Abstract

Aristotelia chilensis is a native berry from southern Chile with a high content of anthocyanins, compounds that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of A. chilensis berry juice on cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression, intracellular signaling pathways, and cell viability in colon cancer cells. The treatment of Caco-2 cells with A. chilensis diluted juice for 24 h reduced the protein and mRNA expression of COX-2, as well as the TNF-α-induced NF-k{cyrillic}B luciferase activity and NFAT activation. In contrast, 4 h after administration, A. chilensis transiently reduced the cytoplasmic Ik{cyrillic}Bα levels and increased ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation as well as c-fos expression. At concentrations that reduced COX-2 expression, A. chilensis did not affected Caco-2 cell viability. Our results suggest a potential anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of A. chilensis. © 2011 Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas.