Seasonal and Geographic Dynamics in Bioproperties and Phytochemical Profile of Limonium algarvense Erben.

This study delved into the influence of ecological and seasonal dynamics on the synthesis of secondary metabolites in the medicinal halophyte Limonium algarvense Erben, commonly known as sea lavender, and examined their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aerial parts of sea lavender were systematically collected across winter, spring, summer, and autumn seasons from distinct geographic locations in southern Portugal, specifically "Ria de Alvor" in Portimão and "Ria Formosa" in Tavira. The investigation involved determining the total polyphenolic profile through spectrophotometric methods, establishing the chemical profile via liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), and evaluating in vitro antioxidant properties using radical and metal-based methods, along with assessing anti-inflammatory capacity through a cell model. Results unveiled varying polyphenol levels and profiles across seasons, with spring and autumn samples exhibiting the highest content, accompanied by the most notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Geographic location emerged as an influential factor, particularly distinguishing plants from "Ria de Alvor". Seasonal fluctuations were associated with environmental factors, including temperature, which, when excessively high, can impair plant metabolism, but also with the presence of flowers and seeds in spring and autumn samples, which also seems to contribute to elevated polyphenol levels and enhanced bioproperties of these samples. Additionally, genetic factors may be related to differences observed between ecotypes (geographical location). This study underscores sea lavender's potential as a natural source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, emphasizing the significance of considering both geographic location and seasonal dynamics in the assessment of phenolic composition and bioactive properties in medicinal plant species.

A First Approach for the Micropropagation of the Edible and Medicinal Halophyte Inula crithmoides L.

Inula crithmoides L. (golden samphire) is an edible aromatic halophyte species with confirmed nutritional and medicinal properties attributed to the presence of important metabolites, including proteins, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing a micropropagation protocol for golden samphire that can serve as a nursery approach to its standardized commercial cultivation. For that purpose, a complete regeneration protocol was developed by improving shoot multiplication from nodal explants, rooting, and acclimatization methodologies. The treatment with BAP alone induced the maximum shoot formation (7-7.8 shoots/explant), while IAA treatment increased the shoot height (9.26-9.5 cm). Furthermore, the treatment that coupled best shoot multiplication (7.8 shoots/explant) and highest shoot height (7.58 cm) was MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/L BAP. Moreover, all shoots produced roots (100% rooting), and multiplication treatments did not exert significant effect on root length (7.8-9.7 cm/plantlet). Moreover, by the end of the rooting phase, plantlets cultivated with 0.25 mg/L BAP had the highest shoot number (4.2 shoots/plantlet), and plantlets from 0.6 mg/L IAA + 1 mg/L BAP presented the highest shoot height (14.2 cm) similar to control plantlets (14.0 cm). The survival up to the ex-vitro acclimatization stage was increased from 9.8% (control) to 83.3%, when plants were treated with a paraffin solution. Nevertheless, the in vitro multiplication of golden samphire is a promising way for its rapid propagation and can be used as a nursery method, contributing to the development of this species as an alternative food and medicinal crop.

New Insights into the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Properties of Lycium intricatum Bois. (Solanaceae).

This work aimed to boost the valorisation of Lycium intricatum Boiss. L. as a source of high added value bioproducts. For that purpose, leaves and root ethanol extracts and fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) were prepared and evaluated for radical scavenging activity (RSA) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal chelating potential against copper and iron ions. Extracts were also appraised for in vitro inhibition of enzymes implicated on the onset of neurological diseases (acetylcholinesterase: AChE and butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE), type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, α-glucosidase), obesity/acne (lipase), and skin hyperpigmentation/food oxidation (tyrosinase). The total content of phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and hydrolysable tannins (THTC) was evaluated by colorimetric methods, while the phenolic profile was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled to a diode-array ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV-DAD). Extracts had significant RSA and FRAP, and moderate copper chelation, but no iron chelating capacity. Samples had a higher activity towards α-glucosidase and tyrosinase, especially those from roots, a low capacity to inhibit AChE, and no activity towards BuChE and lipase. The ethyl acetate fraction of roots had the highest TPC and THTC, whereas the ethyl acetate fraction of leaves had the highest flavonoid levels. Gallic, gentisic, ferulic, and trans-cinnamic acids were identified in both organs. The results suggest that L. intricatum is a promising source of bioactive compounds with food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.

Nutritional and Phyto-Therapeutic Value of the Halophyte Cladium mariscus L. (Pohl.): A Special Focus on Seeds.

