Insights & Discussion
Carrageenan, a common food additive, potentially exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) symptoms by altering gut microbiota, inducing intestinal permeability, and triggering inflammation.
The study involved a comprehensive literature review, where the researchers carried out an in-depth analysis of past studies evaluating carrageenan's impact on gut health, particularly in relation to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Using predefined search terms, they scoured medical and scientific databases, MEDLINE and SCOPUS. They considered research focusing on carrageenan's effect on the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, inflammatory processes, its relationship with cancer, and its role as a food additive in the context of autoimmune diseases.
The review divulged that degraded carrageenan, as used in animal studies, appeared to promote intestinal ulceration and inflammation, suggesting a potential risk in exacerbating IBD. Additionally, carrageenan also appeared to disrupt gut microbiota, reducing bacterial diversity therein, and increased intestinal permeability, which in turn could possibly contribute to 'leaky gut' syndrome. Interestingly, some studies suggested a possible anti-cancer effect, since carrageenan might inhibit the growth of cancer cells by affecting cell cycle progression. Besides, the additive seemed to elevate glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Discover Related Insights
Carrageenan, a common food additive, has dual aspects, being both useful in drug delivery and food printing, while potentially harmful via inducing intestinal inflammatory conditions.
2024 Nutrients Carrageenan as a Potential Factor of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Komisarska P, Pinyosinwat A, Saleem M, Szczuko M
Carrageenan Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
This study investigates the dual roles of carrageenan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide. It is used in creating edible films and encapsulating drugs, and has potential uses in food printing. Moreover, it can regulate the composition of intestinal microflora, including promoting the increase of Bifidobacterium bacteria. The research shines a light on the harmful side of carrageenan as well by focusing on its interactive effects with intestinal microflora, mucous barrier, and proinflammatory pathways.
The study reveals that carrageenan negatively alters intestinal microflora, triggering a breakdown of the mucus barrier, leading to an inflammatory response. This response occurs due to activation of the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer pathway in the epithelial cells, likely via the mechanism of TLR4 receptor activation, alteration in macrophage activity, production of proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of innate immune pathways. Carrageenan's influence also led to increased levels of Bacteroidetes bacteria, alongside reducing short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, ultimately damaging the integrity of the intestinal membrane and reducing the mucin layer. The study finds that those with intestinal inflammation disorders, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects.
Seaweed polysaccharides, especially those found in the cell walls of marine algae, hold significant potential as a natural, complementary treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
2023 Life The Role of Seaweed Polysaccharides in Gastrointestinal Health: Protective Effect against Inflammatory Bowel Disease Liyanage NM, Nagahawatta DP, Jayawardena TU, Jeon YJ
Digestive Health Inflammatory Bowel Disease Seaweed
The study analysed the therapeutic properties of sulfated polysaccharides, including carrageenan in red algae, ulvan in green algae, and fucoidan in brown algae, which are abundantly present in the cell walls of marine algae. Addressing key IBD pathologic treatment targets, the research explored polysaccharides' effects on inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, intestinal epithelial cells, and intestinal microflora. These therapeutic targets were analyzed with an emphasis on utilizing natural substances like seaweed polysaccharides for improving IBD treatment efficacy.
Building upon the theory of a nutritional preventive mechanism for IBD and the restoration of intestinal health, the findings underscore the potent therapeutic capabilities of these natural compounds. Algal polysaccharides were found to have immense potential as a complementary treatment for IBD. It was suggested that these natural substances can be developed into effective drugs and functionally nutritious products, emphasizing a natural approach towards managing this global public health issue.
Goji berries, notably their polysaccharides, exhibit protective effects against inflammatory bowel disease through the preservation of healthy gut microbiota.
2022 Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Prebiotic effects of goji berry in protection against inflammatory bowel disease Sun Q, Du M, Kang Y, Zhu MJ
Review Article Goji Berry Inflammatory Bowel Disease Prebiotic
The review encompassed an in-depth analysis of current literature specially focusing on the role of goji berry and its important functional constituents in countering Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The core attentiveness of the research is directed towards understanding the interplay between goji berries, particularly their polysaccharides, and gut microbiota. The goji berries’ protective effects were evaluated, focusing on how they curb disruption in gut microbiota, a common facet in IBD.
The review concluded that goji berries, especially their polysaccharides, demonstrated appreciable benefits in averting gut microbiota disturbances seen with IBD, thus protecting against this condition. These natural substances, present in goji berries, function as prebiotics, which maintain a balanced gut microbial ecosystem. The research further revealed that proper functioning of gut microbiota and their metabolites was a crucial element in mediating these beneficial effects against IBD, thus cementing the role of dietary interventions in managing diseases linked with gut health.
Acupuncture can regulate both innate and adaptive immunity of IBD patients, including the balance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells, and also modulate intestinal flora.
2022 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine A Review on the Immunomodulatory Mechanism of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Liu Z, Jiao Y, Yu T, Wang H, Zhang Y, Liu D, et al.
Review Article Acupuncture Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The methodology of the research revolved around a review of existing studies related to the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) via acupuncture. The broad scope of exploration focused on the effects of acupuncture on the immunomodulatory mechanism inherent in these patients. The review pursued a detailed study of how acupuncture directly influenced both the innate and adaptive immunity systems in IBD patients as well as its regulation on their intestinal flora.
The results discussion revealed that acupuncture had multiple immunomodulatory effects on IBD patients. On one hand, it influenced their innate immunity by regulating elements such as their intestinal epithelial barriers, toll-like receptors, NLRP3 inflammasomes, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. On the other hand, it affected their adaptive immunity by modulating the balance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells. Furthermore, an interesting revelation from the study was that acupuncture could also significantly regulate the intestinal flora of the patients.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescriptions (CHMPs) have demonstrated to be potentially effective in managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with a comprehensive, holistic approach.
2022 Phytomedicine Holism of Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions for inflammatory bowel disease: A review based on clinical evidence and experimental research Zhang S, Luo H, Tan D, Peng B, Zhong Z, Wang Y
Review Article Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In their methodology, the authors reviewed both preclinical and clinical researches to evaluate the effectiveness of CHMPs in treating IBD. They performed screenings of articles that highlighted the use of CHMP as a treatment option for IBD, giving them an insight into the complexity of the disease and the sophistication of CHMP treatments. Subsequently, they conducted an umbrella review of multiple meta-analyses linked to CHMPs to comprehend the efficacy of these herbal prescriptions in a clinical setting; they narrowed down from 1174 records to 12 substantial references for the review.
In discussing their results, the authors analyzed a variety of 14 CHMPs that have a historical usage background and discussed their respective mechanisms of action. They delve into the inherent characteristics of the herbs used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the CHMPs. Recognizing the holistic nature being integral to CHMP, the authors discussed how the implementation of omics, studying the gut microbiome, and network pharmacology can enhance the understanding of CHMPs' bioactions in treating IBD.
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