Safety indicators of a novel multi supplement based on guarana, selenium, and L-carnitine: Evidence from human and red earthworm immune cells

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammatory states. There is evidence to support the design of novel supplements based on guarana (G) (Paullinia cupana), selenium (S), and L-carnitine (C), the use of which, potentially attenuates neuro oxi-inflammatory conditions. Therefore, this study analyzed the cytotoxic and redox effects of GSC on human leucocytes, the inflammatory activation of microglia BV-2 cells, and effect on mortality, oxidative metabolism, and the immune modulation of red earthworms (Eisenia fetida). The GSC concentrations tested in cell culture were in the range of 0.04–2.1 mg/mL. All the GSC-supplemented samples tested, reverted H2O2 oxidation in DNA molecules, suggesting its genoprotective potential. GSC did not induce mortality in leucocyte cultures. On the contrary, a reduction in the levels of oxidation of lipids, proteins, and cell apoptosis was observed, via downregulation of caspase 3 and 8 genes. GSC showed a dual effect on microglia, decreasing the cellular proliferation at lower concentrations (<0.24 mg/mL) and increasing the cellular proliferation mainly at concentrations > 1.0 mg/mL. GSC did not have a toxic effect on red earthworms, but induced an increase in amoebocyte cells and in brown body formation, indicating immune response activation. The results suggest that GSC could be safe for human consumption.