Potential in vitro anti-neuroinflammatory sterols from mango fruits (Mangifera indica L.)

Mango is one of the most popular fruit in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In this study, previously undescribed two sterols ( 1 – 2 ) and one terpenoid ( 10 ), as well as ten known phytochemicals ( 3 – 9 , 11 – 13 ), were isolated and identified from mango fruits. In vitro anti-neuroinflammatory activity of the purified compounds was evaluated and most of them exhibited pronounced bioactivity. Among them, compounds 2 and 5 exhibited the most significant anti-neuroinflammatory effects, which were comparable to that of indomethacin (positive control) and suggested that the sterols in the fruits of mango played important roles for the anti-neuroinflammatory activity. Further, Western blotting, quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to confirm that compounds 2 and 5 exerted the anti-neuroinflammatory through the NF-κB pathway. The study provided a phytochemical evidence for further development and utilization of the fruits of mango in health products.