Dry eye disease (DED) is caused by inflammation on the ocular surface and insufficient quality or production of the tear film. Due to various harmful environmental conditions, a gradual increase of DED cases has been reported. This study aims for a comprehensive in vitro pharmacological and phytochemical profiling of two different Buddleja officinalis Maxim. extracts to assess their potential for the treatment of DED. A hydroethanolic (BO-HE) and a lead-like enhanced (BO-LLE) B. officinalis extract were phytochemically characterized by UHPLC-UV-MS and UHPLC-ELSD analyses. Afterwards, the effects of either BO-HE or BO-LLE on in vitro dry eye models, including human corneal epithelial cell-transformed (HCE-T) cells, immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cells (IHMGECs) and human leukemia monocytic (THP-1) cells, and Jurkat cells, were investigated. Both extracts exhibited strong anti-inflammatory properties with free radical scavenging activities and reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in UVB-exposed HCE-T cells. Treatment with BO-HE or BO-LLE showed wound healing capacities. Moreover, both extracts differentially modulate mediator secretion in UVB-exposed HCE-T cells. In IHMGECs, the size of secreted lipid droplets was larger in BO-LLE treated cells. As for immune cells, a significant reduction in levels of TNF-α and IL-6 secretion by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed THP-1 cells was observed. Additionally, BO-LLE effectively inhibited intracellular calcium influx in Jurkat cells even at low concentrations. The results of this study demonstrate pharmacological potential of B. officinalis flowers for the treatment of DED pathology with BO-LLE exerting a slightly more beneficial profile than BO-HE.

Copper functions as a cofactor and antioxidants in a large number of enzymes that are important for cellular respiration and the nervous system. In the last century scholars have explored copper’s relationship with the immune system, with copper deficiency drastically upsetting the overall function of the immune system, as seen in symptoms such as increased susceptibility to pathogens, decreased proliferation of lymphocytes, and impaired function of both cytotoxic T lymphocytes and helper T cells. Among copper’s various forms, copper bis-glycinate (Cbg) has been used as an official EU-approved oral supplement to promote health. In this study, we observed the influence of Cbg on human epithelial cells (HCE-T cells) to determine its cytotoxicity, anti-reactive oxygen (ROS), and wound healing capabilities. We also evaluated Cbg’s anti-inflammatory immune cells like primary human mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocytic THP-1, and Jurkat cells in the context of anti-inflammation. At all the investigated concentrations of Cbg (0.05–100 μg/mL), ther was no considerable impact detected on the epithelial cells. However, the proliferation rate of stimulated PBMCs was affected progressively (3–50 μg/mL). In CD4⁺ helper T cells, interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-2 cytokine levels were decreased in a dose-dependent manner, while interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-2 levels were slightly decreased with no noticeable changes between each treated concentration. Furthermore, stimulated monocytic THP-1 cells treated with Cbg reduced IL-6 and significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α cytokines secretion. Lastly, stimulated Jurkat intracellular Ca²⁺ influx was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, this study demonstrated that copper possesses modulatory effects on immune cells but not on epithelial cells, but further studies are needed to underline this hypothesis.