Evaluation of Salicornia herbacea as a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent

Diet Supplementation with Polyphenol-Rich Salicornia ramosissima Extracts Protects against Tissue Damage in Experimental Models of Cerebral Ischemia

Strokes are the second most common cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. Regular consumption of polyphenols has been shown to reduce the risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. For this reason, we have investigated the protective effect of Salicornia ramosissima, a seasonal halophyte that synthetizes high amounts of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, in response to environmental stress. Aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and ethanolic extracts were prepared to investigate if dietary supplementation prior to ischemic challenge can prevent subsequent damage using two animal models. First, we screened the protective effect against hypoxia-reoxygenation in Drosophila melanogaster and observed that both ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts protected flies from the deleterious effects of hypoxia. Second, we confirmed the protective effect of S. ramosissima ethanolic extract against brain ischemia using the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion mice model. Four weeks of oral supplementation with the ethanolic extract before artery occlusion reduced infarct volume and lowered the plasma levels of the DNA peroxidant product 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. Phytochemical profiling of S. ramosissima ethanolic extract revealed 50 compounds. Thus, it represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds that show promising disease-modifying activities and could be further developed as an effective food supplement for the prevention or treatment of neurovascular disorders.

Salicornia herbacea Aqueous Extracts Regulate NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Macrophages and Trophoblasts

Salicornia herbacea L. (Chenopodiaceae), an edible salt marsh plant with anti-inflammatory effects, was examined in macrophages and trophoblasts whether it modulates NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Pretreatment and delayed treatment of S. herbacea extract (SHE) in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) reduced the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate stimulation and downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β production. SHE also inhibited pyroptotic cell death, the adaptor molecule apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), oligomerization, and speck by NLRP3 inflammasome activity in BMDM. Similarly, SHE decreased the mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the LPS-stimulated human trophoblast cell line, Swan 71 cells. In addition, SHE inhibited the production of IL-6 and IL-1β and decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 in stimulated Swan 71 cells. Finally, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA), one of the components of S. herbacea, inhibited IL-1β produced by NLRP3 inflammasome activity. In conclusion, SHE downregulated the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and trophoblasts.

Pharmacological Insights into Halophyte Bioactive Extract Action on Anti-Inflammatory, Pain Relief and Antibiotics-Type Mechanisms

The pharmacological activities in bioactive plant extracts play an increasing role in sustainable resources for valorization and biomedical applications. Bioactive phytochemicals, including natural compounds, secondary metabolites and their derivatives, have attracted significant attention for use in both medicinal products and cosmetic products. Our review highlights the pharmacological mode-of-action and current biomedical applications of key bioactive compounds applied as anti-inflammatory, bactericidal with antibiotics effects, and pain relief purposes in controlled clinical studies or preclinical studies. In this systematic review, the availability of bioactive compounds from several salt-tolerant plant species, mainly focusing on the three promising species Aster tripolium, Crithmum maritimum and Salicornia europaea, are summarized and discussed. All three of them have been widely used in natural folk medicines and are now in the focus for future nutraceutical and pharmacological applications.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Calendula officinalis L. Flower Extract

The use of calendula for its lenitive properties’ dates to the XII century. This plant contains several bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, terpenes, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Calendula flower extract is used in soothing cosmetics, such as after-sun, sensitive skin and eye contour products. The anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient were demonstrated in an animal model, but the mechanism of action is poorly understood. Therefore, our work explored the effect of a calendula flower extract on NO production, a pro-inflammatory radical produced by nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and highly released by innate immune cells in inflammatory-related pathologies. NO production was evoked by the Toll-like receptor 4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in macrophages, using concentrations that did not compromise cells viability. This ingredient exhibited a dose-dependent NO inhibition, reaching 50% at 147 μL/mL without cytotoxicity. Together with previous literature, these results provide experimental evidence on the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula flower extract, as well as its usefulness in cosmetics with soothing properties and adjunctive skin care in the treatment of the diseases associated with dysregulation of the NO signaling cascade.

