Methanolic extracts of the edible halophyteCrithmum maritimumenhance oxidative stress resistance inCaenorhabditis elegansthrough hormetic mechanisms

Abstract

AbstractHalophytes are promising sources of bioactive phenolic compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, their phenolic composition is influenced by environmental conditions, and thein vivoantioxidant activity of their phytochemicals is largely unknown. We evaluated the antioxidant capacity of phenolic-rich methanolic extracts from the edible halophyteCrithmum maritimum, grown in wild and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, theirin vivoantioxidant capacity was analyzed for the first time using the modelCaenorhabditis elegans. Wild plant extracts showed higher phenolic content and diversity, andin vitroantioxidant activity. Both extracts enhanced oxidative stress resistance and increased nematode survival rates, albeit to varying extents, and increased reactive oxygen species production in nematodes, without affecting their lifespan, suggesting a hormetic mechanism. Although no neuroprotective effects were observed in models of neurodegenerative diseases, these findings highlight the potential ofC. maritimumas a valuable source of phenolics with antioxidant properties for the food industry.