Schizandrin B () is the main component isolated from Schizandra fruit (). While is established as having antioxidant, anti-proliferation and anti-inflammatory properties, but its activity in sepsis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of in sepsis. Our experimental results demonstrated that inhibited production of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and HMGB1 by LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, suppressed expression of iNOS, reduced production of PGE2, blocked expression of MyD88 and TLR4, suppressed the activity of NF-κB and decreased phosphorylation of MAPKs in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Administration of also reduced production of IL-1β and TNF-α, attenuated infiltration of inflammatory cells and tissue damage in lung, liver and kidney, and enhanced survival rate of LPS-challenged mice. Taken together, our data suggest that has anti-inflammatory properties against LPS-induced inflammation and sepsis. could protect against LPS-induced sepsis via the TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 signaling pathway, and potentially be a novel anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug candidate for treating sepsis.
