Evaluation and comparison of functional properties of freshwater-cultivated glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) with naturally-grown glasswort

Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) is a halophyte that grows normally in salt marshes and has been used as a seasoned vegetable. Physico-chemical properties, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of water extracts from freshwater-cultivated (FWE) and naturally-grown (SWE) glasswort were investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of FWE were higher than for SWE. The salinity was higher in SWE. Radical scavenging activities and inhibitory effects against lipid peroxidation of FWE were more potent than for SWE. FWE also showed more potent cytotoxic effects with higher potency against cancer cells. FWE was effective for inhibition of protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Constituents in FWE were more active than in SWE, and freshwater-cultivated glasswort can be a useful dietary source with health benefits.