Extrato de Salacia crassifolia atenua o estresse oxidativo induzido pelo acúmulo de lipídios em células HepG2

Abstract

Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and currently lacks approved pharmacological treatment. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, with oxidative stress being the main contributing factor. In this context, species of the Salacia genus have attracted interest due to their therapeutic potential and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of the aqueous extract from S. crassifolia leaves (EAS) in an in vitro model of MASLD using HepG2 cells with lipid accumulation induced by incubation with palmitic and oleic fatty acids. Phytochemical characterization of EAS demonstrated the presence of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as high antioxidant activity measured by the ORAC method. EAS showed no cytotoxicity and, although it did not reduce lipid accumulation, it significantly improved the redox balance of the cells, decreasing ROS levels and increasing antioxidant defenses, including total glutathione and the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase. This is the first study to associate S. crassifolia with oxidative stress modulation in MASLD, indicating its potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved.