Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Capacity of BM-21, a Bioactive Extract Rich in Polyphenolic Metabolites from the Sea Grass Thalassia testudinum

Abstract

The aqueous ethanol extract of Thalassia testudinum leaves (BM-21) is now being developed in Cuba as an herbal medicine due to its promising pharmacological properties. Although some interesting biological activities of BM-21 have already been reported, its chemical composition remains mostly unknown. Thus, we now describe the qualitative and quantitative analyzes of BM-21 using standard phytochemical screening techniques, including colorimetric quantification, TLC and HPLC analyses. Phytochemical investigation of BM-21 resulted in the isolation and identification of a new phenolic sulfate ester (1), along with ten previously described phenolic derivatives (2-11), seven of which have never been previously reported from the genus Thalassia. The structures of these compounds were established by analysis of their spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and spectrometric (HRMS) data, as well as by comparison of these with those reported in the literature. Furthermore, BM-21 was found to exhibit strong antioxidant activity in four different free radical scavenging assays (HO • , RO 2 • , O 2-• and DPPH •). Consequently, this is the first study which highlights the phytochemical composition of BM-21 and demonstrates that this product is a rich source of natural antioxidants with potential applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.

ABCG2/BCRP interaction with the sea grass Thalassia testudinum

“…The results were as follows: total phenolic content (29.5%±1.2%), flavonoids (4.6%±0.2%), proanthocyanidins (21.0%±2.3%), polysaccharides (5.8%±1.6%), lipids (0.59%±0.01%), soluble proteins (16.2%±0.7%), and chlorophylls a and b (3.43 and 1.44 μg/mL, respectively). Thalassiolin B (5.8%±0.9%), the main component present in the phenolic fraction, details are available as supplementary data by Regalado et al [3]. For the experiments, Thalassia t. extract was dissolved in distilled water (vehicle).…”

“…The origin of the plant materials as well the purification and characterization of extracts has been published [3]. T. testudinum (Banks and Soland ex.…”

“…Whole dry and ground T. testudinum leaves (840 g) were continuously extracted (three times) with EtOH-H 2 O (50:50, v/v) during 24 h at room temperature. The combined extracts were filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure and low temperature (40 °C) to yield 54 g of crude extract [2,3]. Characterization was performed qualitatively and quantitatively by two standard phytochemical screening tests, as described by Regalado et al [3].…”

“…The combined extracts were filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure and low temperature (40 °C) to yield 54 g of crude extract [2,3]. Characterization was performed qualitatively and quantitatively by two standard phytochemical screening tests, as described by Regalado et al [3]. The results were as follows: total phenolic content (29.5%±1.2%), flavonoids (4.6%±0.2%), proanthocyanidins (21.0%±2.3%), polysaccharides (5.8%±1.6%), lipids (0.59%±0.01%), soluble proteins (16.2%±0.7%), and chlorophylls a and b (3.43 and 1.44 μg/mL, respectively).…”

“…One topical preparation obtained from the leaves of the marine plant Thalassia testudinum has been registered and widely used in Cuba due its skin cytoprotective and regenerative properties. At present, a new oral formulation obtained from T. testudinum leaves has been developed as a nutraceutical based on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects [2][3][4][5][6]. Acute oral toxicity study of one aqueous ethanolic extract obtained from T. testudinum extract in mice showed that LD 50 of the product is superior at 2000 mg/kg of weight; only transient toxicity signs such as piloerection and reduced locomotor activity were observed after single oral administration of the extract at a higher dose tested.…”