Search Results (3)

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal inner lining, resulting in various symptoms. Sea buckthorn berries contain a bioactive compound known as sea buckthorn polysaccharide (SBP). However, the precise mechanisms underlying the impact of SBP on UC remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of pretreatment with SBP on colitis induced by DSS. Our findings demonstrate that SBP pretreatment effectively reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and intestinal barrier damage associated with colitis. To further elucidate the role of SBP-modulated gut microbiota in UC, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on DSS-treated mice. The microbiota from SBP-treated mice exhibits notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improves colonic barrier integrity, and increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria, as well as enhancing SCFA production. Collectively, these results strongly indicate that SBP-mediated amelioration of colitis is attributed to its impact on the gut microbiota, particularly through the promotion of SCFA-producing bacteria and subsequent elevation of SCFA levels. This study provides compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of pre-emptive SBP supplementation in alleviating colitis symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota, thereby offering novel insights into the potential of SBP as a regulator of the gut microbiota for colitis relief. Full article

Seeds contain a variety of phytochemicals that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Plant-derived compounds are often investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-platelet, anti-apoptotic, anti-nociceptive, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective, or neuroprotective properties. In this review, we have described the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from eight selected plant species—blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miq.), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), Moringa oleifera Lam., sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Sprenger), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L). This review is based on studies identified in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS. Numerous preclinical, and some clinical studies have found that extracts, fractions, oil, flour, proteins, polysaccharides, or purified chemical compounds isolated from the seeds of these plants display promising, health-promoting effects, and could be utilized in drug development, or to make nutraceuticals and functional foods. Despite that, many of these properties have been studied only in vitro, and it’s unsure if their effects would be relevant in vivo as well, so there is a need for more animal studies and clinical trials that would help determine if they could be applied in disease prevention or treatment. Full article

The stability of the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of yoghurts during refrigerated storage is important for industry and the consumer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional value, microbiological quality, sensory properties, and structure of natural probiotic yoghurts made with the addition of sea buckthorn fruit mousse during refrigerated storage. In this study, we produced natural, probiotic organic yoghurts with the addition of superfoods, i.e., sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit mousse, using ABT-1 probiotic yoghurt starter culture based on Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Physico-chemical (acidity, nutritional value, and structure) as well as microbiological and sensory changes occurring during 21-day refrigerated storage were determined. The yoghurts were characterized by high sanitary and hygienic quality during the whole refrigerated storage. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra were also used in the analyses of the obtained yoghurt samples. The applied yoghurt additive was visible at the spectral level as an increase in the intensity of the characteristic bands for vibrations related to protein, fat, and polysaccharide structures. Sea buckthorn can be used as a modern and unconventional addition to yoghurts with health-promoting properties. Micrographic studies have shown that the addition of sea buckthorn mousse significantly changes the microstructure of the yoghurt. The structure of sea buckthorn to yoghurt seems to be more susceptible to the influence of damaging factors, which is also confirmed by the FTIR test conducted during the storage. Full article