Targeting the PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/NF-κB/FOXO3a signaling pathway for suppressing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats: Role of the natural remedic Suaeda vermiculata forssk.

Liver malignancy is well recognized as a prominent health concern, with numerous treatment options available. Natural products are considered a renewable source, providing inspiring chemical moieties that could be used for cancer treatment. Suaeda vermiculata Forssk has traditionally been employed for management of hepatic conditions, including liver inflammation, and liver cirrhosis, as well as to improve general liver function. The findings of our earlier study demonstrated encouraging in vivo hepatoprotective benefits against liver injury generated by paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride. Additionally, Suaeda vermiculata Forssk exhibited cytotoxic activities in vitro against Hep-G2 cell lines and cell lines resistant to doxorubicin. The present investigation aimed to examine the potential in vivo hepatoprotective efficacy of Suaeda vermiculata Forssk extract (SVE) against hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA) in rats. The potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway was addressed. Sixty adult male albino rats were allocated into five groups randomly (n = 10). First group received a buffer, whereas second group received SVE only, third group received DENA only, and fourth and fifth groups received high and low doses of SVE, respectively, in the presence of DENA. Liver toxicity and tumor markers (HGFR, p-AKT, PI3K, mTOR, NF-κB, FOXO3a), apoptosis markers, and histopathological changes were analyzed. The current results demonstrated that SVE inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway as well as increased expression of apoptotic parameters and FOXO3a levels, which were deteriorated by DENA treatment. Furthermore, SVE improved liver toxicity markers and histopathological changes induced by DENA administration. This study provided evidence for the conventional hepatoprotective properties attributed to SV and investigated the underlying mechanism by which its extract, SVE, could potentially serve as a novel option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment derived from a natural source.

Towards the Sustainable Exploitation of Salt-Tolerant Plants: Nutritional Characterisation, Phenolics Composition, and Potential Contaminants Analysis of Salicornia ramosissima and Sarcocornia perennis alpini.

Increasing soil salinisation represents a serious threat to food security, and therefore the exploitation of high-yielding halophytes, such as Salicornia and Sarcocornia, needs to be considered not merely in arid regions but worldwide. In this study, Salicornia ramosissima and Sarcocornia perennis alpini were evaluated for nutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and contaminants. Both were shown to be nutritionally relevant, exhibiting notable levels of crude fibre and ash, i.e., 11.26-15.34 and 39.46-40.41% dry weight (dw), respectively, and the major minerals were Na, K, and Mg. Total phenolics thereof were 67.05 and 38.20 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g extract dw, respectively, mainly p-coumaric acid and quercetin. Both species displayed antioxidant capacity, but S. ramossima was prominent in both the DPPH and ß-carotene bleaching assays. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in S. ramosissima, at 5.21 µg/Kg dw, which may pose a health threat. The Cd and Pb levels in both were low, but the 0.01 mg/Kg Hg in S. perennis alpini met the maximum legal limit established for marine species including algae. Both species exhibit high potential for use in the agro-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, but specific regulations and careful cultivation strategies need to be implemented, in order to minimise contamination risks by mycotoxins and heavy metals.

A metabolomics approach to evaluate the effect of lyophilization versus oven drying on the chemical composition of plant extracts.

Lyophilization is the "gold standard" for drying plant extracts, which is important in preserving their quality and extending their shelf-life. Compared to other methods of drying plant extracts, lyophilization is costlier due to equipment, material and operational expenses. An alternative method is post-extraction oven-drying, but the effects of this process on extract quality are unknown. In this study, crude extracts from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum shoots were compared using three post-extraction drying methods (lyophilization and oven drying at 40 and 60 °C) and two extraction solvents (water and aqueous 50% ethanol). Untargeted metabolomics coupled with chemometrics analysis revealed that post extraction oven-drying resulted in the loss of up to 27% of molecular features when compared to lyophilization in water extracts only. In contrast, only 3% of molecular features were lost in aqueous 50% ethanol extracts when subjected to oven drying. That is to say, ethanol used as a solvent has a stabilizing effect on metabolites and enhances their resistance to thermal transformation in the oven. Collectively, oven-drying of extracts was as effective as lyophilization in preserving metabolites in extracts only when 50% ethanol was used as a solvent. The results presented in this paper demonstrate the value of selecting solvent-appropriate post-extraction drying methods.

Roles of Suaeda vermiculata Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract, Its Subsequent Fractions, and the Isolated Compounds in Hepatoprotection against Paracetamol-Induced Toxicity as Compared to Silymarin.

