Carli, Camila B. de A. [UNESP]Quilles, Marcela B. [UNESP]Vilegas, Wagner [UNESP]Carlos, Iracilda Zeppone [UNESP]2014-12-032014-12-032013-01-01Latin American Journal of Pharmacy. La Plata: Colegio Farmaceuticos Provincia de Buenos Aires, v. 32, n. 10, p. 1516-1521, 2013.0326-2383http://hdl.handle.net/11449/111385Species of the genus Qualea are used by the Brazilian people as a natural anti-inflammatory. Based on this evidence, we evaluated the effects of terpene fractions beta F and TF (rich in beta-sitosterol and terpenoids, respectively) obtained from Qualea multiflora on nitric oxide production, cytokines (IL-1, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha) and the transcription factor NF-kappa B by peritoneal macrophages. Since there is a relationship between inflammation and cancer, the cytotoxicity of beta F and TF against mammary and pulmonary tumoural cell lineages, and macrophages was evaluated. Inhibition levels close to 90% of the production of NO, IL-1, IL-12 and TNF-alpha; about 32% of NF-kappa B; and a large stimulation of IL-10 production (close to the positive control) by peritoneal macrophages were observed in response to beta F and TF which are correlated with anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the samples showed cytotoxic activity against tumoural cells but not against macrophages. Since anti-inflammatory activity is important in tumour inhibition, further examination of potential anti-cancerous activity of Qualea multiflora is warranted.1516-1521engCancerMacrophagesQualea multifloraArtigoWOS:000331253000012Acesso restrito79278772243268370000-0003-3032-2556