Effects of edible bird's nest on tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion, nitric oxide production and cell viability of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a popular delicacy among the Chinese diaspora associated with various health claims. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of white-EBN acid hydrolysate on tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) generation, while examining its cytotoxic effect on a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Processed commercial EBN and unprocessed raw EBN collected from different geographical zones and at different harvesting seasons were studied. The cytotoxic effect was determined by cell viability assessed by MTS assay, while NO production was determined by the Griess reaction and TNF-α concentration was measured using an ELISA kit. The results showed that both commercial and raw EBN inhibited TNF-α and NO generation, the highest inhibition 58% and 63%, respectively without significant cytotoxic effect was brought about by raw EBN from the South zone. The results suggest that EBN may possess anti-inflammatory properties that should be further studied.