The marine halophytes Carpobrotus edulis L. and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum L. are potential sources of nutritionally important PUFAs and metabolites with antioxidant, metal chelating and anticholinesterase inhibitory activities

Abstract

We report antioxidant, metal chelating and anticholinesterase activities of methanol extracts from two edible halophytes, Carpobrotus edulis and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. We also report a preliminary chemical screening, total contents of phenolic compounds in the extracts and the fatty acid profi les of both species. Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a potential source of metabolites with free radical scavenging, iron (Fe 3 + ) reducing and copper (Cu 2 + ) chelating activities; it had a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (46.5 % ), mainly α -linolenic and linoleic acids. Carpobrotus edulis had dual anti-cholinesterase activity against both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Both species had a high content of phenolic compounds. Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a potential biological source of biochemicals counteracting free radical-induced oxidative damage and also degenerative diseases associated with metabolic stress, such as cancer and neurological disorders. Carpobrotus edulis is a candidate species for future studies on novel and alternative therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders associated with low levels of acetylcholine in the brain.

Ethnopharmacology, Therapeutic Properties and Nutritional Potentials of Carpobrotus edulis: A Comprehensive Review

“…The in vitro biological activities of C. edulis showed that the plant has antioxidant, immunoactive, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anticholinesterase properties [52][53][54][55]. Furthermore, this plant has also been reported to have anticancer [54], anti-bacterial [41], and antifungal properties [46].…”

Phytochemical composition of some common coastal halophytes of the United Arab Emirates

“…A. macrostachyum possess antioxidant and reductive activities which are attributable to the high phenolic content (55%). Also high radical scavenging activity (RSA) indicates that A. macrostachyum can be a potential source of antioxidant compounds (Custó dio et al, 2012). A. macrostachyum contains significant amounts of edible oils, having high content of unsaturated fatty acid (70-80%), which can be an alternative for commercial sources of vegetable oil (Qasim et al, 2011).…”

“…A. macrostachyum contains significant amounts of edible oils, having high content of unsaturated fatty acid (70-80%), which can be an alternative for commercial sources of vegetable oil (Qasim et al, 2011). High content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (46.5%) was reported for A. macrostachyum dominated by α-linolenic and linoleic acids (Custó dio et al, 2012). FAME and PUFA's were reported to possess high antioxidant activity and are potential radical scavengers (Plaza et al, 2009).…”

“…FAME and PUFA's are considered to be important nutritional supplements for people with Alzheimer's disease, coronary heart disease, tumors, arteriosclerosis and inflammation. A. macrostachyum methanol extracts possess iron reducing and copper chelating activities, which can help in prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases and Alzheimer's disease (Custó dio et al, 2012).…”

Preliminary Cytotoxic Activity of Sutherlandia frutescens and Carpobrotus edulis on Malignant glioblastoma Cells

“…28 Reports indicate that the in vitro biological activities of C. edulis include antioxidant, immune modulating, antimicrobial and anticholinesterase effects. 27,[29][30][31][32][33] Its anti-cancer activity was first reported when C. edulis inhibited P-glycoprotein, which is known to promote drug resistance in mouse lymphoma as well as antiproliferative activities in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. 32,34 One of the hallmarks of cancer is the rapid proliferation of cells due to oncogenic factors, thus, inhibition of cell proliferation is critical in the development of an anti-cancer agent.…”