Suaeda vermiculata, a halophyte consumed by livestock, is also used by Bedouins to manage liver disorders. The aqueous-ethanolic extract of S. vermiculata, its subsequent fractions, and pure compounds, i.e., pheophytin-A (1), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (2), and quercetin (3), were evaluated for their hepatoprotective efficacy. The male mice were daily fed with either silymarin, plant aq.-ethanolic extract, fractions, pure isolated compounds, or carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC) for 7 days (n = 6/group, p.o.). On the day 7th of the administrations, all, except the intact animal groups, were induced with hepatotoxicity using paracetamol (PCM, 300 mg/kg). The anesthetized animals were euthanized after 24 h; blood and liver tissues were collected and analysed. The serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels decreased significantly for all the S. vermiculata aq.-ethanolic extract, fraction, and compound-treated groups when equated with the PCM group (p < 0.0001). The antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased significantly (p < 0.05) for the silymarin-, n-hexane-, and quercetin-fed groups. Similarly, the catalase (CAT) enzyme level significantly increased for all the groups, except for the compound 2-treated group as compared to the CMC group. Also, the glutathione reductase (GR) levels were significantly increased for the n-butanol treated group than for the PCM group. The oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxide (LP) and nitric oxide (NO), the inflammatory markers, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the kidney's functional biomarker parameters remained unchanged and did not differ significantly for the treated groups in comparison to the PCM-induced toxicity bearing animals. All the treated groups demonstrated significant decreases in cholesterol levels as compared to the PCM group, indicating hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. The quercetin-treated group demonstrated significant improvement in triglyceride level. The S. vermiculata aq.-ethanolic extract, fractions, and the isolated compounds demonstrated their hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects, confirming the claimed traditional use of the herb as a liver protectant.

Serjanic Acid Glycosides from Chenopodium hybridum L. with Good Cytotoxicity and Selectivity Profile against Several Panels of Human Cancer Cell Lines.

Two triterpene saponins, including a novel serjanic acid derivative, were isolated from Chenopodium hybridum L. (Amaranthaceae) aerial parts. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic methods (MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Both compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity and selectivity on skin, prostate, gastrointestinal, thyroid and lung cancer cells. Their effect was dose and time-dependent with varied potency, the highest against prostate PC3 and melanoma WM793, where IC50 was lower than the reference drug doxorubicin. Structure-activity relationship is briefly discussed.

Insights into cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition by isolated bioactive compounds 3-caffeoyl-4-dihydrocaffeoyl quinic acid and isorhamnetin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside from Salicornia herbacea.

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions. Overexpression of COX-2 has been associated with various inflammatory-related diseases and therefore, projected as an important pharmacological target. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of isolated bioactive compounds, 3-caffeoyl-4-dihydrocaffeoyl quinic acid (CDQ) and isorhamnetin 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (IDG), from Salicornia herbacea against COX-2 using both computational and in vitro approaches. METHODS: Computational analysis, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and post-simulations analysis, were employed to estimate the binding affinity and stability of CDQ and IDG in the catalytic pocket of COX-2 against Celecoxib as positive control. These predictions were further evaluated using in vitro enzyme inhibition as well as gene expression mediation in macrophages cells. RESULTS: Molecular docking analysis revealed substantial binding energy of CDQ (-6.1 kcal/mol) and IDG (-5.9 kcal/mol) with COX-2, which are lower than Celecoxib (-8.1 kcal/mol). MD simulations (100 ns) and post simulation analysis exhibited the substantial stability and binding affinity of docked CDQ and IDG compounds with COX-2. In vitro assays indicated significant COX-2 inhibition by CDQ (IC50 = 76.91 ± 2.33 µM) and IDG (IC50 = 126.06 ± 9.44 µM). This result supported the inhibitory potential of isolated bioactive compounds against COX-2. Also, a cellular level study revealed a downregulation of COX-2 expression in tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with CDQ and IDG. CONCLUSION: Computational and experimental analysis of CDQ and IDG from S. herbacea established their potential in the inhibition and mediation of COX-2. Hence, CDQ and IDG can be considered for therapeutic development against COX-2 linked disorders, such as inflammation and cancer. Furthermore, CDQ and IDG structures can be served as a lead compound for the development of advanced novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

A comprehensive phytochemical, biological, toxicological and molecular docking evaluation of Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forssk.: An edible halophyte medicinal plant.

