Sea Bindweed Prevents Mycotoxin Intoxication Through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytoprotective Activities

Area of Science:

• Plant biochemistry and toxicology
• Food and feed safety
• Natural product chemistry

Background:

• Mycotoxins are prevalent natural contaminants in food and feed, posing risks to agriculture and industry.
• Halophytes, like Calystegia soldanella, possess high antioxidant activity and may offer protection against mycotoxin-induced cellular damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects of Calystegia soldanella leaf extract against mycotoxin contamination.
• To identify the active compounds responsible for the protective effects of the extract.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assays for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity.
• Cell-based assays measuring IL-8 secretion (anti-inflammatory), ROS production, and cell viability (MTS assay) in MDBK and IPEC-J2 cells exposed to mycotoxins (ZEA, T2).
• Bio-guided fractionation using C18 chromatography, followed by HPLC and NMR analysis to identify active compounds.

Main Results:

• C. soldanella extract demonstrated high antioxidant capacity (TAC: 90 mg AAE·g⁻¹ DW) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 < 80 μg·mL⁻¹).
• The extract significantly protected renal and intestinal cells against zearalenone and T2-toxin, restoring ~75% cell viability at 1 μg·mL⁻¹.
• Protective effects were associated with anti-inflammatory activity, ROS inhibition, and restoration of membrane integrity. Flavonols, including quercetin derivatives, were identified as key active compounds.

Conclusions:

• Calystegia soldanella leaf extract exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties against mycotoxin-induced damage.
• The identified flavonol-type flavonoids contribute to the extract's protective effects.
• C. soldanella shows potential as a natural ingredient to mitigate mycotoxin contamination in food and feed.