Achillea moschata extract supports blood-brain barrier integrity and attenuates neuroinflammation in vitro

Introduction. Achillea subsp. moschata (Wulfen) is an alpine species traditionally used for its digestive properties. Although its anti-inflammatory effects are known in the gastrointestinal tract1, its role in modulating neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) protection remains unexplored. Given the neuroprotective potential observed in congeneric species2, this study investigates for the first time the effects of A. moschata extract on neuroinflammation and BBB integrity. Materials and Methods. Decoction was prepared following Bottoni et al. (2022). Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (ihBMEC) and murine microglial cells (BV2) were used as in vitro models of the BBB and neuroinflammation, respectively. LPS was used to induce inflammation, for 6 hours; the extract (200 µg/ml) was administered, both alone and under inflammatory conditions, with vehicle and extract-only treatments used as controls. Results. In ihBMECs, LPS significantly upregulated IL-6, IL-1 and ICAM-1, and downregulated ZO-1 and Occludin, indicating BBB disruption. Treatment with A. moschata extract significantly counteracted these effects. In BV2 cells, the extract led to reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 expressions, and a decrease in iNOS levels. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that A. moschata extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects and enhances BBB integrity, supporting its potential therapeutic relevance in neurodegenerative diseases.