Effects of Medicinal Plants on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Other Gastrointestinal Diseases: Biochemical Aspects, Metabolomics, and Strategies of Plant-Based Therapy

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 May 2023) | Viewed by 18119

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo, Brazil
Interests: inflammatory diseases; oxidative stress; medicinal plants; bioactive compounds; metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases
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Guest Editor
Medical School of Marilia / UNIMAR, Avenue Higino Muzzi Filho 1001, Marília 15525-902, SP, Brazil
Interests: inflammation; oxidative stress; inflammatory bowel diseases; cardiovascular diseases; myokines, medicinal plants

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Guest Editor
University of Marília (UNIMAR) and Food Technology School (FATEC-Marília), Avenue Higino Muzzi Filho 1001, Marília 15525-902, SP, Brazil
Interests: inflammation; oxidative stress; inflammatory bowel diseases; cardiovascular diseases; myokines; medicinal plants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Background. The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of idiopathic gastrointestinal conditions with a multifactorial pathophysiological architecture. The primary forms are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) whose prevalence is increasing sharply around the world. Despite the numerous treatment possibilities for these diseases, there are still a large number of patients who are unresponsive to the available drugs. On the other hand, medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds can exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects or can mitigate metabolites that are important in the genesis and aggravation of these diseases.

Aims. This Special Issue of Metabolites on “Effects of Medicinal Plants on Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Biochemical Aspects, Metabolomics and Strategies of Plant-Based Therapy” will discuss the potential of medicinal plants to provide a global understanding of how medicinal plants can be used in the therapeutic approach of IBD. Studies on the effects of different medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds on metabolomics and/or biochemical, oxidative, and inflammatory aspects of IBD, as well as the modulation of anti-inflammatory process are welcome. Clinical or population studies, animal or in vitro studies and reviews will be considered for peer review.

Prof. Dr. Sandra Barbalho
Dr. Adriano Cressoni Araújo
Dr. Elen Landgraf Guiguer
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • medicinal plants
  • bioactive compounds
  • phytochemicals
  • inflammatory bowel diseases
  • ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn’s disease

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4108 KiB  
Article
Chitosan-Based Gastric Dressing Materials Loaded with Pomegranate Peel as Bioactive Agents: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Experimentally Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rabbits
by Samira Jebahi, Ghada Ben Salah, Soufien Jarray, Mounir Naffati, Mohammad Ayaz Ahmad, Faten Brahmi, Mohd Saeed, Arif J. Siddiqui, Khabir Abdelmajid and Riadh Badraoui
Metabolites 2022, 12(12), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12121158 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1878
Abstract
This study reported the fabrication and characterization of gastric dressing, composed of gelatine (GEL), chitosan (CH), and pomegranate peel (PP) extract. The structural changes occurring after γ-irradiation of GEL–CH–PP dressing were reported. The results showed that the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of [...] Read more.
This study reported the fabrication and characterization of gastric dressing, composed of gelatine (GEL), chitosan (CH), and pomegranate peel (PP) extract. The structural changes occurring after γ-irradiation of GEL–CH–PP dressing were reported. The results showed that the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of un-irradiated GEL–CH–PP showed two paramagnetic centers, which corresponded to g = 2.19 and g = 2.002. After irradiation, a new active centre appeared at g = 2.0035 at 10 kGy. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed an increase in peak intensity at C–H chains, as well as the C=O carboxyl groups at 10 kGy, due to the cross-linking phenomenon. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed a low change of crystallinity between the range of 2θ (15–30°). Moreover, γ-rays enhanced scavenging DPPH radical activity (51±%) and chelating power activities 79.12%. A significant inhibition of antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities (p < 0.01) was noticed. The hemolysis rates showed 0.42%, suggesting a high hemocompatibility, and exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (48%). In vivo, the healing effects of GEL–CH–PP dressing showed that the incidence and severity of gastric histopathological lesions decreased, compared with the ulcerated group, which could explain the bioavailability and the pharmacokinetic findings. The results highlight the loading of bioactive agents into polymer-based gastric dressings, with promising pharmacokinetics properties and effects on the induced ulcera in rabbits. Full article
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19 pages, 2926 KiB  
Article
Attenuation of Palmitic Acid-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction by 6-Shogaol in Caco-2 Cells: The Role of MiR-216a-5p/TLR4/NF-κB Axis
by Fangxin Ouyang, Bo Li, Yuli Wang, Longhua Xu, Dapeng Li, Feng Li and Dongxiao Sun-Waterhouse
Metabolites 2022, 12(11), 1028; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12111028 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1765
Abstract
Palmitic acid (PA) can lead to intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. In this study, the protective effects and working mechanisms of 6-shogaol against PA-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction were investigated in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular flux, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and [...] Read more.
Palmitic acid (PA) can lead to intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. In this study, the protective effects and working mechanisms of 6-shogaol against PA-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction were investigated in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular flux, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot experiments showed that the 24-h treatment with 400 μM PA damaged intestinal barrier integrity, as evidenced by a reduction of 48% in the TEER value, a 4.1-fold increase in the flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4000 (FD-4), and decreases in the mRNA and protein expression of tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1), compared with the control. The PA treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) in Caco-2 cells due to the upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) proteins, and downregulation of miR-216a-5p (which directly targeted TLR4). Co-treatment with PA and 6-shogaol (2.5 μM) significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated PA-induced changes through regulation of TJs via the miR-216a-5p/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This study provides insights into the functions and working mechanisms of 6-shogaol as a promising food-derived agent against PA-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. Full article
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Review

