Polyphenolic Constituents Research Articles

Evaluation of Selected Folk Herbs on the Fertility of Sprague Dawley Male Rats: Biochemical, Histological, and Molecular Investigations

Scientists have shown great interest in traditional plant extracts, particularly Lepidium sativum (LS), Origanum majorana (OM), Ferula hermonis (FH), and Eruca sativa (ES), which are frequ ently used to improve health. Recently, attention has been directed toward their influence on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Hence, the objective of this study was to explore their impact on male rats’ fertility. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined, along with the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds. Oral administration of aqueous extracts was performed individually or as a mixture (MIX) at a dose of 100 mg/kg in 28 male Sprague Dawley rats over a 60-day period. Organ weight, sex hormone concentrations, sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, histological and morphometric analysis, and protein expression levels were investigated. OM and MIX showed the highest TPC and antioxidant activities, and MIX possessed the highest polyphenolic constituents. Elevated serum testosterone, epididymal sperm concentration, testes glutathione levels, and histomorphometric parameters were manifested in all groups, especially in MIX. MIX group also displayed elevated levels of vimentin, protein kinase B, and mTOR expression in the testes, complemented by declined expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN). In conclusion, these findings propose that these extracts, especially MIX followed by OM, enhance fertility by stimulating spermatogenesis.

Microemulsion of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. (Meliaceae) improves memory recovery and reduces oxidative stress after cerebral ischemia in rats

We reported that a lyophilized ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF-L) of Trichilia catigua (popular ‘Catuaba’) facilitated memory recovery and reduced oxidative stress after cerebral ischemia in rats. However, oral doses as high as 400 mg/kg seem necessary to achieve those effects. Here we used an EAF microemulsion (EAF-ME) to evaluate whether a dose lower than that used previously can be suitable for memory neuroprotection. Intact rats were trained in the aversive radial maze (LRA) and subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia (TGCI). EAF-ME or EAF-L (100 mg/kg each) was administered at 4 hours of reperfusion and repeated in the next 6 days. Retrograde memory performance was assessed 7-, 14-, and 21-days postischemia. In a second experiment, a single EAF-ME dose was given at 4 h of reperfusion. Oxidative stress of brain tissue was assessed at 24 h of reperfusion. Lastly, after the FAE-ME treatment, the brain was examined for GFAP and Iba-1 immunoreactivity as neuroinflammation markers. The rats' ability to recall the AvRM task learned before ischemia was significantly reduced after ischemia (amnesia). Treatment with EAF-ME (100 mg/kg) mitigated this outcome, whereas the same dose of the EAF-L formulation did not. Furthermore, a single administration of the EAF-ME prevented oxidative stress by restoring SOD and CAT activities and reducing protein carbonylation and lipoperoxidation. Ischemia-induced glial cell immunoreactivity, however, was not precluded by the EAF-ME formulation. The current findings demonstrate that the neuroprotective efficacy of T. catigua can be improved by developing appropriate formulations that may enhance the bioavailability of polyphenolic constituents in the brain.

A new consecutive high-performance counter-current chromatography approach based on co-current and overlap mode for isolating active compounds from olive leaves

Conventional consecutive separation methods based on overlapping injection modes produce interactions between samples as the separation time increases. This will lead to a reduction in the purity of the target due to the gradual saturation of the stationary phase distribution. To enhance the purity of the sample preparation and separation efficiency, we devised a consecutive separation method under high-performance counter-current chromatography (HPCCC) utilizing co-current elution and overlapping injection. The method was used for the separation and preparation of olive leaves for their main bioactive polyphenolic constituents. Six HPCCC separations were conducted in reversed-phase mode using a two-phase solvent system consisting of petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/water (1:40:40, v/v). Finally, 302.7 mg of luteolin-4’-O-β-D-glucoside and oleuropein were isolated from 720 mg of crude sample with purities of 93.3 % and 96.2 %, respectively. The optimization strategy outlined in this study can be used to enhance the extraction of bioactive components from olive leaves.

Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Content in Cranberry Raw Materials and Products

Cranberry fruit extracts have been shown to inhibit expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in THP-1 cells and reduce colonic tumor burden and tissue inflammation in a mouse model of colitis. These activities are attributed to both the triterpenoid and polyphenol constituents of the fruit. The pentacyclic triterpenoids ursolic acid (UA), oleanolic acid (OA), corosolic acid (CA), maslinic acid (MA), and esters of UA and OA occur in the waxy layer of cranberry peel, and their content in cranberry products is likely to vary with the fruit source and processing methods. UPLC-MS (ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) was applied to determine the four triterpenoid acids and their esters in cranberry products and raw materials. Cranberry pomace, a side stream in juice production, was a rich source at 64,090 µg total triterpenoids/g DW. Cranberry juice beverages ranged from 0.018 to 0.26 µg/g of product, fruit samples ranged from 6542 to 17,070 µg/g DW, and whole berry products contained up to 2665 µg/g DW. Free UA was the most plentiful triterpenoid in all samples. These analyses illustrate the potential value of an underutilized side stream in cranberry juice production and highlight potential benefits of whole fruit products.

Determination and identification of polyphenols in wine using mass spectrometry techniques

Mass spectrometry is crucial for analysing physicochemical and sensory properties, including colour, astringency, taste, and flavour, predicting ageing characteristics, and addressing stability issues in wine. Polyphenols are key chemical constituents in wine that are associated with health benefits and improve circulatory conditions. Advances in mass spectrometry ionisation techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionisation and direct analysis in real-time offer high sensitivity for identifying important polyphenolic constituents in wine. High-resolution mass spectrometry, in combination with liquid chromatography, accurately identify and quantify polyphenolic compounds, even at low concentrations, and provides the possibility for further retrospective analysis and non-targeted analysis using statistical methods of data analysis. Ambient mass spectrometry techniques such as paper spray and low-temperature plasma allow solventless analysis, determining the geographical origin, authentication, and quality control of wine samples. This review will explore the potential benefits of using mass spectrometry to identify various polyphenols and polymeric polyphenols in wine, as well as recent developments and applications. Additionally, we will discuss determining antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content in wine.

Humic acid changes effect of naturally occurring oxidants on the environmental transformation of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets

2H-phase molybdenum disulfide (2H-MoS2) has been considered to be a chemically stable two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial. Nonetheless, the persistence of 2H-MoS2 in the presence of environmental redox-active matrices, such as naturally occurring oxidants (e.g., manganese dioxide (MnO2)) and natural organic matter (NOM), remains largely unknown. Herein, we examined the interplay between 2H-MoS2, MnO2 (a common natural oxidant), and NOM species (i.e., Aldrich humic acid (ALHA) and Suwannee River natural organic matter (SRNOM)). The results show that MnO2 accelerates the oxidative dissolution of 2H-MoS2, regardless of the presence of dissolved oxygen. The effect of NOM on the MnO2-induced fate of 2H-MoS2 was found to depend on its affinity for 2H-MoS2 and the functionality of NOM. ALHA preferentially adsorbed on hydrophobic 2H-MoS2 nanosheets due to the enrichment of reductive polycyclic aromatics and polyphenolic constituents. The preferential ALHA adsorption counteracted the MnO2-triggered oxidative transformation of 2H-MoS2, as revealed by the cathodic response of 2H-MoS2 (i.e., decreased the open circuit potential by 0.0338 V) and the emergence of reductive Mo‒C bonds at 228.8 and 231.9 eV upon the addition of ALHA. This work evaluated the persistence of 2H-MoS2, illustrating its susceptibility to decomposition by naturally occurring oxidants and the influence of NOM on it. These findings are crucial for revealing the fate and transport of MoS2 in aquatic environments and provide guidelines for related applications in natural or engineered systems for MoS2 and potentially other 2D materials.

Inula salicina L.: Insights into Its Polyphenolic Constituents and Biological Activity.

