Chapter 7 - Plant life-associated natural products: Algae and mushrooms

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) characterized primarily by increased permeability of the intestinal barrier, immunological dysregulation, inflammation, and/or dysbiosis. Current treatments use medications such as corticosteroids and aminosalicylates, and the relationship between their benefit and adverse effects is not always adequate for patients. Thus, natural alternatives for the treatment of IBD have been investigated, such as the use of algae and mushrooms. These natural products associated with plant life have shown promising effects in colitis models and in patients with IBD. In general, the modulating effects of the inflammatory response and the gut microbiota are associated with the presence of bioactive compounds in these foods, mainly sulfated polysaccharides in algae and β-glucans in mushrooms. So far, reestablishing the balance of inflammatory cytokines, reducing histological damage, and improving symptoms were the main findings of research that uses these natural products as an alternative therapy for IBD.