Potential of Helicrysum italicum cultivated in urban environment: SCCO2 extract cytotoxicity & NF-kB activation in HeLa, MCF-7 and MRC-5 cells

Urban horticulture and vertical gardens provide many benefits for the population in urban areas. A rational selection of plants in these features can introduce a potential for value-added products including extracts of nutraceuticals. Helichrysum. italicum was grown in the urban environment, on a vertical surface in the form of a green wall. Since the location was in a town with continental climate, particular attention was given to ensure that the minimum humidity of the soil and maximal insolation were achieved. Supercritical CO2 (SCCO2) was used for extraction of phytochemicals. Arzanol content of the obtained extracts was determined by HPLC-DAD using pure arzanol as standard. Cytotoxicity (MTT test) and NF-kB activation (p65 ELISA) were evaluated upon treatment of cells in culture (MCF-7, HeLa, MRC-5) with the SCCO2 extracts. This study demonstrates that H. italicum cultivation in urban conditions in the continental climate yields phytochemical-rich extracts. Obtained plant extracts showed potential anticancer effects when investigated in cell-based assays. Extract concentrations below IC50 concentrations for cytotoxic effects had a significant effect on NF-kB activation that was cell-line specific. HeLa and MCF -7 cells responded differently – suggesting the importance of cell receptors for biological activity. Further analysis of the potential use of extracts should be conducted using animal models. The reported use of Helicrysum italicum in the green healing wall is in line with the UN Development Goals for sustainable cities to improve the urban environment with benefits for the population wellbeing and a potential to obtain value-added bioactive extracts. [Display omitted] •H. italicum was grown in the urban environment, in the form of a green wall•Supercritical CO2 (SCCO2) was used for extraction of phytochemicals•HeLa, MCF-7 and MRC-5 cells in culture were treated with obtained extracts•Low extract concentration had cell-line specific effect on NF-kB activation