Cashew apple byproduct: Gastroprotective effects of standardized extract

Evaluation of a Standardized Extract Obtained from Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) Bagasse in DSS-Induced Mouse Colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Several studies relate eating habits to different aspects of IBD, such as progression and worsening of the clinical condition. Therefore, many natural products (NPs) such as polyphenols and carotenoids have been identified as promising agents in supporting IBD. An interesting source for obtaining bioactive NPs is the by-products of the food industry. The present study evaluated the potential beneficial effect of a standardized extract (CAE) obtained from cashew apple bagasse in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis model in mice. This was the first time that CAE had been evaluated in this experimental model. Chemical evaluation of CAE identified carotenoids (96.28 ± 0.15 mg/100 g), phenolic compounds (37.49 ± 0.64 mg/100 g), and a mixture of anacardic acids (C15:3 = 94.2 ± 0.6 mg/100 g; C15:2 = 108.4 ± 0.1 mg/100 g; C15:1 = 214.8 ± 0.2 mg/100 g). Administration of CAE (500 mg/kg, 4 days, p.o.) after DSS challenge was more effective in delaying disease progression compared with prior treatment (500 mg/kg, 30 days, p.o.), according to the disease activity index. However, no treatment strategy with CAE was able to prevent or inhibit disease progression, since all parameters evaluated (macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological) in CAE-treated animals were similar to those observed in DSS-challenged animals. Despite the high dose (500 mg/kg), the standardized extract (CAE) did not result in an effective concentration of carotenoids. Furthermore, as some anacardic acids have been reported as histone acetyltransferases inhibitors, there could be a possible antagonistic relationship between carotenoids and anacardic acids. Complementary research will be necessary to test the hypothesis of antagonism. Thus, an optimized extract, with an even higher concentration of carotenoids, obtained from cashew apple bagasse, can be developed as a possible adjuvant food supplement for inflammatory bowel diseases.

From food waste to functional component: Cashew apple pomace

Globally, large numbers of people suffer from undernourishment and food insecurity, while a third of food produced is lost or wasted. The widely cultivated cashew nut produces large quantities of waste in early processing. It grows on an edible peduncle called the cashew apple which contains many essential nutrients. An estimated 36.9 million tons of cashew apples are produced annually, but only small amounts are used to make juice. The remainder is considered production waste. This review presents the potential of cashew apple pomace as a food ingredient and examines the effects of incorporation on chemical composition, physical properties and sensory evaluation. Inclusion in optimized amounts into food products is a strategy proven to produce palatable results with high acceptability. Transforming this manufacturing by-product into a functional food component will have economic benefits, improve resource-utilization, promote sustainability and potentially increase the nutritional value of foods.

Gastrointestinal effects of Mentha aquatica L. essential oil

Found in humid regions and waterways and popularly used to treat gastrointestinal problems among other applications, the present study evaluated the M. aquatica essential oil (OEMa) as a therapeutic alternative to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Produced by steam distillation, chemical composition of OEMa was determined by GC-MS analysis. The ethanol-induced ulcer and the dose-repeated acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced gastrointestinal lesions models in rats evaluated, respectively, the prophylactic and curative effects of EOMa on peptic ulcers. The EOMa's effect on gastric secretion, gastric mucus and gastrointestinal motility were evaluated in in vivo models. The curative effect of EOMa on acute colitis was evaluated using the DSS-induced colitis model in mice. Obtained in 0.17% yield (w/w), with carvone (54.82 ± 1.39 g/100 g oil) as the main constituent, EOMa (at 75 mg/kg) showed potent gastroprotective effect (> 90%) mediated by non-protein sulfhydryl compounds (NPSH) and nitric oxide (NO) modulation alongside reduction in gastric secretion volume and total acidity. EOMa did not affect gastric mucus production and gastrointestinal motility. In dose-repeated ASA-induced gastrointestinal lesions model, EOMa (at 25 mg/kg) promoted the inflammatory process resolution both in gastric and duodenal walls by modulating NPSH, NO and myeloperoxidase levels. Despite delaying in 2 days the clinical symptoms worsening, EOMa (at 25 mg/kg) was not able to protect colon tissues from DSS-induced acute colitis as evidenced by macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. This is the first report of Mentha aquatica essential oil as a promising herbal medicine for peptic ulcers treatment together with an adjuvant effect in IBD.

Protective Effect of Carotenoid Extract from Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato on Gastric Ulcer in Mice by Inhibition of NO, IL-6 and PGE2 Production

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., Convolvulaceae is widely distributed in Asian areas from tropical to warm-temperature regions. Their tubers are known for their antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer activities. The preventive and therapeutic effects of orange-fleshed sweet potato on gastric ulcers have not been investigated. In this study, the carotenoid extract (CE) of orange-fleshed sweet potato was found to protect against gastric ulcers induced by HCl/ethanol in mice. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the carotenoid pigment extract were also evaluated as possible evidence of their protective effects. Administration of CE reduced gastric ulcers. Oral administration of CE (100 mg/kg) protected against gastric ulcers by 78.1%, similar to the positive control, sucralfate (77.5%). CE showed potent reducing power and decreased nitric oxide production in a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, in a concentration-dependent manner. The production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E₂ was also reduced by CE in a dose-dependent manner. The high carotenoid content of orange-fleshed sweet potato could play a role in its protective effect against gastric ulcers. This result suggests the possibility of developing functional products using this nutrient-fortified material.

Phagocytosis, Degranulation and Extracellular Traps Release by Neutrophils-The Current Knowledge, Pharmacological Modulation and Future Prospects

Neutrophils are crucial elements of innate immune system, which assure host defense via a range of effector functions, such as phagocytosis, degranulation, and NET formation. The latest literature clearly indicates that modulation of effector functions of neutrophils may affect the treatment efficacy. Pharmacological modulation may affect molecular mechanisms activating or suppressing phagocytosis, degranulation or NET formation. In this review, we describe the role of neutrophils in physiology and in the course of bacterial and viral infections, illustrating the versatility and plasticity of those cells. This review also focus on the action of plant extracts, plant-derived compounds and synthetic drugs on effector functions of neutrophils. These recent advances in the knowledge can help to devise novel therapeutic approaches via pharmacological modulation of the described processes.