*2.5. Comparative Effects of T. lutea F&M-M36 Extract and FX on the Expression of Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Genes*

As shown in Figure 5 and Table 1, both the *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract and FX strongly reduced the expression of IL-6 (*p* < 0.001) and enhanced that of IL-10 (*p* < 0.001) compared to LPS, and the extent of these effects were similar to those exerted by Celecoxib 3 μM. *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract, as well as FX also reduced the mRNA expression of Arg1 compared to LPS (*p* < 0.001) and slightly enhanced that of HO-1 (*p* < 0.001); moreover, the expression of Arg1 in cells treated with *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract was significantly lower compared to cells treated with FX (*p* < 0.001). SOD2 expression was also reduced by both *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract and FX, compared to LPS (*p* < 0.001). *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract and FX were ineffective in reducing the expression of iNOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α. In addition, *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract (*p* < 0.001) but not FX significantly abated the expression of NLRP3.
