*2.3. Comparative Effects of T. lutea F&M-M36 Extract and FX on Cell Morphology*

Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that unstimulated RAW 264.7 cells macrophages were almost all small and round, whereas those treated with LPS were flat and spindle-shaped and showed many dendritic-like structures typical of activated macrophages [22]. The treatment with *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract, as well as with FX, significantly reduced the number of cells with dendritic structures (*p* < 0.001 and *p* < 0.01, respectively), an effect similar to that exerted by Celecoxib (*p* < 0.001). In particular, *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract was more effective in counteracting this effect than FX (*p* < 0.001) (Figure 2).

**Figure 2.** Morphology images of RAW 264.7 cells in different groups obtained by a light microscope. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of cells from different experimental groups: (**A**) Unstimulated RAW264.7 cells; (**B**) LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells; (**C**) LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells treated with Celecoxib 3 μM; (**D**) LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells treated with *T. lutea* F&M-M36 extract 100 μg/mL; (**E**) LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells treated with FX 470 ng/mL; (**F**) Percentage of cells with dendritic changes. ### *p* < 0.001 vs. unstimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages (CTRL); \*\* *p* < 0.01 and \*\*\* *p* < 0.001 vs. LPS ˆˆˆ *p* < 0.001 vs. FX by ANOVA test and Dunnett's Multiple Comparison Test. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM of five replicates. Magnification = 400×; Scale bar = 20 μm.