In this study, UHPLC-HRMS analysis of the defatted methanol extract obtained from Inula salicina L. led to the identification of 58 compounds-hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and their glycosides, acylquinic and caffeoylhexaric acids, and flavonoids and their glycosides. In addition, a new natural compound, N-(8-methylnepetin)-3-hydroxypiperidin-2-one was isolated and its structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a flavoalkaloid in genus Inula is described now for the first time. Chlorogenic acid was the main compound followed by 3,5-, 1,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The methanol extract was studied for its antioxidant potential by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays and sun protective properties. In addition, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the tested extract in inhibiting biofilm formation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Results from crystal violet tests revealed a notable decrease in biofilm mass due to the extract. The anti-biofilm efficacy was confirmed through the observation of the biofilm viability by live/dead staining. The obtained results showed that this plant extract could be used in the development of cosmetic products with antibacterial and sun protection properties.

Modulation of UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) utilising unfermented rooibos and honeybush aqueous extracts

Exposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can trigger a diverse array of biological responses that have the potential to contribute to the onset of skin cancer. Natural compounds, such as tea polyphenols, have been shown to protect against UVB-induced damage by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cell proliferation. The chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties of South African rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) herbal teas have been shown to mainly target the early stages of cancer development through mechanisms that involve intracellular interleukin-1α (IL-1α) inhibition. Thus, the aim was to investigate the preventive effects of unfermented rooibos and honeybush aqueous extracts against UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in HaCaTs. Honeybush was found to reduce the accumulation of UVB-induced IL-1α while maintaining cell viability and without affecting apoptosis. Furthermore, only honeybush extract was able to decrease the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) caused by UVB exposure. Honeybush and rooibos extracts significantly decreased the secretion of UVB-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8). Except for rooibos extract at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, both extracts restored the expression of antioxidant genes to levels observed prior to UVB exposure. The anti-inflammatory effects of these herbal tea extracts are likely attributed to the antioxidant properties of their polyphenolic constituents, which modulate the oxidative stress-induced pathways governing inflammatory responses.

Study of the Polyphenolic Constituents, In-Vitro Anti-Glycation, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Eucalyptus globulus Leaves Extracts

ABSTRACT Eucalyptus leaves were extracted by two methods: Soxhlet extraction using different solvents and ratios, and by soaking in ethanol. The 60% ethanol extract furnished 29.9% and 44.4% inhibition of Anti-Glycation End products at 120 and 300 ppm concentrations, respectively. All extracts displayed notable antioxidant activity (FRAP). The 60% ethanol and soaked samples had the highest total phenolic content, whereas the ethyl acetate extract had the highest total flavonoids and alkaloids. Extracts displayed higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) than Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Detected phytochemicals included gallic acid, rutin, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, and kaempferol.

Biochemical Affinities of some Species of <i>Ficus</i>

Polyphenolic constituents of eighteen Ficus species were studied as separated by paper chromatography. Their inter-relationship was examined on the basis of their paired affinity (PA) indices. A comparative relationship of each Species in respect of PA values with others, are shown in polygonal graphs. Each species posses a distinct shape and area of these polygons. F. eriobotryoides, the only species native of Tropical Africa included, has distinctly smaller PA values thereby indicating its remote relationship with others.About 25-30% of the polyphenolic constituents are common in all the species, probably an indication of common heritage. At least two phenolics are found to be common to all the species studied.PA indices between 30 and 60% are shown by a fairly large group of species in each case. Considering PA values above 60% or less than 30% as indicating more nearness or remoteness respectively, it is possible to show inter-relationship among them. The various species of the subgenus Urostigma clearly isolate themselves into one group. F. virens, F. elastica and F. drupaceae var. pubescens appear to be the connecting links between the species of the subgenus Urostigma and Ficus. Details of the relationship are discussed.

Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Inflammatory Response in Mice (Mus musculus) Kidneys

Background: Epigallocatechin gallate is the primary polyphenol constituent of green tea. It has the ability to inhibit the pathological processes caused by oxidants. However, in certain cases, the green tea diet is known to exert pro-oxidant effects. In addition, studies have shown that epigallocatechin gallate negatively affects cells. Several studies on epigallocatechin gallate showed increased oxidative stress and decreased intracellular antioxidants. Furthermore, it can stimulate an inflammatory response from the innate immune system, which may contribute to the elimination of the effects of epigallocatechin gallate. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the inflammatory responses (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α) in mice kidneys due to epigallocatechin gallate. Methods: This study involved the use of experimental animals aged between two and three months with an average body weight of 20 grams. The animals were randomly divided into two groups, namely the control group and the epigallocatechin gallate treatment group, with each group consisting of 16 samples. The dose of epigallocatechin gallate used in this study was 750 mg/kg bw. The treatment was administered for three days, after which the kidneys were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the inflammatory response, including IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Subsequently, all the data were collected and statistically analyzed using an independent t-test. Results: The results of the data analysis showed a significant difference in the expression of IL-6 (p = 0.018) and TNF-α (p = 0.000), but no significant difference in the expression of IL-1 (p = 0.106). Conclusion: In conclusion, epigallocatechin gallate was found to induce an inflammatory response in mice kidneys.

Statistical Tools to Optimize the Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Marine Byproducts.

Techniques for extracting important bioactive molecules from seafood byproducts, viz., bones, heads, skin, frames, fins, shells, guts, and viscera, are receiving emphasis due to the need for better valorization. Employing green extraction technologies for efficient and quality production of these bioactive molecules is also strictly required. Hence, understanding the extraction process parameters to effectively design an applicable optimization strategy could enable these improvements. In this review, statistical optimization strategies applied for the extraction process parameters of obtaining bioactive molecules from seafood byproducts are focused upon. The type of experimental designs and techniques applied to criticize and validate the effects of independent variables on the extraction output are addressed. Dominant parameters studied were the enzyme/substrate ratio, pH, time, temperature, and power of extraction instruments. The yield of bioactive compounds, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, enzymes, gelatine, collagen, chitin, vitamins, polyphenolic constituents, carotenoids, etc., were the most studied responses. Efficiency and/or economic and quality considerations and their selected optimization strategies that favor the production of potential bioactive molecules were also reviewed.

Comprehensive Review of EGCG Modification: Esterification Methods and Their Impacts on Biological Activities.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the key constituent of tea polyphenols, presents challenges in terms of its lipid solubility, stability, and bioavailability because of its polyhydroxy structure. Consequently, structural modifications are imperative to enhance its efficacy. This paper comprehensively reviews the esterification techniques applied to EGCG over the past two decades and their impacts on bioactivities. Both chemical and enzymatic esterification methods involve catalysts, solvents, and hydrophobic groups as critical factors. Although the chemical method is cost-efficient, it poses challenges in purification; on the other hand, the enzymatic approach offers improved selectivity and simplified purification processes. The biological functions of EGCG are inevitably influenced by the structural changes incurred through esterification. The antioxidant capacity of EGCG derivatives can be compromised under certain conditions by reducing hydroxyl groups, while enhancing lipid solubility and stability can strengthen their antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Additionally, esterification broadens the utility of EGCG in food applications. This review provides critical insights into developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable selective esterification methods, as well as emphasizes the elucidation of the bioactive mechanisms of EGCG derivatives to facilitate their widespread adoption in food processing, healthcare products, and pharmaceuticals.

Chemical and biological study of flavonoid-related plant pigment: current findings and beyond.

Flavonoids are polyphenolic plant constituents. Anthocyanins are flavonoid pigments found in higher plants that show a wide variety of colors ranging from red through purple to blue. The blue color of the flowers is mostly attributed to anthocyanins. However, only a few types of anthocyanidin, chromophore of anthocyanin, exist in nature, and the extracted pigments are unstable with the color fading away. Therefore, the wide range and stable nature of colors in flowers have remained a mystery for more than a century. The mechanism underlying anthocyanin-induced flower coloration was studied using an interdisciplinary method involving chemistry and biology. Furthermore, the chemical studies on flavonoid pigments in various edible plants, synthetic and biosynthetic studies on anthocyanins were conducted. The results of these studies have been outlined in this review.

