Seagrass as a potential nutraceutical to decrease pro-inflammatory markers

Area of Science:

• Marine Botany
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Pro-inflammatory mediators like prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, and TNF-α are central to inflammatory responses.
• These mediators represent potential therapeutic targets for anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of seagrass extract.
• To identify specific anti-inflammatory compounds within seagrass.

Main Methods:

• Utilized LPS-induced RAW macrophages as an in-vitro model for inflammation.
• Employed Western blot analysis and in-silico docking studies using Maestro 13.0 software.

Main Results:

• Seagrass extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by down-regulating pro-inflammatory markers: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), induced Nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and prostaglandin E synthase-1 (PGES-1).
• Phytochemical constituents including Isocoumarin, Hexadecanoic acid, Cis-9 Octadecenoic acid, 1,2 Benzene dicarboxylic acid, and beta-sitosterol were computationally docked with TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, and PGES-1, validating the anti-inflammatory mechanism.

Conclusions:

• The methanolic extract of the seagrass Halophila beccarii exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity.
• Halophila beccarii extract is identified as a promising nutraceutical agent for combating inflammation.