Assessment of the Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Properties of Salicornia europaea for the Prevention of TAFLD in Rats

Abstract

Halophyte species represent valuable reservoirs of natural antioxidants, and, among these, Salicornia europaea stands out as a promising edible plant. In this study, young and old S. europaea leaves were compared for the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity to assess changes in different growth phases; then, the potential protective effects against low-dose CCl4-induced toxicant-associated fatty liver disease (TAFLD) were investigated by administering an aqueous suspension of young leaves to rats daily for two weeks. Quantification of total and individual phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC) showed the highest values in young leaves compared to mature ones. Salicornia treatment mitigated CCl4-induced hepatic oxidative stress, reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels, and preserving the decrease in glutathione levels. Electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirmed these results in the liver and evidenced free radicals increase prevention in the brain. Salicornia treatment also attenuated enzymatic disruptions in the liver’s drug metabolizing system and Nrf2-dependent antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, histopathological examination revealed reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. Overall, this study highlights Salicornia’s potential as a source of bioactive compounds with effective hepatoprotective properties capable to prevent TAFLD.

Enhancing Tomato Productivity and Quality in Moderately Saline Soils through Salicornia-Assisted Cultivation Methods: A Comparative Study

“…This study was conducted within the framework of a research project focused on optimizing sustainable farming systems in moderately-to-highly saline soils. Indeed, the desalination abilities of halophyte species open up opportunities for the profitable cultivation of conventional crops in saline soils on one hand, while also offering the potential to utilize the biomass of the halophytes on the other [21,25]. The current study specifically investigated the yield and quality of tomato fruits grown in a greenhouse (soil EC and Na concentration, 1.66 ± 0.07 dS m −1 and 814 ± 19 mg kg −1 , respectively) using either IC or SC with Salicornia.…”