Neuroprotective Potential of Polyphenol-Rich Artichoke Waste Extract: Exploring Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities in Cell Models

Artichoke waste (AW) constitutes a significant amount of discarded material, but it might be considered a sustainable source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective capacity of AW extract, due to its high content of polyphenolic compounds. In particular, the quali-quantitative characterization by HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a notable presence of chlorogenic acid and flavonoids such as luteolin derivatives. The AW extract exhibited an antioxidant/antiradical potential demonstrated by its low IC₅₀ values in DPPH and ABTS assays (0.14 and 0.073 mg/mL respectively). The AW extract was then evaluated in neuroinflammation processes on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and THP-1 macrophage cell models, where it reduced the H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and enhanced cell viability, by dropping the production of ROS at 25 µg/mL. Furthermore, the AW ability in modulating inflammation was tested on THP-1-derived macrophages, demonstrating that the AW extract facilitated a shift in macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. These findings underscore the potential of AW extract for neuroprotection and inflammation modulation, highlighting the value of AW as a source of bioactive compounds and paving the route for further research into its mechanisms and clinical relevance. Furthermore, our results emphasize the significance of utilizing agricultural by-products.