Black rice anthocyanin-rich extract and rosmarinic acid, alone and in combination, protect against DSS-induced colitis in mice

Nano-targeted delivery system: a promising strategy of anthocyanin encapsulation for treating intestinal inflammation

Anthocyanins are natural flavonoids derived from plants, widely recognized for their health-promoting effects, specifically to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). However, certain limitations are associated with their use, including instability, low solubility and permeability, poor gastrointestinal digestion, and low bioavailability. In this review, nano-carriers (e.g., liposome, polymersome, exosome, halloysite nanotubes, dendrimer, and nano-niosome, etc.) were summarized as anthocyanins delivery vehicles to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Recent progress on emerging strategies involved surface functionalization, responsive release, magnetic orientation, and self-assembly aggregation to address intestinal inflammation through nano-carriers and potential mechanisms were discussed. Anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments linked by glycoside bonds have attracted attention to alleviate intestinal inflammation related diseases. Anthocyanins can address intestinal inflammation by exerting their health beneficial effects such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, regulating the intestinal flora, and promoting apoptosis. Moreover, nano-carriers were discussed as oral delivery system for maximized bioefficacy of anthocyanins and to address concerns related to their low solubility and permeability, poor gastrointestinal metabolism, and low bioavailability were discussed. A future perspective is proposed concerning anthocyanin-loaded nano-carriers, different strategies to improve their efficacy, and developing functional food to treat intestinal inflammation.

Oral Delivery of 5-Demethylnobiletin by Media-Milled Black Rice Particle-Stabilized Pickering Emulsion Alleviates Colitis in Mice: Synergistic Effects of Carrier and Loaded Bioactive

Traditional colitis treatment strategies have issues such as side effects and poor lesion targeting. In this study, a milled black rice particle-stabilized Pickering emulsion (BR-5-DMN) has been developed as a delivery vehicle for 5-demethylnobiletin (5-DMN) to treat colitis. The alleviating effects of three 5-DMN delivery systems: BR-5-DMN, Tween 80 emulsion for upper gastrointestinal delivery, and soybean oil with most 5-DMN entering the colon were compared. BR-5-DMN exhibited superior effects, enhancing 5-DMN absorption and metabolic conversion. It also improved intestinal barrier function and microbiome homeostasis, restoring short-chain fatty acid synthesis, especially acetic acid, through releasing dietary fiber, bioactives from black rice, and 5-DMN in the colon. Black rice particles in BR-5-DMN promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium while inhibiting Ruminococcus, and both black rice particles and 5-DMN synergistically increased Akkermansia abundance. This study highlights the potential of milled grain particle-stabilized emulsions as effective vehicles for bioactives to treat colitis by regulating gastrointestinal release and synergistic interactions.

Efficacy and Safety of Anthocyanin-Rich Extract in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Bilberries are effective in inducing clinical, endoscopic, and biochemical improvement in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of anthocyanin-rich extract (ACRE), the bioactive ingredient of bilberries, in a controlled clinical trial in moderate-to-severe UC. Methods: A multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with a parallel group was conducted. Initially, the study was planned for 100 patients; nevertheless, it prematurely ended due to COVID-19. Patients had moderate-to-severe active UC at screening (a Mayo score of 6-12, an endoscopic sub-score ≥ 2) and were randomized at baseline. The primary endpoint was a clinical response (week 8, a total Mayo score reduction ≥ 3 points). Fecal calprotectin (FC) and a centrally read endoscopic response were among the secondary endpoints. Results: Out of 48 patients (6 Swiss centers), 34 were randomized. Eighteen ACRE and eight placebo patients could be analyzed (per protocol set). Half (9/18) of ACRE patients and 3/8 of placebo patients responded clinically (p = 0.278). An improvement in the Mayo score was observed in the ACRE arm (77.8% vs. 62.5% placebo). FC dropped from 1049 ± 1139 to 557 ± 756 μg/g for ACRE but not for the placebo group (947 ± 1039 to 1040 ± 1179; p = 0.035). Serious adverse events were rare. Conclusions: ACRE treatment did not yield significant superiority to the placebo. Furthermore, the placebo response was unusually high. Moreover, there was a significant calprotectin decrease at the end of treatment, indicative of ACRE efficacy in UC.

Effects of hesperidin, thymol, rosmarinic acid and their combined effect on growth performance, intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in broilers

This study aims to investigate the effects of hesperidin (Hes), thymol (Thy), rosmarinic acid (RA) and their combined effect on broiler growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and cecal microbiota. A total of 240 newly hatched Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 8 chickens. The birds were fed a basal diet (Con group), a basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg Hes (Hes group), a basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg Thy (Thy group), a basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg RA (RA group), or a basal diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg Hes + 40 mg/kg Thy + 20 mg/kg RA (HTR group) for 42 d. The results indicated that dietary Hes and HTR supplementation enhanced average daily gain, final body weight, and eviscerated yield of broilers compared with the Con group (P < 0.05). Notably, the HTR treatment showed a decrease in abdominal fat yield and ratio of feed to weight gain (P < 0.05). HTR treatment increased ileal villus height, villus height/crypt depth, and number of goblet cells, decreased the crypt depth (P < 0.05), up-regulated the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin) and MUC2 (P < 0.05). Hes, Thy, RA, HTR treatment decreased the concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-8, IFN-γ and TNF-α), and down-regulated the mRNA expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB (P < 0.05). Importantly, the supplementation of HTR increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Parabacteroides, Lachnosiraceae NK4A136 and Turicbacter) and significantly decreased the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria such as Colidextribacter (P < 0.05). Additionally, the concentrations of propionate and butyrate in the cecum were elevated in the HTR group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that the diet supplemented with HTR improved the growth performance and intestinal barrier function in broilers by modulating the cecal microbiota and its metabolites.

Colourful staples on your table: Unus ex genere suo

The positive health benefits of colored staples have led to a significant increase in interest in them as healthy food ingredients. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that colored cereals are rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, and xanthophylls, which are widely used as natural additives in the food industry. Additionally, shifts in consumer preferences have led to a preference for nutritionally balanced diets over traditional high-energy ones. Thus, colored cereals offer additional nutritional value that has been previously untapped. Besides providing essential nutrients, these natural pigments also have the potential to replace synthetic colors and food additives. This review aims to provide insights into the nutritional value of various colored staples compared to conventional starchy staples and their associated health benefits. Colored staples can be incorporated into daily diets, offering a nutritious and healthful addition to the table.

