303: Protective Effects of Curry Leaf (Murraya Koenigii) Extract on Primary Aortic Endothelial Cells: In Vitro Studies on Reduction of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Adhesion Markers Relevant to Atherosclerosis Prevention

Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease, often arising from endothelial dysfunction marked by oxidative stress, inflammation, and elevated expression of adhesion molecules. Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) contain bioactive compounds with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making them potential agents for atherosclerosis prevention.

Methods

Primary aortic endothelial cells were cultured and H202 was used as a prooxidant to induce oxidative stress in cells followed by treatment with dried curry leaf extracts at varying concentrations (125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 µg/ml). Cell viability was assessed to determine non-toxic concentrations for further assays. Cytotoxicity was measured using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, while antioxidant capacity was evaluated by assessing activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Inflammatory response was quantified using cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and expression of adhesion markers, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), were measured to assess the impact on endothelial adhesion (Standard kits from Invitrogen and Abcam)

Results

Curry leaf extracts exhibited toxicity at higher concentrations (600-1000µg/ml) with increased MTT% and cell protection at moderate concentrations (200–400 µg/mL) by increased catalase (20.28–34.98 µM) and GSH levels (3.09–3.65 µM) with high cell viability (83.04–72.78%). At higher concentrations (800–1000 µg/mL), cell viability decreased (58.89–45.18%), with reduced catalase (11.56–19.39 µM) and GSH levels (2.09–1.21 µM), suggesting oxidative stress. After H₂O₂ exposure, the extract significantly increased catalase activity (73.29 µM at 200 µg/mL), highlighting its protective effect against oxidative stress and its potential to support endothelial function and overall health.

Significance

Curry leaf extract exhibits atheroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory cascades, and endothelial adhesion mechanisms in primary aortic endothelial cells, suggesting its potential role in atherosclerosis prevention. These findings support its potential as a strategy for cardiovascular diseases, particularly in preventing endothelial dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis.

Authors: K. Medabalimi*, H. Singh, N. Montgomery, R. Kaur, J. Boateng, M. Verghese