This work searched for the phyto-therapeutic potential and nutritional value of seeds from the halophyte Cladium mariscus L. (Pohl.), aiming at its use as a source of bioactive ingredients for the food industry. Hence, the nutritional profile, including minerals, of seeds biomass was determined; food-grade samples were prepared, and their phytochemical fingerprinting assessed. Extracts were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant potential, inhibitory capacity towards enzymes related to neuroprotection, diabetes, and hyperpigmentation, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with a toxicological assessment. Sawgrass seeds can be considered a proper nutritional source with a good supply of minerals. All extracts had a high level of total phenolics (65.3−394.4 mg GAE/g DW) and showed a chemically rich and diverse profile of metabolites that have several biological properties described (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory). Extracts had no significant toxicity (cell viabilities > 80%) and were overall strong antioxidants (particularly at radical scavenging and reducing iron), effective tyrosinase inhibitors (55−71 mg KAE/g DW), showed anti-inflammatory properties (30−60% NO decrease), and had moderate capacity to inhibit enzymes related to neuroprotection (AChE 3.7−4.2, BChE 4.3−6.0 mg GALE/g DW) and diabetes (α-glucosidase 1.0−1.1, α-amylase 0.8−1.1 mmol ACAE/g). Altogether, results suggest that sawgrass seeds have the potential to be exploited as a new food product and are a reservoir of bioactive molecules with prospective applications as ingredients for value-added, functional, and/or preservative food products.

A first approach for the micropropagation of the medicinal halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. and phenolic profile of acclimatized plants.

Polygonum maritimum L. (sea knotgrass) belongs to a genus commonly used in folk medicine to treat inflammation-related disorders. In vitro pharmacological studies have confirmed these properties that were ascribed to bioactive flavonoids, such as myricetin and quercetin glycosides. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing a micropropagation procedure for sea knotgrass for obtaining standardized materials for its potential commercial cultivation. For that, a complete plant regeneration protocol was developed by improving shoot multiplication from nodal explants, rooting and acclimatization procedures, followed by the assessment of the phenolic profile of the in vitro-produced plants. The combination of 3 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) + 0.1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) induced the maximum shoot formation (10.3), which was significantly increased from the first to the second cycle (18.3). The best rooting capacity was observed on shoots derived from the control medium (100%), followed by 2 mg/L kinetin (KIN) (97%) and 3 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L IAA (90%); however, the shoot number at the end of the rooting phase was higher on shoots derived from 3 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L IAA (6.16). The plant growth regulators used in the multiplication phase influenced survival in the acclimatization process, and plants derived from the control medium had the highest survival percentage (63.1%). Acetone extracts made from aerial organs of micropropagated sea knotgrass showed a predominance of the flavonoid myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (8.135 mg/g). Overall, the halophyte sea knotgrass was successfully micropropagated showing its potential as a medicinal crop for the extraction of bioactive molecules.

The Medicinal Halophyte Frankenia laevis L. (Sea Heath) Has In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, α-Glucosidase Inhibition, and Cytotoxicity towards Hepatocarcinoma Cells.

This work explored the medicinal halophyte Frankenia laevis L. (sea heath) as a potential source of bioactive natural products. In this sense, methanol and dichloromethane extracts were prepared from aerial organs containing flowers, leaves and stems, and were profiled for their chemical composition using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The extracts were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant capacity using five complementary methods: enzyme inhibitory effects on enzymes related with neurodegeneration (acetyl (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)), Type 2 diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase), hyperpigmentation/food oxidation (tyrosinase), and cytotoxicity towards human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. Fifty-one molecules were identified in the extracts, including several derivatives of phenolic acids, lignans and flavonoids, monoterpenes, and hydroxylated derivatives of linoleic acid. The methanol extract was effective in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging (EC50 = 0.25 and 0.65 mg/mL, respectively), copper chelation (EC50 = 0.78 mg/mL), and iron reduction (EC50 = 0.51 mg/mL) activities, whereas the dichloromethane extract had high iron chelating ability (EC50 = 0.76 mg/mL). Both extracts showed the capacity to inhibit α-glucosidase, especially the dichloromethane (EC50 = 0.52 mg/mL). This extract also exerted a significant selective cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells (EC50 = 52.1 µg/mL, SI > 1.9). In conclusion, extracts from the aerial parts of sea heath were shown to be a promising source of natural products for pharmaceutical and/or food additive applications due to their high antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and cytotoxic properties.