Changes in polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Japanese pickled apricot with salted red perilla leaf during pickling and digestion process

Japanese pickled apricot, called "umeboshi", is a traditional food that has experientially been consumed as a folk medicine. The main variation of umeboshi is called "shiso-zuke umeboshi", meaning pickled with red perilla leaves to add a colorful appearance. This study investigated changes in phenolics and antioxidant potential of shiso-zuke umeboshi during pickling processes and simulated digestion. Results showed that the red perilla pickling (PP; 1338.12) had 13 times higher phenolics than salt pickling (SP; 101.99) in μg/g DW, and the formation of rosmarinic acid was enhanced. The simulated digestion showed a gradual increase in antioxidant content and activity from the stomach to small intestine, with TPC and TFC being rapidly released in the intestinal environment. The study concluded that shiso-zuke umeboshi provides higher health benefits due to the excellent antioxidant compounds produced through the perilla pickling process.

Benzyl Isothiocyanate and Resveratrol Synergistically Alleviate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

The aim of our study was to investigate whether the combination of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and resveratrol (RES) has a synergistic effect on the inhibition of inflammation in colitis. The results revealed that the BITC and RES combination (BITC_RES) was more effective than either substance alone at significantly alleviating the symptoms of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, including the prevention of colon shortening and loss of body weight, a reduction in the disease activity index, and prevention of colon damage. Similarly, compared with the DSS group, BITC_RES reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels in the mouse colon by 1.4-3.0-fold and 1.4-fold, respectively. In addition, the combination of BITC and RES upregulated the inflammatory factor IL-10 by 1.3- and 107.4-fold, respectively, compared to the individual BITC and RES groups, whereas the proinflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were downregulated by 1.1-7.4-, 0.7-3.6-, and 0.6-2.6-fold, respectively, in the BITC_RES group compared with the individual groups. Gut microbiome analysis indicated that BITC_RES remodeled the structure of gut bacteria at the phylum, family, and genus levels, upregulating the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes and the family Muribaculaceae and the genus norank_f_Muribaculaceae and downregulating the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes. Significant correlations between the relative levels of these proinflammatory cytokines and changes in the gut microbiota were found using Pearson's correlation analysis. BITC and RES exhibited synergistic effects by reshaping the gut microbiota and modulating the level of serum cellular inflammatory factors, thus exerting a protective effect against colitis.

An overview on the cellular mechanisms of anthocyanins in maintaining intestinal integrity and function

Structural and functional changes of the intestinal barrier, as a consequence of a number of (epi)genetic and environmental causes, have a main role in penetrations of pathogens and toxic agents, and lead to the development of inflammation-related pathological conditions, not only at the level of the GI tract but also in other extra-digestive tissues and organs. Anthocyanins (ACNs), a subclass of polyphenols belonging to the flavonoid group, are well known for their health-promoting properties and are widely distributed in the human diet. There is large evidence about the correlation between the human intake of ACN-rich products and a reduction of intestinal inflammation and dysfunction. Our review describes the more recent advances in the knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms through which ACNs can modulate the main mechanisms involved in intestinal dysfunction and inflammation, in particular the inhibition of the NF-κB, JNK, MAPK, STAT3, and TLR4 proinflammatory pathways, the upregulation of the Nrf2 transcription factor and the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins.

Bioavailability of Anthocyanins: Whole Foods versus Extracts

Anthocyanins have gained significant popularity in recent years for their diverse health benefits, yet their limited bioavailability poses a challenge. To address this concern, technologies have emerged to enhance anthocyanin concentration, often isolating these compounds from other food constituents. However, the extent to which isolated anthocyanins confer health benefits compared to their whole-food counterparts remains unclear. This review explores the current literature on anthocyanin bioavailability and metabolism in the body, with a focus on comparing bioavailability when consumed as extracts versus whole foods rich in anthocyanins, drawing from in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical studies. While direct comparisons between anthocyanin bioavailability in whole foods versus isolates are scarce, prevailing evidence favours whole-food consumption over anthocyanin extracts. Further clinical investigations, preferably with direct comparisons, are needed to validate these findings and elucidate the nuanced interplay between anthocyanins and food matrices, informing future research directions and practical recommendations.

Ziziphus jujuba Miller Ethanol Extract Restores Disrupted Intestinal Barrier Function via Tight Junction Recovery and Reduces Inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by the disruption of the intestinal barrier. The intestinal barrier is maintained by tight junctions (TJs), which sustain intestinal homeostasis and prevent pathogens from entering the microbiome and mucosal tissues. Ziziphus jujuba Miller (Z. jujuba) is a natural substance that has been used in traditional medicine as a therapy for a variety of diseases. However, in IBD, the efficacy of Z. jujuba is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated ZJB in Caco2 cells and a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse model to demonstrate its efficacy in IBD. Z. jujuba extracts were prepared using 70% ethanol and were named ZJB. ZJB was found to be non-cytotoxic and to have excellent antioxidant effects. We confirmed its anti-inflammatory properties via the down-regulation of inflammatory factors, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). To evaluate the effects of ZJB on intestinal barrier function and TJ improvement, the trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 kDa (FITC-Dextran 4) permeability were assessed. The TEER value increased by 61.389% and permeability decreased by 27.348% in the 200 μg/mL ZJB group compared with the 50 ng/mL IL-6 group after 24 h. Additionally, ZJB alleviated body weight loss, reduced the disease activity index (DAI) score, and induced colon shortening in 5% DSS-induced mice; inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 were down-regulated in the serum. TJ proteins, such as Zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin, were up-regulated by ZJB in an impaired Caco2 mouse model. Additionally, according to the liquid chromatography results, in tandem with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, seven active ingredients were detected in ZJB. In conclusion, ZJB down-regulated inflammatory factors, protected intestinal barrier function, and increased TJ proteins. It is thus a safe, natural substance with the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent in IBD treatment.

The progression of inorganic nanoparticles and natural products for inflammatory bowel disease

There is a growing body of evidence indicating a close association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and disrupted intestinal homeostasis. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), along with an increase in M1 proinflammatory macrophage infiltration during the activation of intestinal inflammation, plays a pivotal role in disrupting intestinal homeostasis in IBD. The overabundance of ROS/RNS can cause intestinal tissue damage and the disruption of crucial gut proteins, which ultimately compromises the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The proliferation of M1 macrophages contributes to an exaggerated immune response, further compromising the intestinal immune barrier. Currently, intestinal nanomaterials have gained widespread attention in the context of IBD due to their notable characteristics, including the ability to specifically target regions of interest, clear excess ROS/RNS, and mimic biological enzymes. In this review, we initially elucidated the gut microenvironment in IBD. Subsequently, we delineate therapeutic strategies involving two distinct types of nanomedicine, namely inorganic nanoparticles and natural product nanomaterials. Finally, we present a comprehensive overview of the promising prospects associated with the application of nanomedicine in future clinical settings for the treatment of IBD (graphic abstract). Different classes of nanomedicine are used to treat IBD. This review primarily elucidates the current etiology of inflammatory bowel disease and explores two prominent nanomaterial-based therapeutic approaches. First, it aims to eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. Second, they focus on modulating the polarization of inflammatory macrophages and reducing the proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Additionally, this article delves into the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease using inorganic metal nanomaterials and natural product nanomaterials.

