Protective Effect of Bakuchiol Against Vascular Inflammation in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Background: The vascular endothelium regulates vascular inflammatory responses essential for controlling cardiovascular disease-induced complications. Moreover, regulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli is critical for controlling cardiovascular inflammation. Although bakuchiol is an established natural anti-inflammatory agent, its effects on intravascular inflammation remain elusive. Objectives: This study aimed to assess bakuchiol’s inhibitory effects on vascular inflammatory responses by inducing adhesion molecule expression using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Materials and Methods: Vascular inflammation was stimulated with TNF-α by culturing human primary endothelial cells (ECs). Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and adhesion molecule expression due to TNF-α stimulation were confirmed by Western blotting. Results: ICAM-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were significantly increased by TNF-α but decreased by bakuchiol. Bakuchiol inhibited monocyte adhesion by suppressing TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression and reduced NF-κB p65 subunit acetylation and phosphorylation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the potential of bakuchiol in preventing TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Bakuchiol may be used to prevent and treat vascular diseases, including hypertension, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress.