Lythrum salicaria L. (Lythraceae) as a promising source of phenolic compounds in the modulation of oxidative stress: Comparison between aerial parts and root extracts

Lythrum salicaria is a flowering plant traditionally used for inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal ailments, dysentery, and as astringent for external use. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic content, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities of L. salicaria aerial part and root methanol extracts, as well as the protective effects against oxidative damage on DNA and on a cell-based model. Moreover, simulated in vitro digestion studies were performed to estimate the stability of individual compounds present in the extracts. L. salicaria extracts contained a significant amount of total phenolic compounds and several phenolic compounds including C-glycoside flavones, orientin, isoorientin, and vitexin, were identified in extracts. The extracts demonstrated high antioxidant potential in different in vitro methods, moderate antimicrobial properties, and low cytotoxicity on studied normal and cancer cell lines. Also, the extracts showed significant DNA protection and protection of cells against arsenite-induced oxidative stress. These results suggest that, although the aerial part of L. salicaria is in extensive use since ancient times as a medicinal plant, its root may also possess the valuable biological properties and both could be used as functional food ingredients, considering their good antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities, and stability during in vitro digestion.