Unlocking the Immunomodulatory Potential of Rosmarinic Acid Isolated from Punica granatum L. using Bioactivity-Guided Approach: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches

BACKGROUND

Punica granatum L. is well-known for its multifaceted therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.

AIM

This study aimed to characterize an immunomodulatory compound isolated from Punica granatum L. using a bioactivity-guided approach.

METHODS

Chromatographic techniques were adopted for isolation and purification of secondary metabolites. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods were performed to characterize the therapeutic potential of the isolated compound.

RESULTS

Using preparative thin-layer chromatography, rosmarinic acid was isolated from F4 (column chromatography product obtained from a butanolic fraction of the extract). The impact of rosmarinic acid was assessed in rats using the neutrophil adhesion test, DTH response, and phagocytic index. In immunized rats, rosmarinic acid demonstrated significant immunomodulatory potential. Computational experiments, like molecular docking and molecular dynamics, were also conducted against two targeted receptors, Cereblon (PDB ID: 8AOQ) and human CD22 (PDB ID: 5VKM). Computational studies suggested that an increase in phagocytic index by rosmarinic acid could be attributed to inhibiting Cereblon and CD22. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity prediction also suggested the drug-likeness of rosmarinic acid.

CONCLUSION

Rosmarinic acid is a potential candidate, but extensive research needs to be done to translate this molecule from bench to bedside.

Potential of rosmarinic acid from Orthosiphon aristatus extract for inflammatory induced diseases and its mechanisms of action

Orthosiphon aristatus has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb for various illnesses in Southeast Asia and Europe. The most dominant bioactive compound of the herb is rosmarinic acid (RosA) which has been demonstrated for its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. This review describes the recent progress of studies on multi-target molecular pathways of RosA in relation to targeted inflammatory-associated diseases. An inclusive literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer Link, PubMed, Medline, Wiley and Science Direct for studies reporting on the anti-inflammatory actions of RosA from 2008 until 2023. The keywords of the search were RosA and anti-inflammatory in relation to hepatoprotective, chondroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and toxicity. Only publications that are written in English are included in this review. The inhibition and deactivation of pro-inflammatory biomolecules by RosA were explained based on the initial inflammation stimuli and their location in the body. The activation of Nrf2/HO-1 expression to inhibit NF-κB pathway is the key mechanism for hepatoprotection. Besides NF-κB inhibition, RosA activates PPARγ to alleviate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced myocardial injury for cardioprotection. The regulation of MAPK and T-cell activation is important for chondroprotection, whereas the anti-oxidant property of RosA is the main contributor of neuroprotection. Even though less studies on the anti-inflammation of RosA extracts from O. aristatus, but the effective pharmacological properties of RosA has promoted it as a natural potent lead for further investigation.

Dealcoholized muscadine wine was partially effective in preventing and treating dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and restoring gut dysbiosis in mice

Muscadine wine has a unique polyphenol profile consisting of anthocyanins, ellagic acids, and flavonols. This study aims to compare the prevention, treatment, and combined activity (P + T) of dealcoholized muscadine wine (DMW) on DSS-induced colitis in mice and its impact on the gut microbiome. Male C57BL/6 mice in the healthy and colitis group received an AIN-93M diet for 28 days. In the prevention, treatment, and P + T (prevention + treatment) groups, mice received an AIN-93M diet containing 2.79% (v/w) DMW on days 1-14, 15-28, and 1-28, respectively. Except for mice in the healthy group, all mice were given water with 2.5% (w/v) DSS on days 8-14 to induce colitis. DMW in all three receiving groups reduced myeloperoxidase activity, histology scores, and phosphorylation of Iκb-α in the colon. Colon shortening, serum IL-6, and colonic mRNA of TNF-α were blunted only in the P + T group. Gut permeability was reduced in the treatment and P + T groups. DMW in P + T group showed higher activity to increase microbiome evenness, modulate β-diversity, elevate the cecal content of SCFAs, and enrich SCFA-producing bacteria, including Lactobacillaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Peptococcaceae. This was accompanied by a decrease in pathogenic Burkholderiaceae in mice. This study suggests that muscadine wine has partial preventive and therapeutic effects against inflammatory bowel disease. The combination of prevention and treatment using DMW showed better activities than either prevention or treatment.

Fermented Sargassum fusiforme Mitigates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Regulating the Intestinal Barrier, Oxidative Stress, and the NF-κB Pathway

In recent years, Sargassum fusiforme has gained increasing attention for its ability to improve human health and reduce the risk of disease. Nevertheless, there have been few reports on the beneficial functions of fermented Sargassum fusiforme. In this study, the role of fermented Sargassum fusiforme in the mitigation of ulcerative colitis was investigated. Both fermented and unfermented Sargassum fusiforme demonstrated significant improvement in weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools, and colon shortening in mice with acute colitis. Fermented Sargassum fusiforme further protected against goblet cell loss, decreased intestinal epithelium permeability, and enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins. Fermented Sargassum fusiforme reduced oxidative stress, which was demonstrated by a decrease in nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the colon of mice and an increase in total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the colon. Meanwhile, catalase (CAT) concentrations in both the colon and serum of mice were significantly increased. Fermented Sargassum fusiforme also attenuated the inflammatory response, which was evidenced by the decreased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the colon. Moreover, fermented Sargassum fusiforme inhibited the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine. These findings indicate that fermented Sargassum fusiforme may have the potential to be developed as an alternative strategy for alleviating colitis.

