Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Dibenzoylmethane and Silibinin: Insights from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 Cells and TPA-induced Mouse Model

Inflammation is an important predisposing factor for many chronic diseases. The dietary flavonoid silibinin has excellent anti-inflammatory properties in cells, but its low bioavailability in the blood compromises its therapeutic potential.  This study aims to investigate the potential of dibenzoylmethane (DBM) to synergistically enhance the anti-inflammatory benefits of silibinin (SB). The synergistic effects of DBM and SB in combination were evaluated in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and TPA-induced mice. In addition, a network pharmacology approach and molecular docking were used to explore the key targets and signaling pathways of DBM and SB in combination. The results showed that DBM and SB synergistically inhibited the production of NO, ROS, IL-1β, and TNF-α in a 1:1 concentration ratio. These two compounds may exert their synergistic effects by modulating the NF-κB and HIF-1 signaling pathways, among others. Molecular docking revealed that both compounds exhibited high binding affinities to iNOS and COX-2. Compared with single compound use, the two compounds in combination significantly reduced ear edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, and inhibited the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in TPA-induced mice. This research provides a rationale for the combination of DBM and SB as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.