Abstract
Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) has been shown to treat different disorders. However, data concerning its role in the treatment of intestinal inflammation still require clarification. In the current study, we investigated the effects of noni fruit juice (NFJ) in the treatment of C57BL/6 mice, which were continuously exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 9 consecutive days. NFJ consumption had no impact on the reduction of the clinical signs of the disease or on weight loss. Nonetheless, when a dilution of 1 : 10 was used, the intestinal architecture of the mice was preserved, accompanied by a reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate. Regardless of the concentration of NFJ, a decrease in both the activity of myeloperoxidase and the key inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IFN-γ, was also observed in the intestine. Furthermore, when NFJ was diluted 1 : 10 and 1 : 100, a reduction in the production of nitric oxide and IL-17 was detected in gut homogenates. Overall, the treatment with NFJ was effective in different aspects associated with disease progression and worsening. These results may point to noni fruit as an important source of anti-inflammatory molecules with a great potential to inhibit the progression of inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Highlights
The potential anti-inflammatory activities of several natural compounds in the downregulation of key players in the development of inflammation have been explored in different scenarios including the modulation of cytokines, transcription factors, enzymes, and the production of protein and nonprotein inflammatory mediators
In order to assess whether noni fruit juice was able to prevent weight loss and the outcome of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, the mice were exposed to DSS for 9 days and treated with the fruit juice, as described in Materials and Methods
Regardless of the concentration used, there was no effect on the presentation of clinical signs of disease in the mice treated with noni fruit juice in relation to the untreated mice (Figure 1(b))
Summary
The potential anti-inflammatory activities of several natural compounds in the downregulation of key players in the development of inflammation have been explored in different scenarios including the modulation of cytokines, transcription factors, enzymes, and the production of protein and nonprotein inflammatory mediators. These activities include the modulation of cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-12), transcription factors, enzymes (e.g., myeloperoxidaseMPO and cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2), and the production of nitric oxide (NO) [1,2,3] Due to their importance in controlling inflammation, therapies targeting such molecules have been suggested as possible aids in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis [4], dermatitis [5], and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [6]. These pathologies are of special interest since they affect millions of people worldwide, and current therapies are still not fully effective in controlling disease progression or preventing the occurrence of side effects [6].
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