Multifunctional Bioactivities of Avocado, Hedge Mustard, and Fireweed Seed Oils: From Inflammation Modulation to Enzyme Inhibition

Vegetable oils obtained from non-conventional seeds are increasingly being recognized for their functional bioactivities, particularly in the fields of neuroprotection, inflammation control, and skin health. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory properties of three commercial cold-pressed seed oils: avocado (Persea americana), hedge mustard (Erysimum spp.), and fireweed (Epilobium spp.). Oil samples were evaluated for biological activity using in vitro assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured through the inhibition of protein denaturation (IC50 values). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC50 values). Enzyme inhibition was tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase. Avocado seed oil showed the strongest anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 12.75 µg/mL) and antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 4.31 µg/mL), as well as the most potent tyrosinase inhibition (IC50 = 6.43 µg/mL), suggesting its high potential for dermo-cosmetic applications as well. Fireweed oil exhibited the lowest IC50 value for AChE (13.5 µg/mL) and an IC50 for BChE of 78.4 µg/mL, along with the highest BChE inhibition (48%), indicating a broad-spectrum neuroprotective profile. Hedge mustard oil exhibited the highest percentage inhibition of AChE (70.5%) despite a higher IC50, indicating good enzyme affinity but lower potency. The oils exhibited distinct biological profiles: avocado oil emerged as a candidate for anti-inflammatory and cosmetic applications, fireweed oil for neuroprotective formulations, and hedge mustard oil as a selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. These findings support the valorization of non-traditional seed oils as multifunctional ingredients for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and phytotherapeutic applications.

The authors would like to acknowledge the support from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Project “National Research Centre for Agricultural Technologies, Agritech”, Spoke 8 “New models of circular economy in agriculture through the valorization and recycle of wastes” [CUP B83C22002840001], supported by the Italian Ministry of University.