Potential Effect of Trigonella Microgreens on Functional Parameters of HUVEC Cells in vitro

The growing popularity of microgreens is due to several health-promoting effects. Current evidence suggests a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, or anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, in vitro studies investigating cellular changes and molecular mechanisms are limited. Therefore, the use of various cell lines is required for a better understanding of microgreens' effects. In this study, the effect of Trigonella-foenum graecum L. microgreens (10 300 µg/mL) extract on morphological and functional changes in HUVEC cells were investigated. Basic cellular parameters such as mitochondrial activity (MTT assay), cell membrane integrity (CFDA-AM assay), and lysosomal activity (NR uptake) were evaluated after 24 h exposure to experimental ethanolic extract. In addition, the release of cytokine IL-6 was measured. Results revealed significant changes (p<0.05; p<0.01) in mitochondrial activity, followed by no defect in cell membrane integrity and non-significant changes in lysosomal activity of HUVEC cells. At the same time, some experimental doses of Trigonella slightly modulate IL-6 release, but showed no significant changes after 24 h exposure. Overall, our pilot study suggests the potential of Trigonella microgreens to modulate mitochondrial activity of HUVEC cells, without significant changes in cell membrane integrity, lysosomal activity, or IL-6 release. Key words Trigonella-foenum graecum L. " Microgreens " Cytokines " HUVEC cells.