Antcin A contributs to anti-inflammatory effect of Niuchangchih (Antrodia camphorata)

Inflammation is the responses of body to harmful stimuli in many pathological conditions. Prevention and treatment of inflammation are the main indication of a variety of natural products. Recently, Niuchangchih (Antrodia camphorata), a medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has received considerable attention from the public due to its potent bioactivities, such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, immuno-modulatory and anti-hepatitis activities^[1]. Till now, researchers have identified a total of 26 compounds from Niuchangchih, including 11 succinic/maleic acid derivatives, 8 triterpenoids, 1 benzenoids, 1 benzoquinone derivative, 5 miscellaneous compounds and polysaccharides, that possess antiinflammatory effect^{[2, 3]}. However, the mechanisms underlying their antiinflammatory actions remain elusive.