Schisandra chinensis α-iso-cubebenol induces heme oxygenase-1 expression through PI3K/Akt and Nrf2 signaling and has anti-inflammatory activity in Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages

► We showed that Nrf2 is required for α-iso-cubebenol-mediated HO-1 expression. ► α-iso-cubebenol induced HO-1 expression through Nrf2, PI3K/Akt and ERK activation. ► α-iso-cubebenol has anti-inflammatory activity in P. gingivalis LPS signals. ► α-iso-cubebenol considered as a candidate in the treatment of periodontitis.