Chemical characterization and bioactivity of phytochemicals from Iberian endemic Santolina semidentata and strategies for ex situ propagation

Abstract

a b s t r a c tAsteraceae family members are well-known for their medicinal potential, comprising several properties that make them unique among plants. Here we focus on Santolina semidentata, an endemic plant from the Iberian Peninsula, not yet described for its medicinal properties. Phytochemical characterization of S. semidentata was performed, concerning total phenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, HPLC-DAD profile, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity, cytotoxicity and neuroprotective effect in a human neurodegeneration cell model. Moreover, essential oil composition and antifungal activity were also analised. This oil might be useful for therapeutical purposes, particularly in the treatment of dermatophytosis. S. semidentata potential for neuroprotection was revealed by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity and also by an effective protective effect in human neuronal cells. Furthermore, different seed conservation protocols, as well as successful in vitro propagation were established which may be useful when integrated in a broad strategy for the conservation of these endemic plants and their sustainable use for potential biotechnological applications. The results presented here greatly contribute to value this species regarding its potential as a source of phytochemicals with prospective neuroprotective health benefits, either as alternative neuroprotective drugs or as leads for synthetizing more effective molecules.

Molecular Insight into the Therapeutic Promise of Flavonoids against Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Flavonoids are also found to subdue the microglial activation, to mediate inflammatory processes in the central nervous system (CNS) [31], to possess potent anti-amyloidogenic, antidepressant effects [32], as well as to improve memory and learning ability [33]. In addition, these natural substances exhibit anti-inflammatory [34][35][36], neuroprotective [37,38], antiaging [39], and anticholinesterase [40] properties.…”

Flavonoids as Therapeutic Agents in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidences

“…For many years, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases have been a major focus of neuroscience research to understanding the cellular alterations and pathophysiological mechanisms [ 1 ]. Neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial conditions in which many biological processes become unregularly [ 2 ] mediated by endogenous, genetic, and environmental factors [ 3 ] intimately associated with progressive brain damage [ 4 ].…”

“…Flavonoids are found in numerous plants, fruits, and vegetables [ 15 ] and are known as the most common phytochemicals which possess a multiple range of pharmacological effects [ 16 ]. These secondary metabolites have been described as potent antioxidant, free radical scavengers, and metal chelators [ 4 – 17 ], also presenting anticholinesterase [ 18 ], antiaging [ 7 ], neuroprotective [ 2 , 19 ] and anti-inflammatory properties [ 5 , 20 , 21 ], and neurotrophic roles [ 22 ], ameliorating learning and memory [ 23 ], possessing potent antidepressant and antiamyloidogenic effects [ 16 ], suppressing the activation of microglia, and mediating inflammatory processes in the central nervous system (CNS) [ 24 ]. Moreover, flavonoids are able to cross the blood-brain barrier with chronic or acute administration suggesting that these compounds can feasibly have a direct effect on the brain, so this chemical compounds could be used as a prophylactic, in order to slow down the progression of diseases such as AD and PD [ 11 ].…”

Chemical composition and bioactivities of the polyphenolic-rich extract of Ormenis africana Jord. and Fourr

“…[28,29] The major peaks detected in the extract of the Iberian endemic Santolina semidentata are hydroxicinammic acids derivatives, flavones, simple phenolic acids, flavonols, and coumarins. [30] With these results, also ferulic acid and its derivatives were the principal components identified in the hydroethanolic extract of S. impressa. [31] The important constituents, considered as chemical markers of Santolina species were not detected in our work suggesting a high chemical differentiation of S. africana probably because of its specific position as an endemic plant which could play an important role in flavonoid diversity.…”