Inhibitory effect of dihydroartemisinin against phorbol ester-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in macrophages

► DHA suppressed the expression of PMA-induced COX-2 in macrophages. ► DHA inhibits PMA-induced NF-κB, C/EBP, CREB and AP-1 signaling. ► PMA-induced phosphorylation of AKT and the MAP Kinases by DHA. ► DHA may be a potential source of natural anti-inflammatory agents.