Protective effects of extracts from Ephedra foeminea Forssk fruits against oxidative injury in human endothelial cells. (5th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khalil, Mohamad; Khalifeh, Hala; Saad, Fatima; Serale, Nadia; Salis, Annalisa; Damonte, Gianluca; Lupidi, Giulio; Daher, Ahmad; Vergani, Laura
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 260(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10-05
• Subjects: Ephedra foemenia -- Polyphenols -- Oxidative stress -- HPLC/MS -- Endothelium dysfunction and inflammation; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ephedra foeminea is a member of the Ephedraceae family which is widespread in the eastern Mediterranean area. In Lebanon, Ephedra is a popular remedy in traditional medicine to prevent and/or counteract many stress oxidative-related diseases like inflammation and bacterial infections. Aim of the study: Oxidative stress leads to endothelial cell dysfunction, and is a major factor contributing to etiology of atherosclerosis and related diseases. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and cytoprotective potential of extracts from E. foeminea fruits on human endothelial cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) to mimic in vitro vascular endothelium dysfunction. Materials and methods: Different extracts of E. foeminea fruits were prepared using pure ethanol (EE), methanol/water (EMW), pure hexane (Ehex) or ethyl acetate/water (Epoly) as extraction solvents. The phenolome profile of each extract was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Total phenolic and flavonoid content, and radical scavenging properties of the extracts were assessed spectrophotometrically. Then, the effects on human endothelial cells HECV were evaluated. Results: Epoly extract showed the highest phenol and flavonoid content, and the highest radical scavenging capacity. On H2 O2 -insulted HECV cells Epoly was able: (i) to counteract the ROS/RNS production and lipid peroxidation; (ii) to rescue the ROS-dependent decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential; (iii) to counteract the apoptosis induction; (iv) to restore endothelial cell viability and migration. Conclusions: The findings indicated that the polyphenol-enriched extract Epoly from E. foeminea fruits is endowed with in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects and might be used as nutraceutical for treating ROS-related endothelium dysfunction and inflammation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Fruits from Ephedra foeminea, a popular remedy in Lebanon, are rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids. Different extracts of E. foeminea fruits were prepared and their phenolic composition was characterized by HPLC-MS/MS. Polyphenolic extract showed the highest radical scavenging capacity and protective effect on H2 O2 -insulted endothelial cells.