Complexation with Polysaccharides Enhances the Stability of Isolated Anthocyanins

Isolated anthocyanins have limited colonic bioavailability due to their instability as free forms. Thus, many methods have been fabricated to increase the stability of anthocyanins. Complexation, encapsulation, and co-pigmentation with other pigments, proteins, metal ions, and carbohydrates have been reported to improve the stability and bioavailability of anthocyanins. In this study, anthocyanins extracted from purple potatoes were complexed with four different polysaccharides and their mixture. The anthocyanin-polysaccharide complexes were characterized using a zeta potential analyzer, particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Complexes were subjected to simulated digestion for assessing the stability of anthocyanins. Furthermore, complexes were subjected to different pH conditions and incubated at high temperatures to monitor color changes. A Caco-2 cell monolayer was used to evaluate the colonic concentrations of anthocyanins. In addition, the bioactivity of complexes was assessed using LPS-treated Caco-2 cell monolayer. Results show that pectin had the best complexation capacity with anthocyanins. The surface morphology of the anthocyanin-pectin complex (APC) was changed after complexation. APC was more resistant to the simulated upper gastrointestinal digestion, and high pH and temperature conditions for a longer duration. Furthermore, APC restored the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced high cell permeability compared to isolated anthocyanins. In conclusion, complexation with pectin increased the stability and colonic bioavailability and the activity of anthocyanins.

Rosmarinic acid and its derivatives: Current insights on anticancer potential and other biomedical applications

Cancer is still the leading cause of death worldwide, burdening the global medical system. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is among the first secondary metabolites discovered and it is a bioactive compound identified in plants such as Boraginaceae and Nepetoideae subfamilies of the Lamiaceae family, including Thymus masticmasti chinaythia koreana, Ocimum sanctum, and Hyptis pectinate. This updated review is to highlight the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of RA and its derivatives, thus providing valuable clues for the potential development of some complementary drugs in the treatment of cancers. Relevant information about RA's chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects and its derivatives were collected from electronic scientific databases, such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, TRIP database, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The results of the studies showed numerous significant biological effects such as antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant and antiangiogenic effects. Most of the studies on the anticancer potential with the corresponding mechanisms are still in the experimental preclinical stage and are missing evidence from clinical trials to support the research. To open new anticancer therapeutic perspectives of RA and its derivatives, future clinical studies must elucidate the molecular mechanisms and targets of action in more detail, the human toxic potential and adverse effects.

Subcritical Water Extraction of Rosmarinic Acid from Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and Its Effect on Plant Cell Wall Constituents

Rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, is a potent radical scavenger, a chelator of prooxidant ions, and an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. RA-containing extracts are widely used natural antioxidants in food products, and many herbal preparations and food supplements, containing RA, are marketed with claims of beneficial health effects. The current study investigated the effectiveness of subcritical water extraction (SWE) for the recovery of RA from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), as a "green" alternative to conventional hydro-alcoholic extraction. Different durations (10 min and 20 min) and extraction temperatures (100 °C and 150 °C) were applied. Subcritical water applied at a temperature of 100 °C was equally efficient as 50% ethanol in extracting RA. However, the further elevation of temperature to 150 °C decreased RA content by up to 20% due to thermal degradation. The content of RA in dried extracts was between 2.36% and 5.55% and the higher temperature of SWE increased extract yield by up to 41%. The higher extraction yield resulted from the degradation of plant material by subcritical water as evidenced by the increased extraction and degradation of proteins, pectin, and cellulose. These results reveal that SWE is an efficient technology for the extraction of RA and other antioxidants from lemon balm at reduced extraction time and without the use of toxic organic solvents. Furthermore, by modification of SWE conditions, dry extracts with different purity and content of RA are obtained. These extracts could be used in the food industry as food antioxidants, or in the development of food supplements and functional foods.

Blackcurrant Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis in Mice

Previous studies have reported that anthocyanin (ACN)-rich materials have beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis (UC). Blackcurrant (BC) has been known as one of the foods rich in ACN, while studies demonstrating its effect on UC are rare. This study attempted to investigate the protective effects of whole BC in mice with colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Mice were orally given whole BC powder at a dose of 150 mg daily for four weeks, and colitis was induced by drinking 3% DSS for six days. Whole BC relieved symptoms of colitis and pathological changes in the colon. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in serum and colon tissues was also reduced by whole BC. In addition, whole BC significantly lowered the levels of mRNA and protein of downstream targets in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, BC administration increased the expression of genes related to barrier function: ZO-1, occludin, and mucin. Moreover, the whole BC modulated the relative abundance of gut microbiota altered with DSS. Therefore, the whole BC has demonstrated the potential to prevent colitis through attenuation of the inflammatory response and regulation of the gut microbial composition.

Treatment Effects of Natural Products on Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Vivo and Their Mechanisms: Based on Animal Experiments

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory disease of the intestine that can be classified as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Currently, the incidence of IBD is still increasing in developing countries. However, current treatments for IBD have limitations and do not fully meet the needs of patients. There is a growing demand for new, safe, and highly effective alternative drugs for IBD patients. Natural products (NPs) are used in drug development and disease treatment because of their broad biological activity, low toxicity, and low side effects. Numerous studies have shown that some NPs have strong therapeutic effects on IBD. In this paper, we first reviewed the pathogenesis of IBD as well as current therapeutic approaches and drugs. Further, we summarized the therapeutic effects of 170 different sources of NPs on IBD and generalized their modes of action and therapeutic effects. Finally, we analyzed the potential mechanisms of NPs for the treatment of IBD. The aim of our review is to provide a systematic and credible summary, thus supporting the research on NPs for the treatment of IBD and providing a theoretical basis for the development and application of NPs in drugs and functional foods.

Protective Effect of Red Rice Extract Rich in Proanthocyanidins in a Murine Colitis Model

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a global concern. Proanthocyanidin-rich red rice extract (PRRE) has been shown to suppress the inflammatory response in cellular cultures. However, the anti-colitis effect of PRRE has never been investigated in animals. This study aimed to examine the protective effect of the PRRE against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Male mice were orally administrated with PRRE of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day for 21 days. Acute colitis was subsequently induced by administrated 2.5% DSS in drinking water for the final seven days. Sulfasalazine-treated mice were the positive group. All doses of PRRE and sulfasalazine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced severity of colitis, as indicated by decreasing daily activity index and restoring colon shortening. Treatments with PRRE, but not sulfasalazine, significantly reduced the histopathological index and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, the PRRE treatments effectively improved mucous in colonic goblet cells using PAS staining, and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 induced by DSS, while sulfasalazine reduced only IL-1β and IL-6. This study suggested that PRRE had a greater anti-colitis effect than sulfasalazine. Thus, PRRE has a potential anti-colitis effect, and should be developed in a clinical trial as a natural active pharmaceutical ingredient for IBD.

