Red Raspberry Extract Shows Promise in Preserving Intestinal Health Against Inflammation
A newly published paper by Prof. Cristian Del Bo', member of the Scientific Committee of Polyphenols Applications, sheds light on the potential of red raspberry extract in safeguarding intestinal barrier integrity and combating oxidative stress under inflammatory conditions.
Prof. Del Bo' and his team investigated the protective effects of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) powder on the intestinal barrier using human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells) as an experimental model. The study focused on evaluating how red raspberry extract mitigates the damaging effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine known to compromise intestinal permeability.
In their experiments, Caco-2 cells treated with red raspberry extract exhibited significant preservation of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), indicating maintained intestinal barrier function. The extract also notably reduced the efflux of fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (FITC-D), further confirming its role in preventing intestinal permeability under inflammatory stress.
Moreover, the study assessed the impact of red raspberry on markers of oxidative stress within the cells. Results demonstrated a substantial decrease in 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, suggesting the extract's antioxidant properties.
The researchers also observed positive effects on the expression of tight junction proteins such as claudin-1, which are crucial for maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. This enhancement highlights red raspberry's potential in strengthening the structural components essential for intestinal health.
Prof. Del Bo', part of the local organizing committee of Polyphenols Applications 2024, will join the 17th edition of the congress to share his latest findings on the contribution of polyphenols in the modulation of intestinal permeability. Join us in September!
Image credits: stocking - Freepik.