Phytosomes:An Overview

Phytosome is a patented technology that incorporates standardized plant extracts into phospholipids to create lipid-soluble molecular complexes with improved bioavailability and absorption. These phyto-constituents are increasingly important due to their nutritional and medicinal properties, but their bioavailability remains poor. Phytosome drug delivery is a method developed to enhance their bioavailability and is compatible in-vivo. Preparation methods are easy and can be characterized using techniques like FTIR, PXRD, DSC, SEM, TEM, and HNMR. Phytosomes can be used to augment the bioavailability of plant constituents and treat incurable diseases with less side effects. Phytosomes are formed by reacting a stoichiometric amount of phospholipid with standardized herbal extract or polyphenolic constituents in an aprotic solvent. Phosphatidylcholine molecules in phytosomes have hepatoprotective activity and nutritional value. In this article, we are going to keep an eye on Phytosomes Overview.

Comprehensive Analysis of Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Antibacterial Activity of T. polium

This study aims to thoroughly examine the chemicals and effects of the ethanol extract from T. polium’s upper parts. We used the Soxhlet method for extraction, resulting in an extract with a significant yield of 20.6%. Qualitative analysis identified a variety of compounds, such as tannins, saponins, reducing compounds, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids. In quantitative analysis using the colorimetric method, we found the extract was rich in total flavonoids (20.78 mg equivalent QE/g DW extract) and total polyphenols (227.43 mg equivalent GAE/g DW extract). To assess antioxidant potential, we used the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method, with ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as standards. The extract showed moderate activity in both the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and FRAP methods at concentrations of 65 µg/mL and 21 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, we tested the ethanolic extract against various bacteria using the disk diffusion technique on agar medium. The results indicated that the T. polium extract had moderate effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, as well as Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. We further investigated the composition of the ethanolic extract through LC-MS/MS analysis, establishing a detailed profile of phenolic compounds, with six flavonoids identified as the main polyphenolic constituents. This thorough evaluation provides insights into the potential therapeutic uses of T. polium.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Fruit and Flower Extracts.

Sambucus nigra L. (S. nigra, SN) or black elder is a traditional medicinal plant widely used worldwide for therapeutic and dietary purposes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of black elder fruit and flower extracts (SNFrE and SNFlE, respectively). The primary polyphenol constituents in the flower extract were flavonoids and phenolic acids, while anthocyanins were the main components in the fruit extract. SNFrE revealed pronounced and dose-dependent in vivo anti-inflammatory activity assessed by the cotton pellet-induced granuloma test. Doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg BW of SNFrE reduced the weight of induced granuloma in rats by 20.3%, 20.5%, and 28.4%, respectively. At the highest dose (50 mg/kg BW), SNFrE had significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of diclofenac, the reference compound used (10 mg/kg BW). In addition, the in vivo antinociceptive activity of the extracts in mice was estimated using the acetic-acid-induced writhing test. Both extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg BW inhibited the abdominal contractions induced by the acetic acid significantly comparing to the control group (p < 0.01). Our findings indicate that black elder extracts and particularly SNFrE possess anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, providing experimental evidence for the use of S. nigra in traditional medicine.

Rosmarinic acid Ameliorates neuronal regeneration in the bridging silicone rubber conduits of the sciatic nerve in taxol‐treated rats

