Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Obesity Potential of Salicornia brachiata Roxb. Seed Oil

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are prevalent lifestyle-related diseases worldwide. Salicornia brachiata, a halophytic plant usually found in salt marshes with a succulent stem portion comprising seeds and roots beneath the ground. Tender succulent stem part has been consumed as a salad, and vegetable traditionally with reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic biological activities. Previous reports described a presence of oil content and fatty acid composition in the seeds of Salicornia brachiata without highlighting its pharmacological effects. Since the fatty acids are ascribes to the anti-diabetic and lipid lowering potential, the current study aims to analyse the seed oil of edible halophyte Salicornia brachiata to explore its potential in managing diabetes and obesity through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methodologies. Soxhlet extracted seed oil was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry which revealed significant presence of linoleic acid. The in silico analysis of linoleic acid with α-glucosidase enzyme, indicated a promising binding affinity to amino acid residues of enzyme, suggesting the formation of a stable protein-ligand complex. Subsequently, the in vitro studies demonstrated that the extracted oil inhibited α-glucosidase enzyme, corroborating the in silico findings. In vivo experiments conducted on two months old C57BL/6J male mice (n = 6) with 20-25 g body weight provided with a normal diet at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight described significant reductions in blood parameters, such as glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides, highlighting the oil's anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report paving the way for further research into its health benefits.