention of ROS formation and inflammation in A549 cells.