Exceptional Properties of Lepidium sativum L. Extract and Its Impact on Cell Viability, Ros Production, Steroidogenesis, and Intracellular Communication in Mice Leydig Cells In Vitro

Abstract

The prevalence of reproductive dysfunction in males has risen in the last few years, and alternative therapies are gradually gaining in popularity. Our in vitro study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of Lepidium sativum L. on mice TM3 Leydig cells, concerning basal parameters such as cell viability, cell membrane integrity, and lysosomal activity, after 24 h and 48 h exposure. Moreover, reactive oxygens species generation, sex-steroid hormone secretion, and intercellular communication were quantified. In the present study, the microgreen extract from Lepidium was rich in ferulic acid, 4-OH benzoic acid, and resveratrol, with a significant antioxidant activity. The results showed that lower experimental doses (62.5–250 µg/mL) could positively affect the observed parameters, with significant differences at 250 µg/mL after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Potential risks could be associated with higher concentrations, starting at 500 µg /mL, 1000 µg/mL, and 2000 µg/mL of Lepidium. Nevertheless, biochemical quantification indicated a significant antioxidant potential and a rich content of biologically active molecules at the applied doses, and time determined the intracellular response of the cultured model.

The exogenous application of naringenin and rosmarinic acid modulates functional traits in Lepidium sativum

“…Considering the bioactive compound classes, two main categories of phenolic compounds (including a total of 272 flavonoids, 104 phenolic acids, 58 lignans, 20 stilbenes, and 84 compounds associated with other polyphenols), and glucosinolates (40 compounds) were putatively identified, indicating the prevalence of flavonoids. In agreement, it has been reported that flavonoids are major constituents of the L. sativum 30,31 . In detail, anthocyanins were mostly represented by pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, and petunidin derivatives.…”

“…In agreement, it has been reported that flavonoids are major constituents of the L. sativum. 30,31 In detail, anthocyanins were mostly represented by pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, and petunidin derivatives. Among others, flavanones exhibited higher heterogeneity, represented by sakuranetin, eriodictyol, Nar, naringin, eriocitrin, and so forth (Table S1).…”