Anti-MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity of Salsola komarovii Iljin extract and its solvent fractions

Objective: To investigate matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 inhibitory effect of Salsola komarovii Iljin, an edible halophyte with health beneficial effects. Methods: Salsola komarovii crude extracts (SKI), and solvent (n-hexane, 85% aq. MeOH, n-BuOH, and H2O) fractionated extracts of SKI were prepared. Gelatin zymography was carried out to observe MMP enzymatic activity. The release of the MMP enzymes was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of MMPs in mRNA and protein level were investigated by polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunoblotting, respectively. Results: SKI and SKI fractions inhibited active MMP-2 and MMP-9 amount in the treated cell culture medium. Also, SKI suppressed the release of MMP-2 and MMP-9 from stimulated HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Furthermore, SKI suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. SKI fractions showed parallel effects except for H2O fraction which did not yield any significant MMP inhibitory effect. Among fractions, 85% aq. MeOH was the most active fraction to inhibit both the enzymatic effect and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Conclusions: SKI may contain potential MMP release inhibitory compounds. Salsola komarovii is a promising source of compounds against MMP and could be utilized in the development of antitumor agents.