Chemical characterization and bioactivity of phytochemicals from Iberian endemic Santolina semidentata and strategies for ex situpropagation
- a Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- b Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- c Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Apartado 1172, Bragança 5301-855, Portugal
- d Faculdade de Farmácia/CEF e CNC, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Universidade de Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- e Jardim Botânico, Museu Nacional de História Natural and CE3C – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- f Departamento de Botânica e Engenharia Biológica, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
- Received 3 January 2015, Accepted 17 April 2015, Available online 12 June 2015
Highlights
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- Santolina semidentata is an endemism from the Iberian Peninsula not yet described for its medicinal properties.
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- Chemical characterization and detection of bioactive compounds of S. semidentata.
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- Source of natural compounds with AChE inhibitory activity.
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- Neuroprotective effect of polyphenol enriched fraction on a human cell model.
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- In vitro propagation and seed collection was successfully achieved.
Abstract
Asteraceae family members are well-known for their medicinal potential, comprising several properties that make them unique among plants. Here we focus on Santolina semidentata, an endemic plant from the Iberian Peninsula, not yet described for its medicinal properties. Phytochemical characterization of S. semidentata was performed, concerning total phenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, HPLC-DAD profile, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity, cytotoxicity and neuroprotective effect in a human neurodegeneration cell model. Moreover, essential oil composition and antifungal activity were also analised. This oil might be useful for therapeutical purposes, particularly in the treatment of dermatophytosis. S. semidentata potential for neuroprotection was revealed by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity and also by an effective protective effect in human neuronal cells. Furthermore, different seed conservation protocols, as well as successful in vitro propagation were established which may be useful when integrated in a broad strategy for the conservation of these endemic plants and their sustainable use for potential biotechnological applications. The results presented here greatly contribute to value this species regarding its potential as a source of phytochemicals with prospective neuroprotective health benefits, either as alternative neuroprotective drugs or as leads for synthetizing more effective molecules.
Keywords
- Santolina semidentata;
- Iberian endemism;
- Phytomolecules;
- Essential oil;
- Neuroprotection;
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor;
- Propagation protocol;
- Polyphenol
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