Salicornia polyphenols: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power
Original paper reference
- Original title: Overview of the Polyphenols in Salicornia: From Recovery to Health-Promoting Effect
- Published in: Molecules, 2022, Vol. 27, Artículo 7954
- DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227954
Paper abstract
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the polyphenols present in different species of Salicornia, a halophyte plant rich in bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. It describes its main phytochemical components, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lignans, and highlights its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, and cardioprotective properties.
Various extraction methods are also being explored, ranging from conventional techniques to emerging technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and supercritical fluids, optimizing the recovery of bioactive compounds for application in the nutraceutical, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Key points
- Salicornia contains a rich variety of polyphenols: chlorogenic, ferulic, and caffeic acids, quercetin, rutin, isorhamnetin, and lignans such as syringaresinol, among others.
- These compounds have proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer activity.
- They may contribute to cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.
- The most studied species include S. europea, S. ramosissima, S. bigelovii, and S. herbacea.
- Beneficial effects have been identified in models of hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, and testicular damage.
- Applications in nutraceuticals, supplements, functional foods, and cosmetics.
- Green and sustainable extraction methods allow for the efficient isolation of these compounds.
- The agricultural byproduct of Salicornia (residual biomass) can also be used as an antioxidant source.