Aloysia citrodora Polyphenolic Extract: From Anti-Glycative Activity to In Vitro Bioaccessibility and In Silico...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) are linked to chronic diseases due to protein modification and RAGE activation.
• Plant secondary metabolites can counteract glycation via diverse mechanisms.
• Aloysia citrodora leaf polyphenolic extract is explored as a potential source of anti-glycative compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the polyphenolic extract of Aloysia citrodora.
• To evaluate its in vitro anti-glycative properties and RAGE interaction potential.
• To assess metabolite stability and bioaccessibility during simulated digestion.

Main Methods:

• RP-HPLC-DAD-MSn for extract characterization.
• In vitro glycation assays and methylglyoxal/glyoxal trapping.
• Molecular docking studies for RAGE interaction.
• In vitro digestion model to assess bioaccessibility and activity.

Main Results:

• The extract, rich in iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, and flavones, significantly inhibited AGE formation.
• High methylglyoxal and glyoxal trapping capacity was observed.
• Digestion reduced extract stability and anti-glycative activity, with ~40% bioaccessibility.
• Molecular modeling confirmed metabolite binding to RAGE.

Conclusions:

• Aloysia citrodora is a promising source of natural anti-glycative agents for food applications.
• Improving extract bioaccessibility and stability through formulation is crucial.
• Further research should focus on optimizing delivery systems to preserve anti-glycative efficacy.