Botanicals in human nutrition: focus on bioactive food-derived compounds on gut microbiota in gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases.

Botanicals in human nutrition: focus on gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases.

Abstract

The interest of botanicals in human nutrition is a growing and promising field. However, these substances are still neglected or poorly understood in clinical practice. Since they are metabolized by the gut microbiota, the rationale for their effectiveness could rely not only on their nutritional properties but also on their prebiotic effects. By the way, an interesting field of research is the gastrointestinal tract. We conducted a literature review investigating the role of several nutraceuticals in gut chronic inflammatory and irritable diseases. We carry out research on Pubmed - using MeSH terms -on the role of nutraceuticals such as Punica granatum (pomegranate), Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant), Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberry), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Olea europea, Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry), and inulin. We found preclinical and clinical studies confirming a striking potential role of these nutraceuticals in reducing gut inflammation in such conditions, through gut eubiosis restoration. However, their effects could be not easily reached only by the food source assumption due to the large food amount needed to reach their therapeutic dosages. Thus, it appears useful to use the dry extract of fruits (or plants) in food for special medical purposes to ensure efficacy and long-term adherence to therapy. Further studies on clinical practice are warranted to confirm this preliminary evidence.