Structural elucidation, in vitro antioxidant and photoprotective capacities of a purified polyphenolic-enriched fraction from a saltmarsh plant

Isolation of Polyphenols from Aqueous Extract of the Halophyte Salicornia ramosissima

Polyphenols from residual non-food grade Salicornia ramosissima have health-promoting effects in feed, food, or nutraceutical applications. Therefore, the isolation of polyphenols is of interest from a series of environmentally friendly isolation methods with recyclable solvents. The isolation of polyphenols from non-food grade S. ramosissima was investigated using sequential membrane filtration with and without acid pretreatment, liquid-liquid extraction, resin adsorption, and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC); analyzed by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay for total polyphenols; and finally analyzed using UPLC-TQMS in negative ion-spray mode for detection of 14 polyphenols. Sequential membrane filtration and acid hydrolysis indicated the polyphenols forming complexes with other compounds, retaining the polyphenols in the retentate fraction of large molecular weight cut-off membrane sizes. Conventional liquid-liquid extraction using sequential ethyl acetate and n-butanol showed most polyphenols were extracted, apart from chlorogenic acids, indicating a low isolation efficiency of higher polarity polyphenols. Analysis of the extract after resin adsorption by Amberlite XAD-4 resin showed high efficiency for separation, with 100% of polyphenols adsorbed to the resin after 13 bed volumes and 96.7% eluted from the resin using ethanol. CPC fractionations were performed to fractionate the concentrated extract after resin adsorption. CPC fractionations of the 14 polyphenols were performed using an organic or aqueous phase as a mobile phase. Depending on the mobile phase, different compounds were isolated in a high concentration. Using these easily scalable methods, it was possible to comprehensively study the polyphenols of interest from S. ramosissima and their isolation mechanics. This study will potentially lead the way for the large-scale isolation of polyphenols from S. ramosissima and other complex halophytes. The compounds of the highest concentration after CPC fractionation were isoquercitrin and hyperoside (155.27 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (85.54 mg/g), cryptochlorogenic acid (101.50 mg/g), and protocatechuic acid (398.67 mg/g), and further isolation using CPC could potentially yield novel polyphenol nutraceuticals.

Soilless Cultivated Halophyte Plants: Volatile, Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Biological Differences

The use of halophyte plants appears as a potential solution for degraded soil, food safety, freshwater scarcity, and coastal area utilization. These plants have been considered an alternative crop soilless agriculture for sustainable use of natural resources. There are few studies carried out with cultivated halophytes using a soilless cultivation system (SCS) that report their nutraceutical value, as well as their benefits on human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate the nutritional composition, volatile profile, phytochemical content, and biological activities of seven halophyte species cultivated using a SCS (Disphyma crassifolium L., Crithmum maritimum L., Inula crithmoides L., Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L., Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods, and Sarcocornia fruticosa (Mill.) A. J. Scott.). Among these species, results showed that S. fruticosa had a higher content in protein (4.44 g/100 g FW), ash (5.70 g/100 g FW), salt (2.80 g/100 g FW), chloride (4.84 g/100 g FW), minerals (Na, K, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu), total phenolics (0.33 mg GAE/g FW), and antioxidant activity (8.17 µmol TEAC/g FW). Regarding the phenolic classes, S. fruticosa and M. nodiflorum were predominant in the flavonoids, while M. crystallinum, C. maritimum, and S. ramosissima were in the phenolic acids. Moreover, S. fruticosa, S. ramosissima, M. nodiflorum, M. crystallinum, and I. crithmoides showed ACE-inhibitory activity, an important target control for hypertension. Concerning the volatile profile, C. maritimum, I. crithmoides, and D. crassifolium were abundant in terpenes and esters, while M. nodiflorum, S. fruticosa, and M. crystallinum were richer in alcohols and aldehydes, and S. ramosissima was richer in aldehydes. Considering the environmental and sustainable roles of cultivated halophytes using a SCS, these results indicate that these species could be considered an alternative to conventional table salt, due to their added nutritional and phytochemical composition, with potential contribution for the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive effects.