Effect of desalted Salicornia europaea L. ethanol extract (PM-EE) on the subjects complaining memory dysfunction without dementia: a 12 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Desalted Salicornia europaea L. (SE) inhibits acetylcholine esterase, attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, and activates neurotrophic pathway. We performed 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of PhytoMeal(a desalted SE)-ethanol extract (PM-EE), in improving the cognitive performance in patients with subjective memory impairment. 63 participants complaining memory dysfunction without dementia (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination [K-MMSE] score ≥ 23) were assigned to PM-EE 600 mg/day or placebo. The cognitive domain of the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-Korean version (ADAS-K) was set as the primary outcome. After 12 weeks, there was no differences in the changes in the primary outcome or the frequency of adverse events between the groups. In the subgroup analysis for the 30 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, baseline K-MMSE scores ≤ 28), PM-EE significantly improved the color-reading score of the Korean color-word stroop test (8.2 ± 25.0 vs. - 4.7 ± 13.2, P = 0.018). Our findings suggest that PM-EE is safe but might not be effective in this setting of this study. However, PM-EE may improve the frontal executive function in the patients with MCI. Further large-sized studies with longer follow-up period is warranted (trial registration number KCT0003418).

Protective Effects of Salicornia europaea on UVB-Induced Misoriented Cell Divisions in Skin Epithelium

Correct orientation of cell division is extremely important in the maintenance, regeneration, and repair of continuously proliferating tissues, such as the epidermis. Regulation of the axis of division of epidermal cells prevents the apoptosis-induced compensatory proliferation, and eventually the cancer. Thus, the orientation of cell division is critical for maintaining the tissue architecture. In this study, we investigated the effects of S. europaea extract on the texture of human skin and the behavior of these cells during skin morphogenesis. In sun-exposed skin, S. europaea improved the texture. A multilayered, highly differentiated in vitro skin model indicated that, S. europaea extract suppressed the UVB-induced changes in the morphology of basal keratinocytes. Orientation of cell division was determined by measuring the axis of mitosis in the vertical sections of our experimental model. Analyses of the digital images revealed that S. europaea preserved the axis of division of basal keratinocytes from UVB-induced perturbations. Our findings uncover a new mechanism by which S. europaea responds to the spindle misorientation induced by UVB.

Microbial biocatalysis of quercetin-3-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside in Salicornia herbacea and their contribution to improved anti-inflammatory activity

Salicornia herbacea (glasswort) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant which exhibits multiple nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties. Quercetin-3-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside are the major flavonoid glycosides found in S. herbacea. Multiple researchers have shown that flavonoid glycosides can be structurally transformed into minor aglycone molecules, which play a significant role in exerting physiological responses in vivo. However, minor aglycone molecule levels in S. herbacea are very low. In this study, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis AD011, isolated from infant feces, catalyzed >85% of quercetin-3-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside into quercetin and isorhamnetin, respectively, in 2 h, without breaking down flavonoid backbones. Functionality analysis demonstrated that the quercetin and isorhamnetin produced showed improved anti-inflammatory activity vs. the original source molecules against lipopolysaccharide induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Our report highlights a novel protocol for rapid quercetin and isorhamnetin production from S. herbacea flavonoids and the applicability of quercetin and isorhamnetin as nutraceutical molecules with enhanced anti-inflammatory properties.

The Ameliorative Effects of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Salicornia europaea L. and Its Bioactive Candidate, Irilin B, on LPS-Induced Microglial Inflammation and MPTP-Intoxicated PD-Like Mouse Model

Hyperactivation of microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the central nervous system, exacerbates various neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkinson's disease is generally characterized by a severe loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, with substantial neuroinflammation and motor deficits. This was experimentally replicated in animal models, using neurotoxins, i.e., LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine). Salicornia europaea L. (SE) has been used as a dietary supplement in Korea and Europe for several years, due to its nutritional and therapeutic value. In this study, we intend to investigate the antineuroinflammatory and anti-PD-like effects of the bioactive fraction/candidate of the SE extract. Initially, we screened various fractions of SE extract using an in vitro antioxidant assay. The optimal fraction was investigated for its in vitro antineuroinflammatory potential in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells and in vivo anti-PD-like potential in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Subsequently, to identify the potential candidate responsible for the elite therapeutic potential of the optimal fraction, we conducted antioxidant activity-guided isolation and purification; the bioactive candidate was structurally characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chromatographic techniques and further investigated for its in vitro antioxidative and antineuroinflammatory potential. The results of our study indicate that SE-EA and its bioactive candidate, Irilin B, effectively alleviate the deleterious effect of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and promote antioxidative effects. Thus, they exhibit potential as therapeutic candidates against neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress-mediated PD-like neurodegenerative complications.

