Aqueous Extract of Buddleja globosa Modulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence-Associated Responses in...

Background/Objectives: Cellular senescence and oxidative stress contribute to macrophage dysfunction and chronic inflammation during aging. Buddleja globosa (matico) is traditionally consumed as an infusion and has reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated whether an aqueous extract of B. globosa (BgAE) modulates senescence-associated responses in THP-1-derived macrophages exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Methods: The phenolic profile of BgAE was analyzed by HPLC-DAD and its antioxidant capacity by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Cell viability was assessed after exposure to 0.01-50 µg/mL BgAE. THP-1-derived macrophages were pretreated with BgAE for 48 h, exposed to 50 µM H₂O₂ for 1 h, and allowed to recover for 5 days. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase, inflammatory gene expression, and p16, p21, phosphorylated NF-κB, and total NF-κB protein levels were evaluated. Results: BgAE showed antioxidant capacity and did not significantly reduce cell viability under the conditions tested. H₂O₂ increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase positivity, TNFA expression, p16 and p21 abundance, and NF-κB phosphorylation. BgAE reduced H₂O₂-induced β-galactosidase positivity at 1 and 50 µg/mL and modulated TNFA, p16, p21, and NF-κB responses, with effects varying across the concentrations evaluated. The 0.01 and 1 µg/mL conditions generally showed greater attenuation of H₂O₂-induced changes, whereas 50 µg/mL BgAE alone increased senescence-associated signaling. Conclusions: BgAE modulates selected senescence-associated and inflammatory responses in oxidatively stressed THP-1-derived macrophages. These findings provide initial in vitro evidence supporting further investigation and improved standardization of B. globosa aqueous preparations as modulators of oxidative stress-associated cellular responses.