Metabolomic Profile and Biological Properties of Sea Lavender (Limonium algarvense Erben) Plants Cultivated with Aquaculture Wastewaters: Implications for Its Use in Herbal Formulations and Food Additives.

Water extracts from sea lavender (Limonium algarvense Erben) plants cultivated in greenhouse conditions and irrigated with freshwater and saline aquaculture effluents were evaluated for metabolomics by liquid chromatography-tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), and functional properties by in vitro and ex vivo methods. In vitro antioxidant methods included radical scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and copper and iron chelating assets. Flowers' extracts had the highest compounds' diversity (flavonoids and its derivatives) and strongest in vitro antioxidant activity. These extracts were further tested for ex vivo antioxidant properties by oxidative haemolysis inhibition (OxHLIA), lipid peroxidation inhibition by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, and anti-melanogenic, anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammation, and cytotoxicity. Extract from plants irrigated with 300 mM NaCl was the most active towards TBARS (IC50 = 81 µg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 873 µg/mL). In OxHLIA, the activity was similar for fresh- and saltwater-irrigated plants (300 mM NaCl; IC50 = 136 and 140 µg/mL, respectively). Samples had no anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic abilities and were not toxic. Our results suggest that sea lavender cultivated under saline conditions could provide a flavonoid-rich water extract with antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties with potential use as a food preservative or as a functional ingredient in herbal supplements.

A Review on Sarcocornia Species: Ethnopharmacology, Nutritional Properties, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Propagation.

Sarcocornia A. J. Scott is a halophytic edible succulent plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. To date, the genus includes 28 species distributed worldwide in saline environments, usually salt marshes. Sarcocornia (Scott) is similar to Salicornia (L.), which has a recognized commercial value in morphological and taxonomical traits. Species of both genera are commonly named samphire or glassworts in Europe, and their fleshy shoots are commercialized under their traditional names. Due to their nutritional, organoleptic and medicinal properties, Sarcocornia species have a high economic potential in various biotechnology sectors. Being highly tolerant to salt, they can be cultivated in saline conditions, and dissimilar to Salicornia, they are perennial, i.e., they can be harvested year-round. Therefore, Sarcocornia species are considered promising gourmet vegetables to be explored in the context of climate change, soil and water salinization and eco-sustainability. We hereby put together and reviewed the most relevant information on Sarcocornia taxonomy, morphology, nutritional and pharmacological properties, uses in ethnomedicine, potential applications in biotechnology, and propagation strategies.

Greener Is Better: First Approach for the Use of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) to Extract Antioxidants from the Medicinal Halophyte Polygonum maritimum L.

In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) formed by choline chloride (ChCl), sucrose, fructose, glucose, and xylose, were used to extract antioxidants from the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. (sea knotgrass) and compared with conventional solvents (ethanol and acetone). NADES and conventional extracts were made by an ultrasound-assisted procedure and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant properties by the radical scavenging activity (RSA) on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and copper chelating activity (CCA). Samples were profiled by liquid chromatography (LC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-QTOF-MS analysis. ChCl:fructose was more efficient in the DPPH assay, than the acetone extract. ChCl:sucrose and ChCl:fructose extracts had the highest ORAC when compared with the acetone extract. NADES extracts had higher CCA, than the acetone extract. The phenolic composition of the NADES extracts was less complex than the conventional extracts, but the proportions of major antioxidants, such as flavonols and flavan-3-ols, were similar in all the solvents. Myricitrin was the major flavonoid in all of the samples, while gallic acid was the main phenolic acid in the conventional extracts and present in a greater amount in ChCl:fructose. Results suggest that NADES containing ChCl and sucrose/fructose can replace conventional solvents, especially acetone, in the extraction of antioxidants from sea knotgrass.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial Screening and Cytotoxic Activity of Chiliadenus antiatlanticus (Asteraceae) Essential Oil.

The chemical composition and in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil (EO) of Chiliadenus antiatlanticus (Emb. & Maire) Gómiz, an asteraceous species endemic to the southwest of Morocco, were investigated. The EO yield was 1.07±0.28 %, twenty-seven metabolites were identified representing more than 96.4 % of the total composition. Camphor (35.7 %) and derivatives, borneol (4.9 %) and camphene (4.2 %) together with intermedeol (19.9 %), α-pinene (15.5 %) and (E)-pinocarveol (4.1 %) were the major constituents. An antibacterial activity was noticed against 24 strains (all Gram-positive) out of 71 at MICs values=100 µg/mL. The EO also showed significant toxicity towards liver HepG2 (55.8 % of cell viability) and melanoma B16 4A5 (41.6 % of cell viability) tumor cell lines at 100 µg/mL.