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36 pages, 9648 KiB  
Review
Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
by Rosa Direito, Sandra Maria Barbalho, Maria Eduardo Figueira, Giulia Minniti, Gabriel Magno de Carvalho, Bárbara de Oliveira Zanuso, Ana Rita de Oliveira dos Santos, Natália de Góes Corrêa, Victória Dogani Rodrigues, Ricardo de Alvares Goulart, Elen Landgraf Guiguer, Adriano Cressoni Araújo, Henrique Bosso and Lucas Fornari Laurindo
Metabolites 2023, 13(6), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13060728 - 06 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2045
Abstract
Ongoing research explores the underlying causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Many experts suggest that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota and genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play significant roles. The term “microbiota” pertains to the collective community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, [...] Read more.
Ongoing research explores the underlying causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Many experts suggest that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota and genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play significant roles. The term “microbiota” pertains to the collective community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside within the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular emphasis on the colon. When there is an imbalance or disruption in the composition of the gut microbiota, it is referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can trigger inflammation in the intestinal cells and disrupt the innate immune system, leading to oxidative stress, redox signaling, electrophilic stress, and inflammation. The Nod-like Receptor (NLR) Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator found in immunological and epithelial cells, is crucial in inducing inflammatory diseases, promoting immune responses to the gut microbiota, and regulating the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Its downstream effectors include caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of 13 medicinal plants, such as Litsea cubeba, Artemisia anomala, Piper nigrum, Morus macroura, and Agrimonia pilosa, and 29 phytocompounds such as artemisitene, morroniside, protopine, ferulic acid, quercetin, picroside II, and hydroxytyrosol on in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a focus on their effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. The observed effects of these treatments included reductions in IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and caspase levels, and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, IL-4, and IL-10, as well as regulation of gut microbiota. These effects could potentially provide substantial advantages in treating IBD with few or no adverse effects as caused by synthetic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulated drugs. However, additional research is necessary to validate these findings clinically and to develop effective treatments that can benefit individuals who suffer from these diseases. Full article
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22 pages, 5257 KiB  
Review
Incorporation of Plant-Based Diet Surpasses Current Standards in Therapeutic Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
by Mitsuro Chiba and Norikazu Morita
Metabolites 2023, 13(3), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13030332 - 23 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3132
Abstract
There has been no study of the therapeutic effect of a plant-based diet (PBD) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) except for our studies in Japan. In this review, we describe the rationale for the requirement of PBD in IBD and the outcomes of [...] Read more.
There has been no study of the therapeutic effect of a plant-based diet (PBD) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) except for our studies in Japan. In this review, we describe the rationale for the requirement of PBD in IBD and the outcomes of our modality incorporating PBD together with a literature review. The biggest problem in current therapy for IBD is the lack of a widely appreciated ubiquitous environmental factor in IBD. Therefore, a radical strategy against IBD has not been established. Japanese data showed an increased incidence of IBD in association with dietary westernization. Current global consumption consists of an excess of unhealthy foods and a shortage of healthy foods recognized as pro-inflammatory. Patients with IBD are no exception. One of the recommended healthy reference diets is PBD recognized as anti-inflammatory. We assert that IBD occurs in susceptible individuals mainly as a result of our omnivorous (westernized) diet. Therefore, we developed and began to provide a PBD, a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, for IBD patients in 2003. Infliximab and PBD as first-line (IPF) therapy was administered for all patients with newly developed Crohn’s disease (CD) and for severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Our modality broke the barrier of primary nonresponders to biologics, with a remission rate of 96% in CD, and created a new relapse-free course in slightly over half of the patients (52%) with CD. Based on the rationale derived from available evidence and the clinical outcomes, PBD is highly recommended for IBD. Full article