Effects of Salicornia herbacea on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Excreta Microbial Populations, and Noxious Gas Emissions in Broiler Chicks

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding Salicornia herbacea extracts to the drinking water on the growth performance, meat quality, excreta microbial population, and noxious gas emission in broiler chicks. A total of 544 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a 35-d experiment. Broiler chicks were allocated to four treatments with eight replicates, based on a completely randomized design. Diet was the same for all treatments, but a liquid phytogenic supplementation using different quantities of S. herbacea was provided in the drinking water as follows: control (CON), with no S. herbacea; 1 cc/L S. herbacea (SAL1); 5 cc/L S. herbacea(SAL2); and 10 cc/L S. herbacea (SAL3). During d 22–35, and d 1–35, broilers supplemented with S. herbacea extracts had a higher body weight gain (BWG) compared with the broilers in the CON group (P<0.05), but broilers supplemented with S. herbacea extracts had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared with broilers in the CON group (P<0.05). Supplementation with S. herbacea extracts had linear effects on the abdominal fat and the redness (a*) of meat (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between excreta microbial populations and excreta noxious gas emissions in broilers in the CON group, or broilers supplemented with S. herbacea extracts. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that S. herbacea supplementation positively affected the growth performance and meat quality in broilers, indicating that S. herbacea can be safely used to replace antibiotic as a growth promoter, thereby reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance issues.

Desalted Salicornia europaea powder and its active constituent, trans-ferulic acid, exert anti-obesity effects by suppressing adipogenic-related factors

CONTEXT

Salicornia europaea (Amaranthaceae) (SE) has been shown to reduce obesity, but it remains a problem as a food supplement because of its high salt content (25-35% NaCl).

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the anti-obesity effects and mechanism of action of desalted SE powder (DSP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) were divided into a normal control group (NC), a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity control group (HFD), and HFD groups co-administered DSP (250 and 500 mg/kg) or Garcinia cambogia (Clusiaceae) extract (GE, 200 mg/kg, standard control) orally each day for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The body weight was significantly reduced by co-administration of DSP (596.51 ± 19.84 kg, 4.60% and 562.08 ± 9.74 kg, 10.10%, respectively) and GE (576.00 ± 11.29 kg, 7.88%) relative to the HFD group (625.25 ± 14.02 kg) and was accompanied by reduced abdominal fat mass, and serum lipid levels, with no effects on feed intake. To find the underlying mechanism of the anti-obesity effects, trans-ferulic acid (TFA) was identified as the main ingredient and investigated with regard to whether it attenuated adipogenesity in 3T3L-1 cells. DSP-derived TFA suppressed adipocyte differentiation and accumulation of intracellular lipids. TFA also down-regulated the adipogenesis-related gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α and fatty acid synthase.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that DSP may be considered for use as a food supplement intent of controlling obesity through its antiobesity and antiadipogenic properties.

Special metabolites isolated from Urochloa humidicola (Poaceae)

This study aims to identify special metabolites in polar extracts from Urochloa humidicola (synonym Brachiaria humidicola) that have allelopathic effects and induce secondary photosensitization in ruminants. The compounds were isolated and identified via chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The compounds 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzoic acid, trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and p-hydroxy-benzoic acid; the flavonols isorhamnetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and methyl quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronate; and kaempferitrin, quercetin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and tricin were identified in the extract from the leaves of Urochloa humidicola. Two furostanic saponins, namely, dioscin and 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-penogenin, as well as catechin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were identified in the methanolic extract obtained from the roots of this plant. This species features a range of metabolites that may be toxic for animals if used in food and may interfere with the growth medium, thereby inhibiting the development of other species.

In vitro and in silico perspectives on biological and phytochemical profile of three halophyte species-A source of innovative phytopharmaceuticals from nature

BACKGROUND

Halophytes are considered as valuable sources of traditional drugs in different countries.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to evaluate biological and chemical fingerprints of three halophytes (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C, Koch, Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen and Salicornia europaea L.).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory potential (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase) were assessed. The total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and the chemical profiles were appraised using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Molecular docking was conducted to provide additional insights of molecular interactions of the enzymes/phytochemicals.

RESULTS

Ethyl acetate extract was the most efficient extract, with A. macrostachyum being the most potent towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and phosphomolybdenum assay. Ethyl acetate extract of A. macrostachyum was also the best reducing agent (CUPRAC and FRAP assays). Methanol and ethyl acetate extract of A. macrostachyum, H. portulacoides, and S. europaea showed significant enzyme inhibition potential. Ethyl acetate extract of A. macrostachyum showed the highest total phenolic (29.54 ± 0.78 mgGAEs/g extract) while the ethyl acetate extract of S. europaea was more abundant in flavonoids (18.26 ± 0.11 mgREs/g extract). Phytochemical profiling allowed the identification of several components in the methanolic extracts (16 in A. macrostachyum, 14 in H. portulacoides, and 11 in S. europaea), with quinic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rhamnetin being most abundant. Docking studies revealed that the above compounds showed scores for the enzymes tested.