In vitro enzyme inhibitory and anti-oxidant properties, cytotoxicity and chemical composition of the halophyte Malcolmia littorea (L.) R.Br. (Brassicaceae).

This work reports for the first time the in vitro anti-oxidant (towards DPPH, ABTS, copper and iron), enzymatic inhibitory (on AChE, BuChE, α-glucosidase, α-amylase and tyrosinase), cytotoxicity (towards HepG2 and HEK 293 cells), and metabolomics (by HPLC-MS) of extracts from organs of Malcolmia littorea (L.) R.Br. Extracts were constituted mainly by phenolic acids and flavonoids, and main compounds were salicylic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. Samples showed reduced radical scavenging and metal chelating capacity, and only the methanol extracts reduced iron. The root's ethanol and methanol extracts, and the aerial organ's ethanol extract exhibited the highest AChE inhibition. The root's ethanol extract displayed dual anti-cholinesterase activity. Samples showed a low capacity to inhibit α-amylase, but a high α-glucosidase inhibition was obtained with the root's and flower's ethanol extracts, and flower's methanol extract. Overall, samples displayed a high inhibition against tyrosinase, reduced HepG2 cellular viability and were less toxic towards HEK 293 cells.

New insights into the chemical profiling, cytotoxicity and bioactivity of four Bunium species.

Bunium species have been reported to be used both as food and in traditional medicines. The scientific community has attempted to probe into the pharmacological and chemical profiles of this genus. Nonetheless, many species have not been investigated fully to date. In this study, we determined the phenolic components, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities of aerial parts of four Bunium species (B. sayai, B. pinnatifolium, B. brachyactis and B. macrocarpum). Results showed that B. microcarpum and B. pinnatifolium were strong antioxidants as evidenced in the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays. B. brachyactis was the most effective metal chelator, and displayed high enzyme inhibition against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase, and lipase. The four species showed varied antimicrobial activity against each microorganism. Overall, they showed high activity against P. mirabilis and E. coli (MIC and MBC <1 mg mL-1). B. brachyactis was more effective against Aspergillus versicolor compared to the standard drug ketoconazole. B. brachyactis was also more effective than both ketoconazole and bifonazole against Trichoderma viride. B. sayai was more effective than ketoconazole in inhibiting A. fumigatus. B. sayai was most non-toxic to HEK 293 (cellular viability = 117%) and HepG2 (cellular viability = 104%). The highest level of TPC was observed in B. pinnatifolium (35.94 mg GAE g-1) while B. microcarpum possessed the highest TFC (39.21 mg RE g-1). Seventy four compounds were detected in B. microcarpum, 70 in B. brachyactis, 66 in B. sayai, and 51 in B. pinnatifolium. Quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, pantothenic acid, esculin, isoquercitrin, rutin, apigenin, and scopoletin were present in all the four species. This study showed that the four Bunium species are good sources of biologically active compounds with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential.

Scrophularia lucida L. as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications: In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory properties, in silico studies, and HPLC profiles.

The genus Scrophularia has received much interest with regards to its traditional uses against eczema, psoriasis, and mastitis. Yet, the medicinal properties of some species still need to be scientifically validated. The present study was designed to investigate into the biological properties of various solvent extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous) of the roots and aerial parts of Scrophularia lucida based on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory activities together with phytochemical screening. Our results revealed that the solvent extracts differed in their biological effectiveness. The root ethyl acetate extract showed the highest ABTS scavenging, FRAP, CUPRAC, and inhibitory activity against AChE and α-glucosidase. The ethyl acetate extract of the aerial parts displayed the highest BChE and α-amylase inhibition and antioxidant effect in the phosphomolybdenum assay, while the methanol extracts of both parts were the most effective DPPH• scavengers and tyrosinase inhibitors. The methanol extracts of the root and aerial parts also inhibited NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine leukemic monocyte-macrophage cell (4.99% and 10.77%, respectively), at 31.25 µg/mL concentration. The highest TPC (34.98 mg GAE/g extract) and TFC (48.33 mg RE/g extract) were observed in the ethyl acetate extract of the root and aerial parts, respectively. The most abundant compounds in the root ethyl acetate extract were luteolin (852 µg/g extract), rosmarinic acid (522 µg/g extract), and hesperidin (394 µg/g extract) while kaempferol was most abundant in the ethyl acetate extract of the aerial parts (628 µg/g extract). In silico experiments were conducted on tyrosinase and the higher docking values were observed for rosmarinic acid and hesperidin. The present findings provide base line information which tend to support the potential use of S. lucida in the management of several chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus.