Comparative analysis of bioactive-phytochemical characteristics, antioxidants activities, and anti-inflammatory properties of selected black rice germ and bran (Oryza sativa L.) varieties

Black rice has numerous health benefits and one of the well-known functional foods throughout the world. To encourage the increasing trend of the consumer interest in health-promoting functional foods, special varieties of rice have been developed offering greater nutrient values and exhibiting biological activities that are beneficial to the consumer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the associations of the phytochemical contents, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties among eight selected black rice germ and bran extracts (BR extracts) from 4 non-glutinous and 4 glutinous rice varieties. Accordingly, glutinous BR extracts possessed higher degree of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), Peonidin-3-O-glucoside (P3G) contents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than the non-glutinous BR extracts. Pearson's correlation indicated that the amount of C3G in the BR extracts had a strong positive association with the antioxidant properties (DPPH; r = 0.846, ABTS; r = 0.923, and FRAP; r = 0.958, p < 0.01). While P3G exhibited a strong positive association with the anti-inflammatory properties (r value = 0.717 and 0.797 for IL-6 and TNF-α inhibition, respectively, p < 0.05). Lastly, the principal component analysis (PCA) categorized the black rice varieties into three groups: Group A with high C3G content and superior antioxidant properties, Groups B with a high amount of P3G and potent anti-inflammatory properties, and Group C with a lower amount of phytochemical contents and less potent bioactivities. Overall, the outcomes of this study could provide vital information to food industries in selecting the variety of black rice for the functional food based on the anthocyanin contents that could benefit to consumers for new normal healthy lifestyle.

The role of inflammation in cadmium nephrotoxicity: NF-κB comes into view

Kidney diseases are major health problem and understanding the underlined mechanisms that lead to kidney diseases are critical research points with a marked potential impact on health. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that occurs naturally and can be found in contaminated food. Kidneys are the most susceptible organ to heavy metal intoxication as it is the main route of waste excretion. The harmful effects of Cd were previously well proved. Cd induces inflammatory responses, oxidative injury, mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbs Ca²⁺ homeostasis. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a cellular transcription factor that regulates inflammation and controls the expression of many inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, great therapeutic benefits can be attained from NF-κB inhibition. In this review we focused on certain compounds including cytochalasin D, mangiferin, N-acetylcysteine, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, roflumilast, rosmarinic acid, sildenafil, sinapic acid, telmisartan and wogonin and certain plants as Astragalus Polysaccharide, Ginkgo Biloba and Thymus serrulatus that potently inhibit NF-κB and effectively counteracted Cd-associated renal intoxication. In conclusion, the proposed NF-κB involvement in Cd-renal intoxication clarified the underlined inflammation associated with Cd-nephropathy and the beneficial effects of NF-κB inhibitors that make them the potential to substantially optimize treatment protocols for Cd-renal intoxication.

Chemoprevention effect of the Mediterranean diet on colorectal cancer: Current studies and future prospects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most deadly cancer worldwide. Nevertheless, more than 70% of CRC cases are resulted from sporadic tumorigenesis and are not inherited. Since adenoma-carcinoma development is a slow process and may take up to 20 years, diet-based chemoprevention could be an effective approach in sporadic CRC. The Mediterranean diet is an example of a healthy diet pattern that consists of a combination of nutraceuticals that prevent several chronic diseases and cancer. Many epidemiological studies have shown the correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and low incidence of CRC. The goal of this review is to shed the light on the anti-inflammatory and anti-colorectal cancer potentials of the natural bioactive compounds derived from the main foods in the Mediterranean diet.

In Vitro Strategy for the Enhancement of the Production of Bioactive Polyphenols in Transformed Roots of Salvia bulleyana

The underground parts of Salvia bulleyana, a rare Chinese plant species, have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The Rhizobium rhizogenes-transformed root culture obtained from this plant might be a promising novel source of valuable phenolics, including rosmarinic acid. The present study identifies for the first time, the optimal growth conditions of S. bulleyana hairy roots regarding production efficiency. The comprehensive optimization comprised cultivation in different basal media (B5, SH, MS, and WP) with full- and half-strength macro- and microelements, different vitamin contents (full, half, one-quarter part, and without) and sucrose concentrations (2, 3, 4, 5%), and under different light conditions: in dark, under blue LED (λ = 430 nm), red LED (λ = 670 nm), mixed blue and red LED (30%:70%), and white LED (390–670 nm). Hairy root growth and bioactive compound accumulation were also detailed every five days over the 50-day culture cycle. The optimal conditions were determined using a technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS). The most efficient combination for root growth and polyphenol content was found to be ½SH liquid medium with half vitamin concentration and 3% sucrose when grown in the dark. The biomass yield during the growth cycle was 6.1 g (fresh weight—FW) and 0.92 g (dry weight—DW) on one Erlenmeyer flask: a 14.3-fold increase in FW and 16.1-fold increase in DW in relation to the inoculum. The highest mean total phenolic content was 93.6 mg/g DW including about 70 mg/g DW rosmarinic acid, reached on day 40 of culture; compared to roots of two-year-old plants grown under field conditions, the total phenolic acid content was four times higher and rosmarinic acid eight times higher. The obtained results place the investigated culture among the best hair root cultures for rosmarinic acid production.

Oral administration of octacosanol modulates the gut bacteria and protects the intestinal barrier in ulcerative colitis mice

Octacosanol (Oct), a kind of long-chain fatty alcohol extracted from rice bran was applied to study its effects on alleviating ulcerative colitis (UC). Oct was orally administered at 10 mg/kg (Oct-L) and 30 mg/kg (Oct-H) to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice. Here, we reported that oral administration of 30 mg/kg Oct can significantly prevent the weight loss, colon shortening, and decrease the disease activity index (DAI) score. Oct-H supplementation modified the intestinal flora by lowering the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, increasing the abundance of Prevotellaceae, S24-7, Turicibacter, and meanwhile decreasing Enterococcus and Stenotrophomonas. Based on the PICRUSt2 analysis, Oct-H may exert effects by anti-inflammation and xenobiotics degradation. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels were raised and the integrity of the gut barrier was protected. In conclusion, Oct-H can relieve clinical symptoms, modulate the gut bacteria and protect the intestinal barrier in UC mice, suggesting the potential of Oct as a food supplementation in alleviating UC. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a hard-to-cure disease, with increasing morbidity in recent years. Therefore, finding out a food supplement to alleviate UC is very meaningful. In this work, we showed that octacosanol significantly alleviated ulcerative colitis in mice. We revealed, for the first time, octacosanol's effects on protecting the integrity of the gut barrier, modulating the intestinal flora and its metabolism (SCFAs). Therefore, octacosanol was expected to prevent colitis in an all-round way. Our research might also lay the theoretical foundation for the further development of related functional foods.

