Comprehensive Biological and Chemical Evaluation of Two Seseli Species (S. gummiferum and S. transcaucasicum)

Abstract

Seseli L. is one of the largest genera of the Apiaceae family widely known for their traditional uses as herbal remedies. In the present study, the methanolic and water extracts of two Seseli species, S. gummiferum and S. transcaucasicum were evaluated for their bioactive contents and biological activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extracts ranged from 19.09 to 24.33 mg GAE/g and from 0.45 to10.09 mg RE/g, respectively. Moreover, while narcissin was detected as the most abundant component in the methanolic extract of S. transcaucasicum (261.40 µg/g), chlorogenic acid was identified as the major component in all the other extracts, although a high amount was also present in the methanolic S. transcaucasicum extract (107.48–243.12 µg/g). The total antioxidant capacity was also determined by the phosphomolybdenum assay (0.66–1.18 mM TE/g). Other antioxidant assays such as the radical scavenging assays (DPPH: 5.51–11.45 mg TE/g; ABTS: 43.46–51.91 mg TE/g), reducing assays (CUPRAC: 41.67–53.20 mg TE/g; FRAP: 31.26–34.14 mg TE/g), as well as the metal chelating activity assay (14.38–38.57 mg EDTAE/g) were conducted. All the extracts showed inhibitory potential against the enzyme’s amylase (0.12–0.78 mM ACAE/g), acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (0.15–9.71 mg GALAE/g), while only the methanolic extracts acted as inhibitors of tyrosinase (107.15 and 109.37 mg KAE/g) and only the water extract of S. gummiferum displayed anti-glucosidase activity (0.13 mM ACAE/g). Interestingly, the methanolic extracts of both Seseli species showed lower cytotoxicity towards HaCaT cells (IC50: >500 µg/mL), compared to the water extracts (IC50: 267.8 and 321.41 µg/mL). Besides, only the methanolic extracts showed a slight wound healing effect (28.21 and 31.23%). All extracts showed antibacterial action against Staphylococcus lugdunensis (minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations: 0.025–2 mg/mL). S. gummiferum methanolic extract, which exhibited the highest antibacterial potency was found to inhibit adhesion and invasion of S. lugdunensis to HaCaT cells as well. Taken together, this study demonstrated the two Seseli species to harbour interesting bioactive components, in particular polyphenolics and to exhibit several biological properties that could be further investigated for their potential exploitation as healing agents as supported by various traditional medicinal uses.

Chemical Variability of the Essential Oils from Two Portuguese Apiaceae: Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

“…The largest number of genera in this family is located in Asia, 289, with Europe having about 126 and Africa having around 121 [ 3 , 4 ]. Apiaceae members exhibit a large number of phytochemical compounds, like flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and polyacetylenes, as well as steroids, consisting of economically important aromatic plants, with applications in the food, pharmaceutical, perfumery, and cosmetics industries [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. There are also reports of their application as repellents and in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal, reproductive, and respiratory diseases [ 2 , 5 ].…”

Oxidative Stress: The Role of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases

“…Seseli L . species ( S. gummiferum and S. transcaucasicum ), renowned for their traditional utilization in herbal remedies, contain high amount of polyphenolic compounds, displaying antioxidant effects, bactericidal activity, and inhibitory effects on enzymes associated with several diseases [ 63 ]. Spirulina platensis, a photosynthetic alga, possesses elevated concentrations of antioxidants, notably phycocyanin (PC).…”

“…An analysis, drawing from data in nine intervention trials, proposes that supplementing with carotenoids may enhance cognitive performance among moderately healthy individuals aged 45-78 years [20]. Seseli L. species (S. gummiferum and S. transcaucasicum), renowned for their traditional utilization in herbal remedies, contain high amount of polyphenolic compounds, displaying antioxidant effects, bactericidal activity, and inhibitory effects on enzymes associated with several diseases [63]. Spirulina platensis, a photosynthetic alga, possesses elevated concentrations of antioxidants, notably phycocyanin (PC).…”

The Pharma-Nutritional Role of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in Health and Disease

“…These two species are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, especially chlorogenic acid and narcissin. The extracts display antioxidant effects, bactericidal activity, and act as inhibitors of enzymes involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases [ 18 ].…”