Muscari comosum L. Bulb Extracts Modulate Oxidative Stress and Redox Signaling in HepG2 Cells

Abstract

Muscari comosum L. bulbs are commonly used as food in South Italy and also in folk medicine. By evaluating in vitro antioxidant activity and biological activities of their aqueous and methanol extracts, we shed light on the potential role, including both the nutraceutical and health benefits, of this plant. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and by the aluminum chloride method, respectively. Antioxidant activity was investigated by three in vitro assays and relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI) was calculated to compare results obtained by different tests. The extracts were tested to evaluate their possible involvement in redox homeostasis, using the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line used as model. The extracts exhibited concentration/solvent dependent radical scavenging activity, as well as dysregulation of some genes involved in redox pathways by promoting Nrf2, SOD-2, GPX1, ABCC6 and ABCG2 expression. NMR metabolomics analysis suggests that HepG2 cells treated with Muscari comosum extracts experience changes in some metabolites involved in various metabolic pathways.

The Bioactivity and Phytochemicals of Muscari comosum (Leopoldia comosa), a Plant of Multiple Pharmacological Activities

“…In the cell line study, the antioxidant activities of LC bulb extracts were evaluated by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species stimulated through tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH) and expression of antioxidant-related genes in the HepG2 cells. Pretreatment with extract at low doses decreased the production of ROS, which had been enhanced due to the t-BOOH treatment in the HepG2 cells [ 33 ]. Additionally, expression of several genes/markers related with antioxidant activities, such as nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 ( NRF2 ), superoxide dismutase ( SOD-2 ), glutathione peroxidase ( GPX1 ), catalase ( CAT ), NADPH quinone oxidase-1 ( NQO1 ), ATP binding cassette subfamily C member ( ABCC6 ), and ATP binding cassette subfamily G member ( ABCG2 ) were studied through RT-PCR experiments.…”

“…Recently, aqueous and methanolic (50 and 70%) extracts of LC bulbs were used to study the total phenolic and flavonoid contents before the evaluation of their biological properties. The maximum phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be present in the 70% methanolic extract, i.e., 58.72 mgGAE/g and 20.37 mg QE/g, respectively [33]. a Peak area relative to total peak area percentage (relative area percentage); NP: not provided).…”

New Insight on the Bioactivity of Solanum aethiopicum Linn. Growing in Basilicata Region (Italy): Phytochemical Characterization, Liposomal Incorporation, and Antioxidant Effects

“…Biological systems include a number of antioxidant enzymes involved in the reduction of ROS. Phenols have been reported to increase the expression of body defense enzymes like catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) [15,37]. For this reason, it was decided to test the effect of the Lucanian S. aethiopicum peel extract on the expression of different antioxidant enzymes.…”

“…(SOD) [15,37]. For this reason, it was decided to test the effect of the Lucanian S. aethiopicum peel extract on the expression of different antioxidant enzymes.…”

Effects of Pre-Germinative Treatments and Temperatures on Tassel Hyacinth [Muscari comosum (L.) Mill.] Seeds

“…The food and medicinal use of the bulb is ancient, and its excellent properties were known by the Egyptians, the Greeks, and all the other inhabitants of the Mediterranean area and Asia Minor [2,3]. In particular, in Turkey [4] and in Italian regions as Sardinia [5], Sicily [6], Basilicata [3,7], Puglia [8], Campania, Molise, and Calabria [9], the bulb is used in traditional gastronomy due to its characteristic strong bitter taste [2,10] and interesting biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, and antioxidant effects [9][10][11]. Recently, some authors have reported the antiobesity effects of raw bulbs due to their high total polyphenol and flavonoid content [9].…”