Gynura formosana Kitam (family Compositae) has traditionally been used for the prevention of diabetes, cancer and inflammation in China. However, there are few reports of its anti‑inflammatory effects. In the present study, after assessing the in vitro antioxidant activities of extracts from Gynura formosana Kitam leaves, the anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract of Gynura formosana Kitam leaves (EAEG) were further investigated in rats using a cotton pellet‑induced model of granuloma. EAEG significantly inhibited the formation of cotton pellet‑induced granuloma in rats in a dose‑dependent manner. Moreover, EAEG treatment significantly decreased the level of plasma C‑reactive protein and suppressed the activities of plasma glutamate pyruvate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase in model groups. Furthermore, EAEG increased the hepatic levels of anti‑oxidative enzymes or antioxidants, including catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione, and reduced the level of lipid peroxidation in the rat model of inflammation. In addition, EAEG decreased plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑1β in the rat model of inflammation. Therefore, our results indicated that EAEG had potent anti‑inflammatory effects, which was achieved at least in part through activating antioxidant enzyme activities and suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators by macrophages.

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