In vitro anti-glycation activity of the marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is traditionally used by villagers of the west coast of Anatolia as a remedy for diabetes and hypertension.

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to explore the role of the P. oceanica hydroalcoholic leaves extract (POE) against human serum albumin glycation.

Material and methods: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were obtained with the albumin-glucose in vitro assay. The AGEs intrinsic fluorescence intensity and the electrophoretic migration under native conditions allowed us to verify the effective glycation of albumin. The presence of POE during glycation process was intended to evaluate its anti-glycation role.

Results: POE exhibited a strong in vitro anti-glycation ability which occurred independently from its known antioxidant property.

Conclusions: Overall, the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-glycation properties of POE could be exploited as an effective tool against diabetes and related complications.

Keywords: AGEs; Albumin glycation; Anti-glycation; Antioxidant; Posidonia oceanica.