A Review on Polyphenols in Salicornia ramosissima with Special Emphasis on Their Beneficial Effects on Brain Ischemia

There has been an increasing interest in the consumption of halophytes as a healthy food in the last few years. Salicornia ramosissima is a seasonal Mediterranean halophyte with an interesting profile of bioactive compounds, including more than 60 identified polyphenols with a broad range of biological activities. Accumulating evidence supports the role of dietary polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke. Stroke is the second cause of death worldwide and it is estimated that a substantial proportion of stroke incidence and recurrence may be prevented by healthier dietary patterns. Here, we have grouped the phenolic acids and flavonoids identified in S. ramosissima and reviewed their potential protective effect on brain ischemia, which are mostly related to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, the inhibition of cell death pathways and their role in the preservation of the vascular function. Despite the fact that most of these compounds have been reported to be neuroprotective through multiple mechanisms, human studies are still scarce. Given the safe profile of polyphenols identified in S. ramosissima, this halophyte plant could be considered as a source of bioactive compounds for the nutraceutical industry.

Potential of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Padina boergesenii as a Natural UV Filter in Sunscreen Cream Formulation

Brown seaweeds, due to their wide range of bioactive compounds, have a high ability to inhibit free radicals and protect against ultraviolet rays. In the present study, the ethyl acetate fraction (EF) was isolated from the Padina boergesenii brown seaweed. Antioxidant activity (by the DPPH scavenging activity method) and cytotoxicity against UVB-induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT human keratinocytes were evaluated. Then, this fraction was used as a bio-filter in the formulation of sunscreen, and the physical properties and stability were investigated. The results showed that the EF could inhibit DPPH radical scavenging (54 ± 1%) and cell viability of HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to UVB irradiation (81.2 ± 0.1%). The results of the stability study of the cream formulated with EF showed that at temperatures 4 °C and 25 °C it has high stability; and at 40 °C on the 28th day, a slight decrease in its stability was observed. The pH and Sun Protection Factor of the cream formulated with EF were reported at 5.8 and 20.55, respectively. Also, the DPPH scavenging activity of the cream was not altered for 28 days of storage at temperatures of 4-40 °C. According to our results, it was proved that the sunscreen formulated with EF of P. boergesenii brown seaweed has promising properties and characteristics that can create a new opportunity for the development of cosmetics and skin care products.

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.

Plant polyphenols as green sunscreen ingredients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation has harmful effects on human skin. At present, synthetic and mineral types of sunscreens used to protect against these harmful damages have been reported to cause negative health and environmental effects. The studies involving characterization and isolation of phytoconstituents from natural botanical sources are important to discover their potential beneficial effects on sunscreen development AIM: This systematic review provides specific and compiled information on the photoprotective properties of natural botanical sources for sunscreen development. The efforts in research and innovation are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of plant-based sunscreen products.

METHODS

In this review, a total of 35 articles were selected using the Scopus database based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria RESULT: The significant correlation between total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and sun protection factor were shown in these studies which confirmed the potential benefits of natural plants in sunscreen development.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition, natural botanical sources also exhibit excellent anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the biological activities of plants were dependent on the solvents used for extraction.

Effects of Salicornia-Based Skin Cream Application on Healthy Humans’ Experimental Model of Pain and Itching

Halophyte plants are salt-tolerant and are acclimated for growth in saline soils such as along coastal areas. Among the halophytes, the Salicornia species have been used as both folk medicine and functional food for many years due to their high levels of bioactive compounds with supposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the properties of Salicornia bioactive extracts on pain and itching still remain unclear. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers were randomized to treatments with 10% Salicornia-based cream or placebo cream for 24 or 48 h. On day 0, and 24 or 48 h post cream application, cold/heat detection and pain thresholds, mechanical pain thresholds and sensitivity, trans-epidermal water loss, histamine- and cowhage-evoked itch, and micro-vascular reactivity (neurogenic inflammation) were assessed to evaluate the analgesic, anti-pruritogenic and vasomotor effects. Skin permeability was reduced in the Salicornia-treated area for 48 h compared with 24 h application (p-value < 0.05). After 48 h of application, a decrease in mechanical-evoked itching (hyperkinesis) compared with 24 h treatment (p-value < 0.05) and increased warm detection and heat pain thresholds (p-value < 0.05) was found. Histamine-induced neurogenic inflammation showed a significant reduction in the cream-treated areas after 48 h compared with 24 h (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate the overall inhibitory effect of Salicornia on hyperkinesis (mechanically evoked itch), the analgesic effect on thermal sensation, and modulation of the skin barrier architecture. Further studies are needed for the assessment of the long-term effects.

