AIM To observe the anti-inflammatory effects of total flavones from Xueli Formula (Violae Herba,Serissa japonica,Plantaginis Herba and Salvia plebeia,TFXL) on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.METHODS The effects of different concentrations of TFXL on RAW264.7 cell viability were examined by MTT assay.The NO kit assay was adopted to detect the NO release amount of TFXL on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.The secretions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) was used to determine the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS),TNF-α,IL6 and IL10 mRNA.The protein expressions of IκB-α and p65 were tested by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the LPS model group,TFXL could significantly reduce the secretions of NO,TNF-α and IL-6;increase the secretion of IL-10;inhibit the expressions of iNOS,TNF-α and IL6 mRNA;promote the expression of IL10 mRNA;inhibit the phosphorylations of IκB-α and p65.The TFXL high-dose group could inhibit the degradation of IκB-α.CONCLUSION This study preliminarily proves the protective effects of TFXL on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell inflammation,whose action mechanism may be related to NF-κB signal pathway.