Suaeda fruticosa is an edible medicinal halophyte known for its traditional uses. In this study, methanol and dichloromethane extracts of S. fruticosa were explored for phytochemical, biological and toxicological parameters. Total phenolic and flavonoid constituents were determined by using standard aluminum chloride and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, and UHPLC-MS analysis of methanol extract was performed for tentative identification of secondary metabolites. Different standard methods like DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and metal chelation assays were utilized to find out the antioxidant potential of extracts. Enzyme inhibition studies of extracts against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase and, α-glucosidase enzymes were also studied. Likewise, the cytotoxicity was also assessed against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and DU-145 cell lines. The higher phenolic and flavonoids contents were observed in methanol extracts which can be correlated to its higher radical scavenging potential. Similarly, 11 different secondary metabolites were tentatively identified by UHPLC profiling. Both the extract showed significant inhibition against all the enzymes except for α-glucosidase. Moreover, docking studies were also performed against the tested enzymes. In the case of cytotoxicity, both the samples were found moderately toxic against the tested cell lines. This plant can be explored further for its potential therapeutic and edible uses.

Chemical Structure and Biological Activities of Secondary Metabolites from Salicornia europaea L.

Salicornia europaea L. is a halophyte that grows in salt marshes and muddy seashores, which is widely used both as traditional medicine and as an edible vegetable. This salt-tolerant plant is a source of diverse secondary metabolites with several therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the chemical structure and biological activities of secondary metabolites isolated from Salicornia europaea L.

Myorelaxant Effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides Essential Oil on Sus scrofa domesticus Coronary Artery and Its Toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster Model.

PURPOSE: Alternative methods for the use of animals in research have gained increasing importance, due to assessments evaluating the real need for their use and the development of legislation that regulates the subject. The principle of the 3R's (replacement, reduction and refinement) has been an important reference, such that in vitro, ex vivo and cord replacement methods have achieved a prominent place in research. METHODS: Therefore, due to successful results from studies developed with these methods, the present study aimed to evaluate the myorelaxant effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil (EODa) using a Sus scrofa domesticus coronary artery model, and the toxicity of both the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil and its major constituent, α-terpinene, against Drosophila melanogaster in toxicity and negative geotaxis assays. RESULTS: The EODa relaxed the smooth muscle of swine coronary arteries precontracted with K+ and 5-HT in assays using Sus scrofa domesticus coronary arteries. The toxicity results presented LC50 values of 1.546 mg/mL and 2.282 mg/mL for the EODa and α-terpinene, respectively, thus showing the EODa and α-terpinene presented toxicity to these dipterans, with the EODa being more toxic. CONCLUSIONS: Moreover, the results reveal the possibility of using the EODa in vascular disease studies since it promoted the relaxation of the Sus scrofa domesticus coronary smooth muscle.

A novel acylated flavonol tetraglycoside and rare oleanane saponins with a unique acetal-linked dicarboxylic acid substituent from the xero-halophyte Bassia indica.

In recent years, the scientific interest and particularly the economic significance of halophytic plants has been highly demanding due to the medicinal and nutraceutical potential of its bioactive compounds. A xero-halophyte Bassia indica is deemed to be a very cheap source of natural entities without chemical or biological investigation. In this context, a new acylated flavonol tetraglycoside, kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-[ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-2-O-trans-feruloyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (14), together with rare occurring flavonol triglycoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (15), were isolated from the aqueous methanol extract of the aerial parts of B. indica. The study also reported an optimal separation and characterization of a new seco-glycosidic oleanane saponin with 2'R,3'S stereocenters, identified as (2'R,3'S)-3-O-[2'-hydroxy-3'-(2"-O-glycolyl)-oxo-propionic acid-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-en-3ß-ol-28-oic acid (17), in addition to its derivative, 3-O-[2'-(2"-O-glycolyl)-glyoxylyl-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-en-3ß-ol-28-oic acid (16). The structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated based on 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-MS analysis, as well as comparing with similar derivatives published in the literature. Furthermore, thirteen known compounds were isolated and identified as ß-sitosterol (1), vanillic acid (2), o-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), р-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (5), methyl caffeate (6), caffeic acid (7), quercetin (8), uracil (9), thymidine (10), tachioside (11), isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (12), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (13). The anticholinesterase activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated.

Influence of soil salinity on the protein and fatty acid composition of the edible halophyte Halimione portulacoides.

As the worldwide population continues to rise, so does global demand for agricultural production. This scenario of uncertain food supply is exacerbated by the high salinization of soils worldwide, a serious constraint to crop productivity. In this context, there is an increasing need for alternative sustainable crops. Halophytes are thought to be a promising alternative food source due to their natural ability to grow in saline soils and their multiple potential uses in the food industry. In this study, the protein and fatty acid content of the halophyte Halimione (Atriplex) portulacoides (L.) was studied in different saline conditions. Although more studies are needed to explore the nutritional properties of H. portulacoides, the data presented here suggest that this halophyte should be considered as a promising food crop for saline agriculture.