The Modulatory Influence of Plant-Derived Compounds on Human Keratinocyte Function

The plant kingdom is a rich source of secondary metabolites with numerous properties, including the potential to modify keratinocyte biology. Keratinocytes are important epithelial cells that play a protective role against various chemical, physical and biological stimuli, and participate in reactive oxygen scavenging and inflammation and wound healing processes. The epidermal cell response may be modulated by phytochemicals via changes in signal transduction pathways. Plant extracts and single secondary compounds can possess a high antioxidant capacity and may suppress reactive oxygen species release, inhibit pro-apoptotic proteins and apoptosis and activate antioxidant enzymes in keratinocytes. Moreover, selected plant extracts and single compounds also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and exposure may result in limited production of adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes. In addition, plant extracts and single compounds may promote keratinocyte motility and proliferation via the regulation of growth factor production and enhance wound healing. While such plant compounds may modulate keratinocyte functions, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed on their mechanisms of action, and more specific toxicity and clinical studies are needed to ensure their effectiveness and safety for use on human skin.

Phlorotannin and Pigment Content of Native Canopy-Forming Sargassaceae Species Living in Intertidal Rockpools in Brittany (France): Any Relationship with Their Vertical Distribution and Phenology?

Five native Sargassaceae species from Brittany (France) living in rockpools were surveyed over time to investigate photoprotective strategies according to their tidal position. We gave evidences for the existence of a species distribution between pools along the shore, with the most dense and smallest individuals in the highest pools. Pigment contents were higher in lower pools, suggesting a photo-adaptive process by which the decreasing light irradiance toward the low shore was compensated by a high production of pigments to ensure efficient photosynthesis. Conversely, no xanthophyll cycle-related photoprotective mechanism was highlighted because high levels of zeaxanthin rarely occurred in the upper shore. Phlorotannins were not involved in photoprotection either; only some lower-shore species exhibited a seasonal trend in phlorotannin levels. The structural complexity of phlorotannins appears more to be a taxonomic than an ecological feature: Ericaria produced simple phloroglucinol while Cystoseira and Gongolaria species exhibited polymers. Consequently, tide pools could be considered as light-protected areas on the intertidal zone, in comparison with the exposed emerged substrata where photoprotective mechanisms are essential.

Impact of Drying Processes on the Nutritional Composition, Volatile Profile, Phytochemical Content and Bioactivity of Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods

Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods is a halophyte plant recognized as a promising natural ingredient and will eventually be recognized a salt substitute (NaCl). However, its shelf-life and applicability in several food matrices requires the use of drying processes, which may have an impact on its nutritional and functional value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oven and freeze-drying processes on the nutritional composition, volatile profile, phytochemical content, and bioactivity of S. ramosissima using several analytical tools (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and SPME-GC-MS) and bioactivity assays (ORAC, HOSC, and ACE inhibition and antiproliferative effect on HT29 cells). Overall, results show that the drying process changes the chemical composition of the plant. When compared to freeze-drying, the oven-drying process had a lower impact on the nutritional composition but the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity were significantly reduced. Despite this, oven-dried and freeze-dried samples demonstrated similar antiproliferative (17.56 mg/mL and 17.24 mg/mL, respectively) and antihypertensive (24.56 mg/mL and 18.96 mg/mL, respectively) activities. The volatile composition was also affected when comparing fresh and dried plants and between both drying processes: while for the freeze-dried sample, terpenes corresponded to 57% of the total peak area, a decrease to 17% was observed for the oven-dried sample. The oven-dried S. ramosissima was selected to formulate a ketchup and the product formulated with 2.2% (w/w) of the oven-dried plant showed a good consumer acceptance score. These findings support the use of dried S. ramosissima as a promising functional ingredient that can eventually replace the use of salt.

