Biostimulant potential of Sargassum ilicifolium (Turner) C. Agardh in enhancing growth, nutrition, and bioactivity of fenugreek microgreens
摘要
Sargassum ilicifolium, a brown marine alga, is emerging as a promising source of sustainable biostimulants; however, its influence on edible microgreens has not been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluated and compared the morphological development, phytochemical composition, and therapeutic potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) microgreens treated with S. ilicifolium extract treated microgreens (SiTmg) versus untreated microgreens (UTmg). Parameters assessed included shoot and root length, biomass, biochemical constituents (proteins, carbohydrates), photosynthetic pigments, total flavonoid and phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, and cytotoxicity against PANC-1 cells. SiTmg exhibited significantly greater shoot length (6 ± 0.15 cm), root length (10 ± 0.36 cm), fresh weight (144.5 ± 0.18 mg), dry weight (26.9 ± 0.1 mg) and relative water content (81 ± 13.15%) compared to UTmg. Biochemical assays revealed elevated carbohydrate (0.24 ± 0.04 mg g−1), protein content (2.57 ± 0.87 mg g−1) and photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll a and b (2.56 ± 0.35 and 2.76 ± 0.56 mg g−1). Total phenolic (25.14 ± 0.07 mg GAE g−1) and flavonoid (17.07 ± 0.21 mg QE g−1) contents were higher in SiTmg, along with enhanced antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50: 49.93 µg mL−1; ABTS IC50: 64 µg mL−1). SiTmg also showed strong antibacterial (MIC and MBA) activity against S. aureus and significant α-glucosidase (IC50 values of 25.45 µg mL−1) and α-amylase (IC50 values of 23.24 µg mL−1) inhibition and potent cytotoxicity against PANC-1 cells (IC50: 55.73 µg mL−1). These findings confirmed that S. ilicifolium extract significantly enhances the nutritional and therapeutic profile of fenugreek microgreens, promoting its application in functional foods and eco-friendly agricultural practices.