<i>Borassus flabellifer</i> haustorium extract prevents pro-oxidant mediated cell death and LPS-induced inflammation

Abstract

<i>Borassus flabellifer</i> L., belonging to the Arecaceae family, is less explored for its nutritional and biological properties. The plant parts such as the tender kernel, tender water, <i>Borassus flabellifer</i> sap, and haustorium are consumed by various communities in India. The present study first time analyzed the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of <i>Borassus flabellifer</i> haustorium extract (BHE). The protective effect of BHE was estimated in the normal intestinal epithelial cell (IEC-6) against the pro-oxidant insults induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Further, the change in redox status was estimated in terms of antioxidant enzyme activities or the oxidative stress markers. The anti-inflammatory potential of BHE was analyzed in macrophage cells (Raw 264.7) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BHE had a total polyphenols and flavonoids content of 37.92 ± 4.03 mg GAE and 7.02 ± 0.61 mg QE. The pretreatment with BHE has significantly reduced the cytotoxic effect of H₂O₂ and MDA (<i>p</i> < 0.01) in IEC-6 cells; restoration of cellular glutathione levels and catalase activity (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with a concomitant reduction in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and conjugated dienes (<i>p</i> < 0.05) maybe the plausible mode of action. Further, H₂O₂ and MDA induced expression of apoptotic genes caspase 3/7 and apaf-1 was significantly reduced by BHE pretreatment (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Similarly, BHE dose-dependently reduced the LPS (1 µg/mL) induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in Raw 264.7 cells. The study concludes that <i>Borassus flabellifer</i> haustorium can be an efficient antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functional food.