Rosmarinic acid ameliorated psoriatic skin inflammation in mice through the novel inhibition of the interleukin-17A/interleukin-17A receptor interaction

The interaction between interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-17A receptor (IL-17RA) is a crucial target of psoriasis. Several natural compounds from foods or herbs have displayed efficacies on the amelioration of psoriasis. However, the anti-psoriatic mechanisms are mostly through the common anti-inflammatory effects and rarely via the blockage of the IL-17A/IL-17RA interaction. In this study, the IL-17A/IL-17RA-targeting effects of phenylpropanoids, a large class of secondary metabolites in plants, were analyzed. By screening 17 phenylpropanoids, we found that top four compounds with IL-17A/IL-17RA-blocking abilities were rosmarinic acid, eugenol, syringic acid, and gallic acid, with inhibitory concentrations at 50% of 2.14 ± 0.35 mM, 6.35 ± 0.1 mM, 4.79 ± 0.2 mM, and >10 mM, respectively. The oral administration of rosmarinic acid ameliorated redness and scaling on the dorsal skin of imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice in a dose-dependent manner. Rosmarinic acid suppressed the production of IL-23 and IL-17A and the infiltration of granulocyte subsets in skin tissues. Docking analysis showed that rosmarinic acid docked into IL-17A/IL-17RA interaction regions and exhibited hydrogen bonding with Arg-61, Glu-68, Arg-100, and Ser-118 of IL-17A, which are located in the epitope regions recognized by IL-17A neutralizing antibodies Fab6785 and Fab6468. In conclusion, this is the first study reporting that rosmarinic acid is an IL-17A-targeting agent that ameliorates psoriatic skin inflammation in mice via blocking the IL-17A/IL-17RA interaction.

Biomedical features and therapeutic potential of rosmarinic acid

For decades, the use of secondary metabolites of various herbs has been an attractive strategy in combating human diseases. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a bioactive phenolic compound commonly found in plants of Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae families. RA is biosynthesized using amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine via enzyme-catalyzed reactions. However, the chemical synthesis of RA involves an esterification reaction between caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl lactic acid contributing two phenolic rings to the structure of RA. Several studies have ascertained multiple therapeutic benefits of RA in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and liver diseases. Many previous scientific papers indicate that RA can be used as an anti-plasmodic, anti-viral and anti-bacterial drug. In addition, due to its high anti-oxidant capacity, this natural polyphenol has recently gained attention for its possible application as a nutraceutical compound in the food industry. Here we provide state-of-the-art, flexible therapeutic potential and biomedical features of RA, its implications and multiple uses. Along with various valuable applications in safeguarding human health, this review further summarizes the therapeutic advantages of RA in various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the challenges associated with the clinical applicability of RA have also been discussed.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Evidence and Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Developing Supplementary Medical Application

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-specific colorectal disease caused by multifaceted triggers. Although conventional treatments are effective in the management of IBD, high cost and frequent side effects limit their applications and have turned sufferers toward alternative and complementary approaches. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (Danshen) is an herbal medicine that reportedly alleviates the symptoms of IBD. A large body of research, including clinical trials in which Danshen-based products or botanical compounds were used, has unmasked its multiple mechanisms of action, but no review has focused on its efficacy as a treatment for IBD. Here, we discussed triggers of IBD, collected relevant clinical trials and analyzed experimental reports, in which bioactive compounds of Danshen attenuated rodent colitis in the management of intestinal integrity, gut microflora, cell death, immune conditions, cytokines, and free radicals. A network pharmacology approach was applied to describe sophisticated mechanisms in a holistic view. The safety of Danshen was also discussed. This review of evidence will help to better understand the potential benefits of Danshen for IBD treatment and provide insights for the development of innovative applications of Danshen.

MicroRNA-497 inhibits inflammation in DSS-induced IBD model mice and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

MicroRNA (miR)-497 is downregulated in several inflammatory diseases, excluding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study is to evaluate whether miR-497 inhibits gut inflammation both in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

The 3% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) was used to induce experimental colitis, while 1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was for RAW264.7 cell damage.Colitis severity was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathologic injury, etc. The nuclear transcription factor NF-κB activity in colon tissues was also estimated by western blot. Then, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-497, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in colon tissues and RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was determined by western blot and TOP/FOP-flash reporter assays.

RESULTS

The level of miR-497 was reduced in inflamed mucosa from IBD patients, mice with colitis and LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. miR-497 knockout (miR-497 KO) mice were more susceptible to DSS-induced colitis, with increased inflammatory response, compared with control mice. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-497 reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Finally, we found that miR-497 inhibited inflammation through Wnt/β-catenin pathway both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that miR-497 inhibits inflammation in DSS-induced IBD model mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway and the release of cytokines, indicating that miR-497 plays a key role in the progression of IBD. Thus, therapeutic regulation of miR-497 expression may be beneficial for the treatment of IBD.

Bioactive constituents of Mosla chinensis-cv. Jiangxiangru ameliorate inflammation through MAPK signaling pathways and modify intestinal microbiota in DSS-induced colitis mice

BACKGROUND

Mosla chinensis Maxim. cv. Jiangxiangru (JXR), a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used for the therapy of cold, fever, diarrhea, digestive disorders, and other diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder of the human gastrointestinal tract. Research about the effect of JXR on IBD and the active ingredient composition of JXR remains deficiency.

PURPOSE

This study aims to determine the phytochemical composition and the anti-inflammatory property of JXR, as well as the possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

METHODS

The bioactive profile of JXR extracts was determined by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. A DSS induced colitis mouse model was applied to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of JXR. The body weight, colon length and histopathological status of colon tissue were evaluated. The content of inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), corresponding mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed. Oxidation pressure and gut microbial composition were also explored.

RESULTS

Totally 63 constitutes were identified from JXR, among them, phenolic acids and flavonoids comprised a large part, and rosmarinic acid (RA) was the main compound. The results of DSS-induced colitis mice model indicated that JXR effectively ameliorated inflammation, restore the redox balance in the gut. JXR treatment significantly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the activity of antioxidative enzyme, suppressed the secretion of inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE₂) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β). JXR also restrained the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway. Furthermore, JXR could restore the microbial diversity by suppressing Bacteroidaceae, increasing Bifidobacteriales and Melainabacteria in DSS colitis mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that JXR composed with various bioactive compounds, effectively ameliorated colitis, restored the redox balance and regulated gut microbiota. Results from the present study provide an insight of therapeutic potential of JXR in IBD based on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, also provide a scientific basis for using JXR as a functional ingredient to promote colon health.

