Objective: To observe the protective effect of aqueous extract and monomer components of Biqi capsule on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammatory response of monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 in mice

determine the major anti-inflammatory active components of Biqi capsule

and provide theory basis for the upgrade of quality control standards. Method: Acute inflammatory model was built by LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

and treated by aqueous extract of Biqi capsule (mass concentration of 0.25

0.5

1 mg·L-1) and major monomer components (brucine

strychnine

cryptotanshinone

salvianolic acid B

liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid

mass concentration of 1×10-7

1×10-6

1×10-5 mol·L-1). After treatment for 24 h

nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL) -6 were detected by Griess reagent assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

respectively. Result: Compared with the normal group

the expressions of IL-6 and NO were significantly increased in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells of model group. Compared with the model group

both aqueous extract of Biqi capsule and cryptotanshinone could inhibit the increase of NO and IL-6;brucine

strychnine

glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid could inhibit NO secretion of RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion: Cryptotanshinone

brucine and strychnine are the major anti-inflammatory components in aqueous extract of Biqi capsule.