O18 Revalorisation of rapeseed pomace (RSP): A study into antioxidant and DNA protective properties (in vitro) of a RSP extract and its effects on neurodegenerative disease C. elegans models

For a number of years there has been intense interest in phytochemicals due to their potential health benefits. One readily available and rich source of phytochemicals is Rapeseed pomace (RSP), a waste product obtained after edible oil production from Brassica napus . In this work, we analysed the ubiquitous secondary metabolites in RSP (harvest 2014, North East of Scotland) after soxhhlet ethanol/water (95:5) extraction. LC-MS/MS data of the extract revealed several secondary metabolites, with sinapic acid being the most abundant. The presence of a high level of phenolics in the extract was confirmed with the folin ciocalteu assay. Strong antioxidant activities of the extract was determined by using common antioxidant assays (FRAP, DPPH and ORAC). In addition, the extract (13.9 μg/mL) provided complete pBR322 plasmid DNA protection, from oxidative stress induced by AAPH (3.5 mM). Interestingly, in vitro analysis showed that the RSP extract exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity in a time and concentration dependant manner. Furthermore, cellular studies showed that incubation of neuroblastoma cells (SH Sy-5Y) with RSP extract protected cell metabolism from reactive oxygen species produced by H 2 O 2 (1 mM). We are currently undertaking in vivo studies using the model organism C. elegans . Preliminary results showed that RSP extract is non-toxic (up to 5 mg/mL) and has neuroprotective properties in C. elegans models of neurodegenerative diseases (work in progress). The positive properties associated with the RSP extract in this study warrants further investigation for the revalorisation of rapeseed pomace in the health/food industry.