Anethole, a Medicinal Plant Compound, Decreases the Production of Pro-Inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β in a Rat Model of LPS-Induced Periodontitis

Periodontitis (pd) is known to be one of most prevalent worldwide chronic inflammatory diseases. there are several treatments including antibiotics for pd; however, since drug resistance is an increasing problem, new drugs particularly derived from plants with fewer side effects are required. the effects of trans-anethole on il-1 β and tnf-α level in a rat model of pd were investigated and compared to ketoprofen. eschericia coli lipopolysaccharide (lps, 30 μg) was injected bilaterally into the palatal gingiva (3 μl/site) between the upper first and second molars every two days for 10 days in anesthetized rats. administration of either trans-anethole (10 or 50 mg/kg, i.p.) or ketoprofen (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was started 20 minute before lps injection and continued for 10 days. then, il-1β and tnf-α levels were measured in blood samples by elisa at day 0 (control) and at day 10. anethole at both concentrations significantly suppressed il-1β and tnf-α production when compared to lps-treated rats. the suppressive effects of anethole on lps-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were almost similar as seen with ketoprofen. in conclusion, the present results suggest that anethole may have a potent inhibitory effect on pd through suppression of pro-inflammatory molecules; therefore it could be a novel therapeutic strategy for pd.