Neuroprotective Effect of HalophyteSalicornia herbaceaL. Is Mediated by Activation of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Mouse Hippocampal HT22 Cells

Abstract

Salicornia herbacea L. (glasswort, tungtungmadi in Korean), a halophyte that grows in salt marshes and muddy seashores along the western coast of Korea, has been used as a seasoning vegetable and a folk medicine for intestinal ailments, nephropathy, and hepatitis. As the salt-tolerant herb was reported to contain antioxidants, including tungtungmadic acid, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, we hypothesized that the ethanolic extract of S. herbacea L. (SH extract) enriched with antioxidative compounds will have neuroprotective activity. The herbal extract and its methylene chloride (MC) fraction showed a strong protective effect against glutamate-induced cell death in murine hippocampal HT22 cells. In addition, SH extract and MC fraction not only scavenged reactive oxygen species efficiently but also caused nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 and subsequently significant induction of antioxidant enzymes such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and glutathione reductase. Inhibition of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 by tin protoporphyrin abolished the neuroprotective effect of the SH extract, suggesting an important role of HO-1 in protection against glutamate-induced neural damage. Metabolite profiling for ethanolic extract and solvent fractions of the herb suggested that diosmetin and a few unidentified compounds were responsible for the neuroprotective effect. Taken together, SH extract and its MC fraction exhibited a neuroprotective effect through Nrf2-mediated induction of antioxidant enzymes, such as HO-1, and warrant further in vivo and clinical studies to confirm its effects and potentially develop a neuroprotective salt substitute or dietary supplement.

Pharmacological Insights into Halophyte Bioactive Extract Action on Anti-Inflammatory, Pain Relief and Antibiotics-Type Mechanisms

“…NRF2 activation provides cytoprotection against numerous pathologies including chronic diseases of the lung and liver, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, and cancer initiation [ 59 ]. However, unidentified compounds may be co-responsible for the neuroprotective effect [ 60 ]. Linked to neuroprotection and ROS scavenging then HCAs and their derivatives also display antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tyrosinase activities, as well as ultraviolet (UV) protective effects.…”

Edible halophytes of the Mediterranean basin: Potential candidates for novel food products

“…14. Salicornia herbacea L Grasshort (Salicornia herbacea L., Amaranthaceae) is an edible halophytic species commonly found in salt marches (Kim et al, 2017). According to Lee, Kim, Kim, and Sohn (2016) this species can withstand l00 mM of NaCl, through the accumulation of shikimic acid, vitamin K1, and indole-3-carboxylic acid in root system as a primary response to salinity stress.…”

Protective Effects of 2′,3′-Dihydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone Derived from Green Perilla Leaves against UV Radiation-Induced Cell Injury in Human Cultured Keratinocytes

“…Compounds that exhibit protective effects through the activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway have also been identified in naturally derived plants other than green perilla. [28][29][30][31] Some of these compounds are derived from food sources and are considered safe and nontoxic 24,26) ; DDC used in this study is also a food-derived compound and is highly safe and approachable. Therefore, although further study is required in the future, DDC is expected to be useful in the prevention or treatment of skin damage caused by UV-A irradiation.…”