Seed extracts of true halophytes, Salicornia brachiata and Suaeda maritima, as excellent sources of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents

Abstract

Plant extracts have been harnessed as traditional remedies, offering a promising avenue for discovering new anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants. Additionally, undesirable side effects of currently available anti-inflammatory drugs emphasize the demand for alternative treatments with fewer adverse effects. It has been reported that plant parts, particularly seeds, are abundant with antioxidants and also have been identified as potential sources of anti-inflammatory compounds. With previous reports of promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of two genera Salicornia and Suaeda, the objective of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of seed extracts of Salicornia brachiata and Suaeda maritima abundantly found in Sri Lankan salt marshes. The seeds were sequentially extracted to hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol, and their in-vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities were evaluated. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the human red blood cell membrane stabilization method whereas the anti-oxidant potential was screened using the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) antioxidant activity assays. S. maritima DCM extract demonstrated significantly strong anti-inflammatory activity (IC50, 43.89 ±2.53μg/mL, at p=0.05), whereas methanol extract revealed moderate activities IC50758.62±4.11,μg/mL) compared to the positive control aspirin (IC50, 27.80±1.03 μg/ml). Although the methanol extract displayed anti-inflammatory activity of S. brachiata seed extracts (IC50,780.26±0.55), marked free radical scavenging activities of IC50,37.14± 1.11 in DPPH and IC50,51.91± 4.94 in ABTS assays were observed. Thus, the findings suggested that the methanol extract possesses an elevated ability to neutralize free radicals, which play a role in oxidative stress and inflammation. In conclusion the seed extracts of these two plant species can be considered as sources for novel anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents, positioning them as suitable candidates for potential utilization in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.