Perennial halophyte Salicornia neei Lag.: Cell wall composition and functional properties of its biopolymers.

Salicornia neei halophyte extends in Argentina seashores. To envisage potential applications, cell wall sequential extraction performed on dry plant yielded 1.1, 2.4, 0.3 and 0.9% of pectin fractions respectively extracted by room temperature water, 90 °C-water, CDTA and Na2CO3. They contained 21-33% uronic acids (UA) with low degree of methylation and 0.5-1.2 M ratios of neutral sugars to UA. High arabinose level suggests that long arabinan side-chains maintain cell wall flexibility in water deficit. Fractions also contained 10-36% of proteins. The KOH-soluble fractions (4.3%) were mainly arabinoxylans. At 2.0% w/v, pectin fractions developed "weak gel"-type networks with Ca2+, while arabinoxylans generated "dilute solutions". Cellulose (28%) and lignin (45.1%) were the main biopolymers in the final residue, which showed low water swelling capacity (3.6 mL/g) due to lignin, increasing when arabinoxylans were also present. Phenolics (9.8%) were mainly water-extractable. Salicornia is a source of biopolymers and antioxidants potentially useful for food applications.

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).

Coriolic Acid (13-(S)-Hydroxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadienoic Acid) from Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) Suppresses Breast Cancer Stem Cell through the Regulation of c-Myc.

Cancer stem cells have certain characteristics, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and drug resistance, which are related to tumor progression, maintenance, recurrence, and metastasis. In our study, we targeted breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) using a natural compound, coriolic acid, from Salicornia herbacea L. This compound was isolated by mammosphere formation inhibition bioassay-guided fractionation and identified by using NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Coriolic acid inhibited the formation of mammospheres and induced BCSC apoptosis. It also decreased the subpopulation of CD44high/CD24low cells, a cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype, and specific genes related to CSCs, such as Nanog,Oct4, and CD44. Coriolic acid decreased the transcriptional and translational levels of the c-Myc gene, which is a CSC survival factor. These results indicated that coriolic acid could be a novel compound to target BCSCs via regulation of c-Myc.

Phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and cytotoxic basis for the use of Haloxylon stocksii.

A halophytic plant, Haloxylon stocksii, is used to treat various inflammatory disorders traditionally. The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical parameters, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and cytotoxic potential of the whole plant extracts of H. stocksii. The plant powder was standardized for pharmacognostic parameters. It was extracted with methanol followed by chloroform, ethyl acetate and water to prepare respective fractions. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extract and fractions were estimated. The anti-inflammatory potential was determined through carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Centrally acting analgesic activity was assessed through the hot plate method. MTT assay was used to assess the viability of Human umbilical and human hepatocyte carcinoma cell lines upon exposure to plant extract/fractions. Chloroform fraction showed the highest phenolic while ethyl acetate exhibited a maximum flavonoids content. The plant ethyl acetate fraction exhibited highest percentage inhibition of paw edema and maximum analgesic activity at 500 mg/kg dose. The plant methanolic extract and fractions showed dose dependent cytotoxic activity. The present study concludes that the extracts of H. stocksii may be effective and safe against acute inflammatory response and pain at therapeutic concentrations.

Investigations of Phytoconstituents, Antioxidant and Anti-Liver Cancer Activities of Saueda monoica Forssk Extracted by Microwave-Assisted Extraction.

BACKGROUND: Wild edible plants are good sources for bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals with various applications. They can play a role in supporting the immune system and are highly beneficial as resources. Suaeda monoica Forssk is a wild edible plant that grows in Iraq and it's biological activities have not yet reported. METHODS: Saueda monoica Forssk bioactive compounds were extracted by a microwave-assisted extraction method using ethanol as a solvent, and its chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS. The biological activities were evaluated via antioxidant, anti-liver-cancer, antibacterial, and toxicity tests in vitro. RESULTS: The results of GC-MS analysis showed that there were about 20 bioactive compounds. The most abundant compound was N,N-Dimethylglycine methyl ester, followed by 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, and N,N-Dimethylglycine. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of the plant showed a significant IC50. The extract of S. monoica against liver cancer cells (HCAM) showed significant toxicity. Flow cytometric analysis showed a significant induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrested at G1 phase. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the significance of the components of Iraqi S. monoica Forssk by MAE method as a potential food supplement in nutrition systems to prevent liver cancer and enhance the liver's defense against diseases.
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A New Phenolic Alkaloid from Halocnemum strobilaceum Endophytes: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Biofilm Inhibitory Activities.

