Abstract
It is well known that diet and nutrition play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of many disorders. On the other hand, nutrients or bioactive compounds can specifically target and control various aspects of the mechanism underlying the pathology itself, and, in this context, diseases related to intestinal motility disorders stand out. The Herbal Mix (HM) consisting of Olea europea L. leaf (OEE) and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HSE) extracts (13:2) has been proven to be a promising nutraceutical option for many diseases, but its potential in inflammatory-driven gastrointestinal disorders is still unexplored. In this study, HM effects on guinea-pig ileum and colon contractility (induced or spontaneous) and on human iNOS activity, as well as on human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells, were studied. Results showed that the HM can control the ileum and colon contractility without blocking the progression of the food bolus, can selectively inhibit iNOS and possesses a strong pro-apoptotic activity towards Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, the present results suggest that, in some diseases, such as those related to motility disorders, an appropriate nutritional approach can be accompanied by a correct use of nutraceuticals that could help not only in ameliorating the symptoms but also in preventing more severe, cancer-related conditions.
Highlights
IntroductionPhytocomplexes are pools of molecules contained in plants that often have an interesting biological value that justifies their use as an ingredient in food supplements or drug formulations
As isoform of the NO synthase (iNOS) inhibition represents a node of the target network linked to intestinal inflammatory pathologies and owing to the effect of oleuropein, we investigated the effects of Olea europea L. (OEE), Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flowers extract (HSE) and the Herbal Mix (HM) on iNOS
The assessment of the role played by the different target networks connected to pathologies becomes very important in order to ensure the effectiveness of phytocomplexes, where the presence of pools of organic molecules can act on different nodes of the network itself
Summary
Phytocomplexes are pools of molecules contained in plants that often have an interesting biological value that justifies their use as an ingredient in food supplements or drug formulations Their potential lies in the fact that these organic compounds bind to the same targets as drugs. Broadening the characterization of their activity, we have shown that the interaction with different networks that are “off target” for the pathology under study can be of great interest for treating other diseases. These networks and the relative interconnections, provide useful information for finding new targets, and, as a consequence, new drugs. There is the consolidated approach, adopted for many food supplements, of preparing mixed extracts with a dual purpose: to broaden the target network and to reduce any side effects, in agreement with what is performed with the use of herbal mix in the traditional Chinese medicine [7]
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