Regulation of NF-κB activity in astrocytes: effects of flavonoids at dietary-relevant concentrations

► We tested the hypothesis that low concentrations of flavonoids inhibit NF-κB in astrocytes. ► Primary cultured astrocytes possess a functional κB-system, measured using luciferase assays. ► Seven flavonoids (100 nM-1 μM) failed to reduce NF-κB activity in astrocytes. ► Four flavonoids (100 nM-1 μM) failed to reduce TNFa-stimulated NF-κB activity in astrocytes. ► (−)-Epicatechin did not regulate nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunit, p65.