Human infections caused by microbial biofilm formation represent a growing major health threat. A new alkaloid, 3-amino-5-(3-hydroxybutan-2-yl)-4-methylphenol, was isolated from the corn grit culture of the endophytic isolate Penicillium citrinum-314 associated with Halocnemum strobilaceum, a halophyte growing in the Egyptian marshes. The new alkaloid was identified by 1D, 2D-NMR and HR-ESI-MS-MS and given the trivial name halociline. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities were recorded. Furthermore, another known compound, 1,3,6-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-9H-xanthen-9-one, was obtained in smaller amounts and revealed a non-microbicidal 100 % reduction in biofilm formation, with an MBIC value of 62.5 µg/mL (228 µM) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ferm-BAM), a FRAP value of 447.941±37.876 mM/L as well as a marked safety profile against three cancer cell lines. Through in silico molecular docking study, in the binding sites of Pseudomonas enzymes, key ligand enzyme interactions were determined to support the in vitro results.

Influence of cultivation salinity in the nutritional composition, antioxidant capacity and microbial quality of Salicornia ramosissima commercially produced in soilless systems.

The consumption of halophytes as healthy gourmet food has increased considerably in the past few years. However, knowledge on the nutritional profile of domesticated halophytes is scarce and little is known on which cultivation conditions can produce plants with the best nutritional and functional properties. In this context, Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods was cultivated in six different salt concentrations, ranging from 35 to 465 mM of NaCl. Both the nutritional profile, the antioxidant capacity, and microbial quality of the produced plants were evaluated including minerals and vitamins. Salt has a marked effect on growth, which decreases for salinities higher than 110 mM. Nonetheless, plants cultivated with intermediate levels of salinity (110 and 200 mM) revealed better antioxidant status with higher amounts of phenolic compounds. Overall, results from this paper indicated that soilless culture systems using low-intermediate salinities produces S. ramosissima plants fit for commercialization and human consumption.

Therapeutic effect of Arthrocnemum machrostachyum methanolic extract on Ehrlich solid tumor in mice.

BACKGROUND: The anti-cancer effect of the halophyte Arthrocnemum indicum, a member of Arthrocnemum family of salt-tolerant plants, was evaluated against colorectal cancer cell, CaCo2. However, the anti-cancer effect of another halophyte Arthrocnemum machrostachyum was not investigated yet. Herein, the anticancer effect of A. machrostachyum methanolic extract (AME) was evaluated against Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) in mice and the potential mechanism of action was also studied. METHODS: Male Swiss albino mice (n = 28) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7/group). Group 1 (negative control group); group 2 (EST) injected intramuscularly by 0.2 mL Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma (2 × 106 cells); and groups 3 and 4 injected intratumorally with AME (180 and 360 mg/kg body weight, respectively) at D12 trice weekly for 2 weeks. Gene expression, protein expression, DNA damage, and TNFa level in tumors were determined by real-time PCR, western blot, comet assay, and Elisa, respectively. RESULTS: Treatment with AME induced anti-tumor effects against EST as indicated by 1) notable reduction in tumor size; 2) elevation in tissue necrosis and apoptosis, as confirmed histologically; 3) increased DNA fragmentation; 4) decreased expression of the apoptotic genes (p53, Bax and caspase 3), and increased expression of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl2; 5) significantly upregulated cell cycle regulatory genes Cdc2 and connexin26, and; 6) decreased TNFa levels in tumor tissues. Interestingly, a high dose of AME exhibited a more potent anti-tumor effect against EST. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that AME has a potent antitumor effect against EST and could be used as an adjuvant to anticancer drugs to combat tumor, but after application of further confirmatory clinical trials.

Evaluation of the mycotoxins content of Salicornia spp .: a gourmet plant alternative to salt.

SALICORNIA: spp. are traditionally used in Asia as food, forage and medicine. In the West, its popularity has been increasing as an alternative to salt. Nevertheless, the potential presence of contaminants needs to be considered. Hence this study, which aimed to investigate the presence of potentially mycotoxigenic fungi and the occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in Salicornia sampled in Portugal. Fungi isolation was performed by the direct plating technique in selective media. The mycotoxins contamination levels were determined by an Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS). The results suggest that Salicornia is highly susceptible to fungi infestation, e.g. by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Relevant levels of AFB1 > 5 µg/Kg and total aflatoxins (sum of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) > 10 µg/Kg were found in various samples.