Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of walnut shell pectin

Inflammation and oxidative stress are key pathological drivers of many chronic and neurodegenerative disorders, prompting increasing interest in natural compounds that can safely modulate inflammatory responses and protect neural cells from oxidative damage. In this study, walnut shell pectin (WSP), extracted from Chilean walnut shells, was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential using in vitro models. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, while the neuroprotective effects were investigated in rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. WSP significantly reduced LPS-induced inflammation by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and enhancing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In rotenone-exposed SH-SY5Y cells, WSP increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase, thereby reducing oxidative stress and improving neuronal viability. The maximum protective concentration for both cell lines was determined to be 50 µg/ml. Overall, WSP exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities in vitro, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic compound for preventing and managing inflammation-associated and neurodegenerative disorders.