Background and aimTaxol modulates local inflammatory conditions in peripheral nerves, which may impair their regeneration and recovery when injured. This study aimed to determine the effects of rosmarinic acid (RA, a polyphenol constituent of many culinary herbs) on the regeneration of the sciatic nerves in the bridging conduits. Experimental procedureIn the cell study, RA decreased nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity induced by taxol in a dose dependency. In the animal model, taxol-treated rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 10/group): taxol (2 mg/kg body weight for 4 times) and taxol + RA (3 times/week for 4 weeks at 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight) groups. Macrophage infiltration, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression levels, neuronal connectivity, animal behavior, and neuronal electrophysiology were evaluated. Results and conclusionAt the end of 4 weeks, macrophage density, CGRP expression level, and axon number significantly increased in the RA group compared with the taxol group. The RA administration unaffected heat, cold plate licking latencies, and motor coordination. Moreover, the 40 mg/kg RA group had significantly larger nerve conduction velocity and less latency compared to the taxol group. This study suggested that RA could ameliorate local inflammatory conditions to augment the recovery of regenerating nerves by accelerating their regrowth and improving electrophysiological function in taxol-treated peripheral nerve injury repaired with the silicone rubber conduit.

Unravelling the cardiovascular symphony: Decoding the intricate influence of green tea polyphenols from leaf to heart

The extensive exploration of green tea's therapeutic potential in relation to cardiovascular ailments has sparked considerable global interest. The green tea polyphenols notably EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC, and various catechins, exhibit considerable promise as agents with cardioprotective attributes. The green tea polyphenolic compounds effectively counteract the detrimental impact of reactive oxygen species while concurrently modulating intricate cellular signalling pathways, thereby ameliorating the adverse effects of oxidative stress—a pivotal contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, these compounds have demonstrated a capacity to function as antihypertensive agents, primarily through their facilitation of vasodilation, inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, and deterrence of excessive vasoconstriction. Moreover, green tea polyphenols exert their influence on lipid profiles and cholesterol metabolism, presenting an additional avenue for cardiovascular health maintenance. By inhibiting key enzymes, namely ACAT and HMG-CoA reductases, involved in cholesterol esterification and synthesis, respectively, green tea polyphenols actively contribute to the preservation of a favourable lipid profile, effectively mitigating the risk of atherosclerosis development. In evaluating the bioavailability of green tea polyphenols, it is observed that they exhibit considerable stability in gastric conditions. However, substantial metabolic transformations occur within the intestinal and hepatic milieu, consequently influencing their availability and physiological activity within the human body. This comprehensive review proffers an array of interdisciplinary methodologies, encompassing in silico modelling, omics technologies, and innovative research approaches. These multifaceted avenues possess immense potential in unravelling novel insights and enhancing therapeutic strategies. Future investigations should seek to explore captivating prospects, including the identification of specific polyphenolic constituents or synergistic combinations that exhibit pronounced cardioprotective effects, thus guiding the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning the cardiovascular effects of green tea polyphenols, a greater understanding of the therapeutic targets involved in the prevention.

Evaluation of the Potential Protective Effect of Ellagic Acid against Heavy Metal (Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead) Toxicity in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenolic constituent of plant origin, has been thoroughly investigated for its hypothesised pharmacological properties among which antioxidant and neuroprotective activities are included. The present study was designed to explore whether EA could attenuate heavy metal (cadmium, mercury, and lead)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, which were utilized as a model system for brain cells. MTT and LDH assays were performed to examine the viability of the SH-SY5Y cells after exposure to Cd, Hg, and Pb (either individually or in combination with EA) as well as the effects of necrotic cell death, respectively. Furthermore, 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), a cell-based assay, was performed to determine whether EA could protect SH-SY5Y from heavy metal-induced oxidative stress. Results allowed us to assess the capability of EA to enhance the number of viable SH-SY5Y cells after exposure to heavy metal toxicity. Pre-treatment with EA showed a considerable, concentration-dependent, cytoprotective effect, particularly against Cd2+-induced toxicity. This effect was confirmed through the reduction of LDH release after the simultaneous cell treatment with Cd2+ and EA compared with Cd2+-treated cells. Furthermore, a significant, concentration-dependent decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, induced by H2O2 or heavy metals, was observed in the same model. Overall, the obtained results provide further insight into the protective role of EA against heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress, thus indicating the potential beneficial effects of the consumption of EA-rich foods. However, to confirm its effects, well-designed human randomized controlled trials are needed to fill the existing gap between experimental and clinical research.