Antioxidant, Mineralogenic and Osteogenic Activities of Spartina alterniflora and Salicornia fragilis Extracts Rich in Polyphenols

Osteoporosis is an aging-related disease and a worldwide health issue. Current therapeutics have failed to reduce the prevalence of osteoporosis in the human population, thus the discovery of compounds with bone anabolic properties that could be the basis of next generation drugs is a priority. Marine plants contain a wide range of bioactive compounds and the presence of osteoactive phytochemicals was investigated in two halophytes collected in Brittany (France): the invasive Spartina alterniflora and the native Salicornia fragilis. Two semi-purified fractions, prepared through liquid-liquid extraction, were assessed for phenolic and flavonoid contents, and for the presence of antioxidant, mineralogenic and osteogenic bioactivities. Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was rich in phenolic compounds and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. While S. fragilis EAF only triggered a weak proliferative effect in vitro, S. alterniflora EAF potently induced extracellular matrix mineralization (7-fold at 250 μg/mL). A strong osteogenic effect was also observed in vivo using zebrafish operculum assay (2.5-fold at 10 μg/mL in 9-dpf larvae). Results indicate that polyphenol rich EAF of S. alterniflora has both antioxidant and bone anabolic activities. As an invasive species, this marine plant may represent a sustainable source of molecules for therapeutic applications in bone disorders.

Plant Polyphenols: Natural and Potent UV-Protective Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Disorders

Nowadays, destructive and immunosuppressive effects from long-term exposure to UV radiation have been fully investigated and documented in the literature. UV radiation is known as the main cause of skin aging and carcinogenesis. Hence, skin protection against anti-oxidative and immunosuppressive processes is highly in demand. Now, plant polyphenols have been found as a versatile and natural tool for the prevention and treatment of various skin diseases. The presence of a large number of hydroxyl groups in the cyclic structure of polyphenols has induced valuable biological activities. Among them, their UV protective activity has attracted lots of attention due to promising efficacy and simple instruction to use.

Natural components in sunscreens: Topical formulations with sun protection factor (SPF)

Artificial sunscreens are already gaining traction in order to protect the skin from sunburns, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. However, the efficacy and safety of most artificial sunscreen constituents are hindered by their photostability, toxicity and damage to marine ecosystems. Natural selection and evolution have ensured that plants and animals have developed effective protective mechanisms against the deleterious side effects of oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation (UV). Hence, natural antioxidants such as sun blockers are drawing considerable attention. The exact mechanism by which natural components act as sunscreen molecules has not been clearly established. However, conjugated π system is reported to play an important role in protecting the vital genetic material within the organism. Compared to artificial sunscreens, natural sunscreens with strong UV absorptive capacities are largely limited by low specific extinction value and by their inability to spread in large-scale sunscreen cosmetic applications. Previous studies have documented that natural components exert their photoprotective effects (such as improved skin elasticity and hydration, skin texture, and wrinkles) through their antioxidant effects, and through the regulation of UV-induced skin inflammation, barrier impairment and aging. This review focuses on natural antioxidant topical formulations with sun protection factor (SPF). Lignin, melanin, silymarin and other ingredients have been added to high sun protection nature sunscreens without any physical or chemical UV filters. This paper also provides a reference for adopting novel technical measures (extracting high content components, changing the type of solution, optimizing formulation, applying Nano technology, et al) to design and prepare nature sunscreen formulations equated with commercial sunscreen formulations. Another strategy is to add natural antioxidants from plants, animals, microorganisms and marine organisms as special enhancer or modifier ingredients to reinforce SPF values. Although the photoprotective effects of natural components have been established, their deleterious side effects have not been elucidated.

Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods seeds affected the normal regenerative function on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver and kidney injury

The growing importance of Salicornia plants as bioactive agents and health promoters associated with the continuous demand for alternative treatments for liver disorders, has stimulated us to evaluate the renal and hepatic effects of S. ramosissima seeds in mice under normal conditions and exposure to toxic products as carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Thus, histopathological and lipid peroxidation evaluations of the liver and kidneys were performed. Powdered dried seeds of S. ramosissima (SRS) were administered orally for 22 days at a dose of 2000 mg/kg/day to male mice in three different settings: 1) seed effects, 2) protection against CCl₄ acute toxicity (0.2 mL/kg) and 3) regeneration after acute exposure to CCl₄ (0.2 mL/kg), each study being performed with appropriate control animals. Mice treated with SRS per se had slightly enlarged hepatic sinusoids and noticeable renal inflammation. SRS did not show effective protection against mice exposed to CCl₄ and had no positive influence on liver and kidney recovery after CCl₄ administration. These results demonstrated that SRS failed to improve hepato- and nephrotoxicity, in addition to the apparent synergism between CCl₄ and SRS under these experimental conditions. Although the biological mechanisms of S. ramosissima are not fully understood, the evidence suggests further research to elucidate its adverse biological effects.