Exploring the halophyte Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout as a source of health promoting products: In vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, metabolomic profile and computational studies.

In this study, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol and water extracts from flowers, stems and roots of Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout were appraised for radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and superoxide free radicals, and for metal chelating activities on iron and copper ions. The water extracts had the highest antioxidant activity, especially those from roots and flowers, and were further appraised for in vitro inhibition of enzymes implicated on the onset of human ailments, namely acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) for Alzheimer's disease, α-glucosidase and α-amylase for diabetes, and tyrosinase for skin hyperpigmentation disorders. The extracts had a higher activity towards BuChE, and the roots extract had the highest capacity to inhibit tyrosinase. Samples showed a low capacity to inhibit carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes, except for the root extract with a good inhibition on glucosidase. Samples were then characterized by NMR (1D and 2D): the main metabolites identified in the flowers extract were iridoid glycosides, in particular gluroside and bartsioside. In stems, phenylehanoid glycosides (PhGs) and iridoids were detected, especially acteoside. In roots were detected essentially PhGs, mainly echinacoside and tubuloside A. Docking studies were performed on the identified compounds. A favorable binding energy of tubuloside A to tyrosinase was calculated, and indicated this compound as a possible competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. Our results suggest that C. phelypeae is a promising source of biologically-active compounds with health promoting properties for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Health promoting potential of herbal teas and tinctures from Artemisia campestris subsp. maritima: from traditional remedies to prospective products.

This work explored the biotechnological potential of the medicinal halophyte Artemisia campestris subsp. maritima (dune wormwood) as a source of health promoting commodities. For that purpose, infusions, decoctions and tinctures were prepared from roots and aerial-organs and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic and tyrosinase-inhibitory potential, and also for polyphenolic and mineral contents and toxicity. The dune wormwood extracts had high polyphenolic content and several phenolics were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass-spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-MS). The main compounds were quinic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, coumarin sulfates and dicaffeoylquinic acids; several of the identified phytoconstituents are here firstly reported in this A. campestris subspecies. Results obtained with this plant's extracts point to nutritional applications as mineral supplementary source, safe for human consumption, as suggested by the moderate to low toxicity of the extracts towards mammalian cell lines. The dune wormwood extracts had in general high antioxidant activity and also the capacity to inhibit α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. In summary, dune wormwood extracts are a significant source of polyphenolic and mineral constituents, antioxidants and α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitors, and thus, relevant for different commercial segments like the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and/or food industries.

Chemical profiling of infusions and decoctions of Helichrysum italicum subsp. picardii by UHPLC-PDA-MS and in vitro biological activities comparatively with green tea (Camellia sinensis) and rooibos tisane (Aspalathus linearis).

Several medicinal plants are currently used by the food industry as functional additives, for example botanical extracts in herbal drinks. Moreover, the scientific community has recently begun focusing on halophytes as sources of functional beverages. Helichrysum italicum subsp. picardii (everlasting) is an aromatic halophyte common in southern Europe frequently used as spice and in traditional medicine. In this context, this work explored for the first time H. italicum subsp. picardii as a potential source of innovative herbal beverages with potential health promoting properties. For that purpose, infusions and decoctions were prepared from roots, vegetative aerial-organs (stems and leaves) and flowers and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. Samples were also assessed for toxicity in different mammalian cell lines and chemically characterized by spectrophotometric methods and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-mass-spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-MS). Results were expressed relating to 'a cup-of-tea' and compared with those obtained with green tea (Camellia sinensis) and rooibos tisane (Aspalathus linearis). Tisanes from the everlasting's above-ground organs, particularly flowers, have high polyphenolic content and several phenolics were identified; the main compounds were chlorogenic and quinic acids, dicaffeoylquinic-acid isomers and gnaphaliin-A. The antioxidant activity of beverages from the everlasting's above-ground organs matched or surpassed that of green tea and rooibos. Its anti-diabetic activity was moderate and toxicity low. Overall, our results suggest that the everlasting is a potential source of innovative and functional herbal beverages.

Juncaceae species as sources of innovative bioactive compounds for the food industry: In vitro antioxidant activity, neuroprotective properties and in silico studies.