CONCLUSION

The three halophytes studies could be considered as potential sources of biologically-active compounds for novel phytopharmaceuticals development.

Salicornia: evaluating the halophytic extremophile as a food and a pharmaceutical candidate

Food insecurity is a major issue in current scenario where a large section of mankind is at risk of insufficient diet. As food productivity has its limits, the prospecting of unutilized or underutilized flora as food candidates is collectively recognized as a sustainable option. In the past decade, a number of obscure plants have been identified to be rich in dietary components and deemed fit for integration into the food platter. This review discusses a candidate Salicornia, belonging to family Amaranthaceae. This halophyte has a broad geographical distribution, and phytochemical profiling has indicated its food relevance. An array of functional nutrients as fibers, polyphenols, and flavonoids have been detected in Salicornia. Though high salt, oxalate and saponin content in the plants are anti-nutrients, they can be removed to justify usage of Salicornia as a ‘sea vegetable’. Apart from culinary relevance, medicinal attributes like immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, antiproliferative, osteoprotective, and hypoglycemic render this lesser-known marsh plant significant for phytochemical studies. This appraisal is expected to be useful towards further research and popularization of this extremophile halophyte.

Production of novel vinegar having antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities from Salicornia herbacea L

BACKGROUND

Salicornia herbacea L. is a halophyte that grows in salt marshes and contains significant amounts of salts and minerals. Because it is known as a folk medication to treat diseases, various processed products such as powder, globular type of powder, laver and extract have been developed. However, it is difficult to process as a drink because of its high salinity. In the present study, glasswort vinegar (GV) containing high amounts of organic acids and minerals was developed via two-step fermentation with unpolished rice substrates and investigated its antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities.

RESULTS

GV showed various free radical scavenging effects, reducing power, oxidized-LDL inhibition and superoxide dismutase-like activities. Compared with the control group (orally administered 7 g kg(-1) distilled water), the GV supplementation group showed increased running endurance and had higher glycogen accumulation in liver and muscles of rats exhausted by exercise. Furthermore, the GV-administered group demonstrated significantly elevated lactate and ATP metabolism, promoting enzyme activities such as muscle creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, whereas serum fatigue biomarkers such as ammonia, lactate and inorganic acid were markedly decreased.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that GV can be used as a functional food for the development of a dietary beverage to alleviate fatigue.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Solvent-Partitioned Fractions from Spergularia marina in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells

As a part of ongoing research to elucidate and characterize antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals, solvent-partitioned fractions from Spergularia marina were tested for their ability to scavenge radicals and suppress inflammation. The results of the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay indicate that solvent-partitioned fractions from S. marina scavenged intracellular radicals in H2O2-stimulated mouse macrophages. The tested fractions decreased the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inflammation mediators, namely, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)-6, by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophages, indicating that S. marina decreases inflammation. Among all tested fractions [i.e., H2O, n-buthanol (n-BuOH), 85% aqueous methanol (aq. MeOH), and n-hexane], the 85% aq. MeOH fraction showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response. The 85% aq. MeOH fraction scavenged 80% of the free radicals produced by H2O2-induced control cells. In addition, NO production was 98% lower in 85% aq. MeOH fraction-treated cells compared to LPS-induced control cells. The mRNA expression of iNOS and IL-6 was also suppressed in 85% aq. MeOH fraction-treated cells. The results of the current study suggest that the phenolic compound components of S. marina are responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Evaluation of novel antioxidant triterpenoid saponins from the halophyte Salicornia herbacea

As a part of an ongoing search for novel antioxidants from the salt marsh plants, bioactivity-isolation and structure determination of constituents from Salicornia herbacea were performed. One new triterpenoid saponin (4), along with three known saponins (1-3), has been isolated from n-BuOH fraction of S. herbacea. On the basis of the spectroscopic methods, the structure of the new saponin 4 was elucidated as 3β-hydroxy-23-oxo-30-noroleana-12, 20(29)-diene-28-oic acid 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. Scavenging effects of saponins 1-4 were examined on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and peroxynitrite. Particularly, saponin 3 exerted significant antioxidant activity on both authentic peroxynitrite and peroxynitrite generated from morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1).