Effect of salt treatment on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of two Mesembryanthemum edule provenances

Mesembryanthemum edule L. is an edible and medicinal halophyte widespread in Tunisia seashore. In this study, parameters of oxidative stress, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities were comparatively investigated in two M. edule provenances (Jerba and Bizerte, respectively sampled from arid and humid bioclimatic stages). Plants were subjected to 0, 300 and 600 mM NaCl treatment under glasshouse conditions. Results showed that M. edule response to salinity depends on provenance (P), salt treatment (T) and their interaction (P × T). (T) affected more significantly the oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant activities than (P) and (P × T). Conversely, (P) was much affluent for tannin polymerization degree and interaction between the two factors (P × T) was more determinants for analyzed antioxidant parameters. The higher salt tolerance of Jerba plants was associated with low levels of malondialdehyde and of electrolyte leakage mainly at 600 mM NaCl. Besides, antioxidant activities of Jerba provenance, were more efficient than Bizerte. In addition, avicularin was the major phenolic in both provenances. This compound concentration increased with salinity in Jerba shoots, while it was reduced in Bizerte especially at 600 mM NaCl. Overall, the higher salt tolerance of plants from Jerba provenance, and to a lower extent of those from Bizerte, may be partly related to their better capacity to limit oxidative damage when salt-challenged, and this is likely the result of redistribution in phenolic composition. Besides, abiotic factors such as salinity could be determinant in antioxidant potentiality of this medicinal plant.

► M. edule has different antioxidant metabolisms depending on plant bioclimatic stage.
► Salt tolerance of M. edule might be related to increased capacity of antioxidant system.
► Salt tolerance of M. edule would be partially based on a higher avicularin accumulation.
► Results in this study may be used in breeding programs for introducing salt-tolerant crops.