Proinflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), nitric oxide (NO), and proinflammatory cytokines [interlukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] play pivotal roles in brain injuries. Anti-inflammatory responses are associated with significant downregulation of these proinflammatory mediators following brain injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects of piceatannol (PIC) on the production of proinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. PIC significantly inhibited the release of NO, PGE(2), and proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. PIC also attenuated the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, PIC prevented NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation. Our data also indicate that PIC exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the transcription of proinflammatory cytokine genes through the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory properties of PIC may be useful for attenuating inflammatory diseases and LPS-stimulated microglial activation.