Extracts of Waste from Poplar Wood Processing Alleviate Experimental Dextran Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Ameliorating Oxidative Stress, Inhibiting the Th1/Th17 Response and Inducing Apoptosis in Inflammatory Lymphocytes

As a fast-growing tree, poplar is widely planted and typically used for wood processing in China. During poplar wood processing, a large amount of poplar sawdust (PS) and poplar leaves (PL) are produced and abandoned. To make full use of poplar resources and clarify the use of poplar as a feed additive, the active ingredients in PS and PL were extracted and isolated, and the anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts on mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis were investigated. In vitro anti-inflammatory experiments showed that the ethyl acetate extract of PS and PL (PSE and PLE, respectively) could significantly inhibit the proliferation of concanavalin A (Con A)-activated lymphocytes. Salicortin, tremulacin and salireposide were identified in both PSE and PLE. Oral administration of PSE and PLE rescued DSS-induced colonic shortening, repaired tissue damage, and decreased the disease activity index (DAI). The antioxidant capacity, including the increased activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD and catalase (CAT) and decreased activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), in the colons of mice with colitis was enhanced through the activation of ERK after treatment with PSE and PLE. The ratio of Th1 to Th17 cells, which can lead to inflammation in the spleen, was significantly decreased by the administration of PSE and PLE, while the phosphorylation of related transcription factors (p65, STAT1, and STAT3) was inhibited. Furthermore, PSE and PLE could induce apoptosis in Con A-activated lymphocytes, which may be associated with the increase in p-TBK1, as the molecular docking results also indicated that salireposide in PSE and PLE could interact with the TBK1 protein. Overall, our study provides a promising feed additive for improving intestinal inflammation in animals and a method for the full utilization of poplar resources.

Black rice anthocyanins alleviate hyperlipidemia, liver steatosis and insulin resistance by regulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in obese mice

Hyperlipidemia, liver steatosis and insulin resistance are common metabolic diseases associated with obesity. The present study was designed to investigate the in vivo protective value of black rice anthocyanins (BRAN) on hyperlipidemia, liver steatosis and insulin resistance in mice with high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6J mice (four weeks old, weighing 17.6-20.9 g) were randomly divided into three groups and fed with low-fat diet (LFD, 10% fat energy), HFD (45% fat energy), or HFD supplemented with BRAN by intragastric administration for 14 weeks. The obesity-related biochemical indices and hepatic gene expression levels were determined. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to determine the gut microbial changes induced by BRAN treatment. The results showed that the body weight gain, triglycerides, total cholesterol, steatosis scores and insulin resistance index in the BRAN group decreased by 24.69%, 29.83%, 28.08%, 46.67% and 40.42%, respectively, compared to the HFD group. Gene expression analysis indicated that BRAN treatment improved the gene expression profiles involved in lipid metabolism compared with the mice fed HFD alone. Moreover, BRAN treatment significantly altered the composition of the gut microbiota, which was closely correlated with the obesity-related biomarkers. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of BRAN protected from obesity-associated hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by influencing the gut microbiota and lipid metabolism.

The preventive effect and underlying mechanism of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits on dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

The purpose of this research was to explore the preventive effect of an 80% ethanol extract of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect. The results indicated that the extract, especially when administered at a high dose, could dramatically decrease the disease activity index, maintain normal spleen conditions, and improve colonic histopathology and length in the DSS-induced mice. In addition, extract administration could significantly suppress the levels of malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 and enhance superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels. The extract obviously protected intestinal barrier integrity by improving Occludin, ZO-1 and Claudin-1 expression levels. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses further indicated that the preventive effect of the phenol-rich extract on DSS-induced colitis might be achieved through the up-regulation of the expression of several pivotal oxidative stress-associated proteins, namely Nrf2, NQO1 and HO-1, and the down-regulation of the expression of several pivotal inflammation-associated proteins, namely p-NF-κB, p-IκB, COX-2, iNOS, p-P38, p-Erk1/2, and p-JNK. Therefore, R. chinensis fruits extract possesses the capability to prevent DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice and could be utilized as a natural substance in the exploitation of functional foods as an adjuvant dietary therapy for preventing and/or alleviating inflammatory bowel disease.

Role of Gut Microbiota in the Anti-Colitic Effects of Anthocyanin-Containing Potatoes

SCOPE

Anthocyanin-containing potatoes exert anti-inflammatory activity in colitic mice. Gut bacterial dysbiosis plays a critical role in ulcerative colitis. This study examined the extent to which the anti-colitic activity of anthocyanin-containing red/purple-fleshed potatoes depends on the gut bacteria using a chemically-induced rodent model of colitis with the intact and antibiotic-ablated microbiome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four-week-old male mice (C57BL6) are randomly assigned to the control diet or 20% purple-/red-fleshed potatoes supplemented diet group. The microbiota-ablated group received an antibiotic cocktail in drinking water. At week nine, colitis is induced by 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for five days. Administration of antibiotics resulted in a 95% reduction in gut bacterial load and fecal SCFAs. DSS-induced elevated gut permeability and body weight loss are more pronounced in antibiotic mice compared to non-antibiotic mice. Purple- or red-fleshed potato supplementation (20% w/w) ameliorated DSS-induced reduction in colon length and mucin 2 expression levels, and increase in permeability, spleen weight, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, and IL1-β) expression levels in non-antibiotic mice, but not in gut microbiota ablated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthocyanin-containing potatoes are potent in alleviating colitis, and the gut microbiome is critical for the anti-colitic activity of anthocyanin-containing potatoes.

Improved color stability of anthocyanins in the presence of ascorbic acid with the combination of rosmarinic acid and xanthan gum

This study investigated the protective effect and mechanism of action of combined use of rosmarinic acid (RA) and xanthan gum (XG) on the stability of anthocyanins (ACNs) in the presence of l-ascorbic acid (pH 3.0). The addition of RA and XG, alone and in combination, significantly enhanced the color stability of ACNs, and the combined use of RA and XG showed the best effect. FTIR, 1H NMR, AFM and computational molecular simulation analyses revealed that the improvement in ACN stability following the combined addition of RA and XG was due to intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. In the ACN-RA-XG ternary complexes, XG had stronger binding interactions with ACNs than RA. Our findings provide a valuable potential to enhance the stability of ACNs in the presence of ascorbic acid with the combined use of RA and XG.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compounds as Drug Candidates for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents chronic recurrent intestinal inflammation resulting from various factors. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have been identified as the two major types of IBD. Currently, most of the drugs for IBD used commonly in the clinic have adverse reactions, and only a few drugs present long-lasting treatment effects. Moreover, issues of drug resistance and disease recurrence are frequent and difficult to resolve. Together, these issues cause difficulties in treating patients with IBD. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of IBD is of significance. In this context, research on natural compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity could be a novel approach to developing effective therapeutic strategies for IBD. Phytochemicals such as astragalus polysaccharide (APS), quercetin, limonin, ginsenoside Rd, luteolin, kaempferol, and icariin are reported to be effective in IBD treatment. In brief, natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activities are considered important candidate drugs for IBD treatment. The present review discusses the potential of certain natural compounds and their synthetic derivatives in the prevention and treatment of IBD.

The Potential of High-Anthocyanin Purple Rice as a Functional Ingredient in Human Health

Purple rice is recognized as a source of natural anthocyanin compounds among health-conscious consumers who employ rice as their staple food. Anthocyanin is one of the major antioxidant compounds that protect against the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause cellular damage in plants and animals, including humans. The physiological role of anthocyanin in plants is not fully understood, but the benefits to human health are apparent against both chronic and non-chronic diseases. This review focuses on anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation in the whole plant of purple rice, from cultivation to the processed end products. The anthocyanin content in purple rice varies due to many factors, including genotype, cultivation, and management as well as post-harvest processing. The cultivation method strongly influences anthocyanin content in rice plants; water conditions, light quantity and quality, and available nutrients in the soil are important factors, while the low stability of anthocyanins means that they can be dramatically degraded under high-temperature conditions. The application of purple rice anthocyanins has been developed in both functional food and other purposes. To maximize the benefits of purple rice to human health, understanding the factors influencing anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation during the entire process from cultivation to product development can be a path for success.

Quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analyses reveal the protective effects of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and its metabolite protocatechuic acid against 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ)-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells via apoptosis-related pathways

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and its metabolite protocatechuic acid (PCA) mediated protection against 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ)-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. The effects of C3G and PCA on cell viability, LDH release and apoptosis in IQ-induced HepG2 cells were evaluated using CCK-8, LDH release and flow cytometry assays, respectively. TMT-based proteomics was utilized to characterize the proteins and pathways associated with the improvement after C3G and PCA treatment. Results showed that exposure to IQ significantly increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HepG2 cells, which were alleviated by C3G and PCA. C3G was more effective than PCA in protecting HepG2 cells against IQ-induced cytotoxicity and regulating the related signaling pathways. Proteomics and bioinformatics analyses and Western blot validation revealed that apoptosis-related signaling pathways played pivotal roles in protecting against the cytotoxicity of IQ by C3G, and XIAP was identified as the target protein. Molecular docking proved that C3G had strong binding affinity to XIAP and hindered the binding of IQ to the BIR3 domain of XIAP, resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis. Our findings suggested that C3G has potential as a preventive food ingredient to prevent carcinogenic risk of heterocyclic aromatic amines.

Anthocyanin-containing purple potatoes ameliorate DSS-induced colitis in mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a major form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is on the rise worldwide. Approximately three million people suffer from IBD in the United States alone, but the current therapeutic options (e.g., corticosteroids) come with adverse side effects including reduced ability to fight infections. Thus, there is a critical need for developing effective, safe and evidence-based food products with anti-inflammatory activity. This study evaluated the antiinflammatory potential of purple-fleshed potato using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) murine model of colitis. Mice were randomly assigned to control (AIN-93G diet), P15 (15% purple-fleshed potato diet) and P25 (25% purple-fleshed potato diet) groups. Colitis was induced by 2% DSS administration in drinking water for six days. The results indicated that purple-fleshed potato supplementation suppressed the DSS-induced reduction in body weight and colon length as well as the increase in spleen and liver weights. P15 and P25 diets suppressed the elevation in the intestinal permeability, colonic MPO activity, mRNA expression and protein levels of pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-6 and IL-17, the relative abundance of specific pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and pks⁺ E. coli, and the increased flagellin levels induced by DSS treatment. P25 alone suppressed the elevated systemic MPO levels in DSS-exposed mice, and elevated the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) as well as attenuated colonic mRNA expression level of IL-17 and the protein levels of IL-6 and IL-1β. Therefore, the purple-fleshed potato has the potential to aid in the amelioration of UC symptoms.

Potential therapeutic targets and molecular details of anthocyan-treated inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic bioinformatics analysis of network pharmacology

Anthocyans, containing anthocyanins and anthocyanidins, play a crucial role in preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most anthocyanins and their basic elements, namely anthocyanidins have been recognized for the effective treatment of IBD, but the key biomarkers of anthocyan-treated IBD remain unclear. In this study, a bioinformatics analysis based on network pharmacology was performed to demonstrate the core-targets, biological functions, and signaling pathways of most common anthocyanidins that existed in anthocyans to reveal their potential or major mechanisms. The network pharmacology of the multi-target drug molecular design with specific signal nodes was selected, which was used to analyse core targets and complete the bioinformatics analysis of core targets. The network assays indicated 44 common targeted genes, 5 of which were core targets of both six most common anthocyanidins and IBD. These 44 common targets related to major signaling mechanisms of the six most common anthocyanidins in IBD may involve following processes: promotion of intracellular metabolism and proliferation, inhibition of cell necrosis, anti-inflammation and regulation of intestinal epithelial survival mainly via pathways such as, the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance pathway, platelet activation, microRNAs in cancer, arachidonic acid metabolism and the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. Thus, our findings may provide other molecular details about anthocyans in the treatment of IBD and contribute towards the use of anthocyanidins, which will be meaningful shedding light on the action mechanisms of anthocyanidins in treating IBD.

Dietary Taxifolin Protects Against Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis via NF-κB Signaling, Enhancing Intestinal Barrier and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Taxifolin is a natural antioxidant polyphenol with various bioactivities and has many beneficial effects on human gut health. However, little is known of its function on colitis. In this study, the protective effects of taxifolin on colitis symptoms, inflammation, signaling pathways, and colon microbiota were investigated using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Intriguingly, pre-administration of taxifolin alleviated the colitis symptoms and histological changes of the DSS-challenged mice. Supplementation of taxifolin significantly inhibited the secretions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 and significantly increased the secretions of IL-10, secretory immunoglobulin A, superoxide dismutase, and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) in DSS-induced colitis mice. In addition, the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB; p65 and IκBα) signaling was significantly suppressed by taxifolin supplementation. The expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1 and occludin) was significantly increased by taxifolin. Moreover, 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the DSS-induced changes of colon microbiota composition and microbial functions (amino acid metabolism and MAPK signaling) were restored by taxifolin, including the decreases of the abundances of Bacteroides, Clostridium ramosum, Clostridium saccharogumia, Sphingobacterium multivorum, and the ratio of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes, and the increases of the abundances of Desulfovibrio C21 c20 and Gemmiger formicilis at species level. In conclusion, these results revealed that dietary taxifolin has a great potential to prevent colitis by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, enhancing intestinal barrier, and modulating gut microbiota.