Nutraceutical and Antitumoral Potential of Scenedesmus sp. in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

TL;DR

This study explores Scenedesmus sp. microalgae as a safe and effective nutraceutical with potential cancer-fighting properties.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the antitumoral and nutraceutical potential of Scenedesmus sp. using in vitro, in vivo, and metabolomic approaches.

Findings

The extract showed selective cytotoxicity against lymphoma cells with low toxicity to human cells.

In vivo tests showed improved antioxidant responses and glucose tolerance in treated animals.

Metabolomic analysis identified bioactive compounds like β-hydroxybutyrate and betaine.

Abstract

Microalgae are increasingly recognized as valuable dietary supplements due to their rich nutritional composition and the presence of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, antitumor, and metabolism-modulating activities. This study evaluated the nutraceutical potential of a methanolic extract of Scenedesmus sp. using an integrated in vitro, in vivo, and metabolomic approach. The extract exhibited selective cytotoxicity against L5178Y-R murine lymphoma cells while showing low toxicity toward human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicating a favorable safety and selectivity profile. Additionally, it demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity, a significant antihemolytic effect, and no hemolytic activity even at high concentrations, supporting its hematological safety. In vivo assays showed that oral administration of doses up to 1000 mg/kg was well tolerated, with no adverse effects on body weight or hepatic biochemical markers. Treated animals displayed improved systemic antioxidant responses and enhanced glucose tolerance. Metabolomic analysis revealed a profile enriched in essential amino acids, osmolytes, organic acids, and bioactive metabolites such as β-hydroxybutyrate and betaine, compounds associated with metabolic regulation, redox balance, and epigenetic modulation. Overall, these findings highlight Scenedesmus sp. as a promising nutraceutical source with potential application as a complementary strategy for cancer prevention or treatment.

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