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45 pages, 14838 KiB  
Review
Effects of Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals in Nrf2 Pathways during Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Related Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
by Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Mariana Canevari de Maio, Giulia Minniti, Natália de Góes Corrêa, Sandra Maria Barbalho, Karina Quesada, Elen Landgraf Guiguer, Kátia Portero Sloan, Claudia R. P. Detregiachi, Adriano Cressoni Araújo and Ricardo de Alvares Goulart
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020243 - 07 Feb 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2586
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) dysregulation. In vitro and in vivo studies using phytocompounds as modulators of the Nrf2 signaling in IBD have already been published. However, no existing review emphasizes the whole scenario [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) dysregulation. In vitro and in vivo studies using phytocompounds as modulators of the Nrf2 signaling in IBD have already been published. However, no existing review emphasizes the whole scenario for the potential of plants and phytocompounds as regulators of Nrf2 in IBD models and colitis-associated colorectal carcinogenesis. For these reasons, this study aimed to build a review that could fill this void. The PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The literature review showed that medicinal plants and phytochemicals regulated the Nrf2 on IBD and IBD-associated colorectal cancer by amplifying the expression of the Nrf2-mediated phase II detoxifying enzymes and diminishing NF-κB-related inflammation. These effects improve the bowel environment, mucosal barrier, colon, and crypt disruption, reduce ulceration and microbial translocation, and consequently, reduce the disease activity index (DAI). Moreover, the modulation of Nrf2 can regulate various genes involved in cellular redox, protein degradation, DNA repair, xenobiotic metabolism, and apoptosis, contributing to the prevention of colorectal cancer. Full article
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47 pages, 15051 KiB  
Review
Phytochemicals and Regulation of NF-kB in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: An Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Effects
by Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Ana Rita de Oliveira dos Santos, Antonelly Cassio Alves de Carvalho, Marcelo Dib Bechara, Elen Landgraf Guiguer, Ricardo de Alvares Goulart, Renata Vargas Sinatora, Adriano Cressoni Araújo and Sandra Maria Barbalho
Metabolites 2023, 13(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13010096 - 07 Jan 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5583
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic relapsing idiopathic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. They are mainly represented by two forms, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). IBD can be associated with the activation of nuclear factors, such as nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic relapsing idiopathic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. They are mainly represented by two forms, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). IBD can be associated with the activation of nuclear factors, such as nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), leading to increased transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators that result in diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding, and many extra-intestinal manifestations. Phytochemicals can interfere with many inflammation targets, including NF-kB pathways. Thus, this review aimed to investigate the effects of different phytochemicals in the NF-kB pathways in vitro and in vivo models of IBD. Fifty-six phytochemicals were included in this study, such as curcumin, resveratrol, kaempferol, sesamol, pinocembrin, astragalin, oxyberberine, berberine hydrochloride, botulin, taxifolin, naringin, thymol, isobavachalcone, lancemaside A, aesculin, tetrandrine, Ginsenoside Rk3, mangiferin, diosgenin, theanine, tryptanthrin, lycopene, gyngerol, alantolactone, mangostin, ophiopogonin D, fisetin, sinomenine, piperine, oxymatrine, euphol, artesunate, galangin, and nobiletin. The main observed effects related to NF-kB pathways were reductions in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and augmented occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1, and IL-10 expression levels. Moreover, phytochemicals can improve weight loss, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding in IBD. Therefore, phytochemicals can constitute a powerful treatment option for IBD in humans. Full article
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