Antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects of fractions from glasswort (Salicornia herbacea) seed extracts on human intestinal cells

Abstract

Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) is a halophyte that grows in the salt marshes and has been used as a seasoned vegetable and a traditional folk medicine. In the present study, the antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects of glasswort seeds on human colon and intestinal cells were investigated. A series of solvent fractions, including fractions of hexane (Fr.H), ethyl ether (Fr.E), ethyl acetate (Fr.EA), and water (Fr.W) were prepared from 70% methanol extract of glasswort seeds. Fr.EA contained the highest level of total polyphenols and flavonoids followed by Fr.E. Radicals of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and nitric oxide were most effectively scavenged by Fr.EA. Among the solvent fractions, Fr.E showed the most potent cytotoxic effects on HCT 116 and HT-29 colon cancer cells, and was significantly less toxic to INT-407 normal immortalized intestinal cells. The selective toxicity between normal and cancer cells was not observed in cells treated with Fr.H or Fr.EA. Fr.W rather stimulated cell growth by 10–20% in the range of 100–400 μg/mL. The results indicate that the fractions from seeds of glasswort have potent antioxidant and cytotoxic effects, and can be used as a dietary source for medicinal application.