LC-MS identification and preparative HPLC isolation of Frankenia pulverulenta phenolics with antioxidant and neuroprotective capacities in PC12 cell line

CONTEXT

Frankenia pulverulenta L. (Frankeniaceae) is a medicinal species with carminative, analgesic and antiviral properties. However, phytochemical investigations, antioxidant and neuroprotective capacities of this plant remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This work assesses the phenolic composition of F. pulverulenta shoot and root and evaluates their antioxidant and neuroprotective capacities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Successive fractionation of F. pulverulenta shoot and root using 6 solvents were used. Antioxidant capacity of these fractions was assessed through four in vitro tests (DPPH, ABTS, Fe-chelating activity and ORAC). Phenolic identification, purification as well as neuroprotective activity of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction and purified molecules were assessed.

RESULTS

Among the tested fractions, EtOAc shoot and root fractions possessed considerable phenolic contents (383 and 374 mg GAE/g E, respectively) because of their important ORAC (821 and 1054 mg of TE/g E), DPPH (586 and 750 mg of TE/g) and ABTS (1453 and 1319 mg of TE/g) results. Moreover, gallic acid, quercetin, quercetin galloyl glucoside, trigalloyl hexoside, procyanidin dimers and sulfated flavonoids were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS for the first time in this species. The relevant cytoprotective capacity (at 300 μg/mL) against β-amyloid peptide induced toxicity in PC12 cells of EtOAc fractions were corroborated with the chemical composition. In addition, purified molecules were tested for their ORAC and neuroprotective activity. Quercetin showed the best ORAC value (33.55 mmol TE/g polyphenols); nevertheless, procyanidin dimer exhibited an exceptionally efficient neuroprotective activity (100% of viability at 50 μg/mL).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that this halophyte is a promising source of antioxidant and neuroprotective molecules for pharmaceutical purposes.

Applications for Marine Resources in Cosmetics

Marine resources represent an interesting source of active ingredients for the cosmetics industry. Algae (macro and micro) are rich in proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins (A, B, and C) and oligo-elements such as copper, iron and zinc. All those active principles play roles in hydration, firming, slimming, shine and protection. Marine organisms inhabit a wide spectrum of habitats. Photo-protective compounds can be obtained from organisms subjected to strong light radiation, such as in tropical systems or in shallow water. In the same way, molecules with antioxidant potential can be obtained from microorganisms inhabiting extreme systems such as hydrothermal vents. For example, marine bacteria collected around deep-sea hydrothermal vents produce complex and innovative polysaccharides in the laboratory which are useful in cosmetics. There are many properties that will be put forward by the cosmetic industries.

Assessment of Antioxidant Activity and Neuroprotective Capacity on PC12 Cell Line of Frankenia thymifolia and Related Phenolic LC-MS/MS Identification

This work aimed to investigate the richness of a Tunisian xerohalophyte Frankenia thymifolia aerial and root parts on phenolics and to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of this medicinal species. After fractionation using increasing and different solvent polarities, results displayed five fractions, where ethyl acetate (EtOAc) shoot and root fractions possess considerable total phenolic contents (221 and 308 mg of GAE/g of E, resp.) related to their important antioxidant activities such as ORAC (918 and 713 mg of TE/g of E), DPPH (282 and 821 mg of TE/g), and ABTS (778 and 1320 mg of TE/g) tests. Then, the identification of the main compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and neuroprotective property of the most active fraction EtOAc were assessed. A total of 14 molecules were identified, which have been described for the first time in F. thymifolia. The major compounds identified were pinoresinol and kaempferol glycoside in aerial parts and gallic acid and ellagitannin in roots. Neuroprotective capacity against β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide induced toxicity in PC12 cells of EtOAc fraction showed a significant protective activity at lower concentration (25 and 50 µM). The relevant antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of F. thymifolia EtOAc fraction corroborated their chemical compositions.

Saliramophenol, an unprecedented natural t-butylphenol derivative from Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods

A unique skeleton-type compound with four t-butyl groups, named saliramophenol, was identified in Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods aerial parts.