Several Juncus species are traditionally used as sedative and to treat health problems like insomnia. This work was based on the hypothesis that Juncus acutus, J. maritimus and J. inflexus may have molecules with bioactivities relevant for the improvement of cognitive functions and thus with potential use as food additives and/or nutraceuticals. Therefore leaves and roots extracts of those species were evaluated for radical scavenging (RSA) and metal chelating activities, and for in vitro inhibition of acetyl-(AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). The bioactive compound was isolated and identified by HPLC-DAD, and its anticholinesterase capacity was determined by different assays. Docking studies were performed to elucidate its inhibitory mechanism. The dichloromethane root extract of J. acutus had the highest RSA against DPPH and ABTS radicals, and the dichloromethane extract of J. maritimus leaves had the uppermost FRAP. The dichloromethane extract from J. acutus leaves had the strongest BuChE inhibition. Juncunol was the bioactive compound, exhibiting dual anticholinesterase capacity on enzyme-based assays and AChE inhibition in neuronal and glial cells in vitro. Molecular docking studies indicate juncunol as a competitive reversible inhibitor. Our results suggest that Juncus spp. can be sources of bioactive compounds with application in the food industry as cognitive-enhancer nutraceuticals.

Unlocking the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential of Polygonum maritimum.

CONTEXT: Several Polygonum species (Polygonaceae) are used in traditional medicine in Asia, Europe and Africa to treat inflammation and diabetes. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential of methanol and dichloromethane extracts of leaves and roots of the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antioxidant activity was determined (up to 1 mg/mL) as radical-scavenging activity (RSA) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), copper (CCA) and iron (ICA) chelating activities and iron reducing power (FRAP). NO production was measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages for 24 h at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL and antidiabetic potential was assessed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition (up to 10 mg/mL) assays. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: The methanol leaf extract had the highest activity against DPPH• (IC50 = 26 µg/mL) and ABTS+• (IC50 = 140 µg/mL), FRAP (IC50 = 48 µg/mL) and CCA (IC50 = 770 µg/mL). Only the dichloromethane leaf extract (LDCM) showed anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 48 µg/mL). The methanol root (IC50 = 19 µg/mL) and leaf (IC50 = 29 µg/mL) extracts strongly inhibited baker's yeast α-glucosidase, but LDCM had higher rat's α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 2527 µg/mL) than acarbose (IC50 = 4638 µg/mL). GC-MS analysis identified ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, 1-octacosanol and linolenic acid as possible molecules responsible for the observed bioactivities. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest P. maritimum as a source of high-value health promoting commodities for alleviating symptoms associated with oxidative and inflammatory diseases, including diabetes.

In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Limonium algarvense flowers' infusions and decoctions: A comparison with green tea (Camellia sinensis).

This work reports the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and toxicity of infusions and decoctions of Limonium algarvense flowers, and green tea. The total contents in different phenolic groups and the quantification of individual phenolics by HPLC are also reported. L. algarvense and green tea had similar antioxidant properties, except for hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity, higher on green tea, and iron chelating potential, higher on L. algarvense. The later species also had the uppermost anti-inflammatory potential. Green tea decoction had the highest content of phenolic groups, but the infusion of L. algarvense had higher amounts of salicylic, gallic and coumaric acids. L. algarvense was not toxic, whereas green tea was toxic for S17 cells. Under our experimental conditions, infusions and decoctions of L. algarvense flowers had similar or higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than green tea, and thus, may be useful for alleviating symptoms associated with oxidative and inflammatory-related diseases.

A comparative evaluation of biological activities and bioactive compounds of the seagrasses Zostera marina and Zostera noltei from southern Portugal.

This work assessed the antioxidant potential, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and the in vitro cytotoxic activity of extracts of the seagrasses Zostera marina and Zostera noltei collected from southern Portugal. The total phenolic contents (TPCs), the rosmarinic acid (RA) concentration (HPLC/DAD) and the fatty acid (FA) profile (GC/MS) are also described. Z. marina had the highest TPC, radical scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and copper chelating activity. Z. noltei had metal chelation capacity to copper and iron ions. None of the species was able to inhibit AChE. Both seagrasses had high levels of polyunsaturated FAs. Z. marina significantly and selectively reduced the viability of tumorous neuronal cells. Z. noltei was highly toxic for the three cell lines tested and was selective against hepatocarcinoma cells at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. RA was the main compound identified in Z. marina, but not in Z. noltei.