Exceptional Properties of Lepidium sativum L. Extract and Its Impact on Cell Viability, Ros Production, Steroidogenesis, and Intracellular Communication in Mice Leydig Cells In Vitro.

The prevalence of reproductive dysfunction in males has risen in the last few years, and alternative therapies are gradually gaining in popularity. Our in vitro study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of Lepidium sativum L. on mice TM3 Leydig cells, concerning basal parameters such as cell viability, cell membrane integrity, and lysosomal activity, after 24 h and 48 h exposure. Moreover, reactive oxygens species generation, sex-steroid hormone secretion, and intercellular communication were quantified. In the present study, the microgreen extract from Lepidium was rich in ferulic acid, 4-OH benzoic acid, and resveratrol, with a significant antioxidant activity. The results showed that lower experimental doses (62.5-250 µg/mL) could positively affect the observed parameters, with significant differences at 250 µg/mL after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Potential risks could be associated with higher concentrations, starting at 500 µg/mL, 1000 µg/mL, and 2000 µg/mL of Lepidium. Nevertheless, biochemical quantification indicated a significant antioxidant potential and a rich content of biologically active molecules at the applied doses, and time determined the intracellular response of the cultured model.

Impact of 3-Year Period as a Factor on the Content of Biologically Valuable Substances in Seeds of White Lupin.

White lupin seed is a unique legume rich in protein and fiber contents, as well as phytochemicals with health potential that contributes to a reduced risk of dyslipidemia, obesity and intestinal dysfunction. This study was focused on the effect of the year on the contents of caffeic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, trans-ferulic, trans-p-coumaric, quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, apigenin and genistein, as well as the antioxidant activity and total polyphenols, of seeds of eleven varieties (Lupine albus). The contents of individual phenolic substances were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-HPLC. The total content of polyphenols and the antioxidant activity were determined spectrophotometrically. The results show that the lowest contents of phenolic acids were found in the seeds from 2018. The caffeic acid and trans-ferulic acid were the most represented among all phenolic acids, during all 3 monitored years (2017, 2018, and 2019). Our results confirm the significant influence of the year of cultivation on the bioactive substances' content in the seeds, and this can be potentially useful for the appropriate selection of locations for lupine growers in Slovakia, taking into account the climatic conditions of the given location. This study provides information about a legume that is underutilized in human nutrition, which may be a valuable source of bioactive substances.