In vivo, the mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF and NF-κB in the rat lung demonstrated significant increases during CLP-induced ALI (P<0.05; Figs. 1 and 2); however, these were significantly decreased in response to the administration of M. suaveolens extract (P<0.05; Figs. 1 and 2). The gene discussed is NFKB1; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.