Fermented Wheat Germ Research Articles

The Effect of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Broiler Chicks’ Growth Performance, Immunological Status, and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract Many studies have mentioned the advantages of adding wheat germ to chicken diets, but few were interested in studying the effect of the fermentation process on this addition. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adding fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) and immunostimulant (IS) to the broiler diet and water, respectively, on growth performance, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, immune status, and carcass characteristics. A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly and equally assigned into four treatment groups of 5 replicates (9 chicks/replicate) each. The first group (G1) served as a control group with a basal diet and normal drinking water, while the second (G2) and the third (G3) groups were treated with a basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% of FWGE, respectively. The fourth group (G4) was treated with one level of immunostimulant (ORGA IMMU®, 0.2% in drinking water) and served as a positive control. The experiment lasted 35 days. According to the results, adding 0.2% FWGE to the broiler diet (G3) improved (P≤0.05) feed conversion ratio and increased (P≤0.05) live body weight and body weight gain compared to the control group (G1). The G3 also showed improvements (P≤0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Blood biochemical parameters, such as total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were positively affected (P≤0.05) by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for Newcastle disease and avian influenza viruses, phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and lysozyme activity (LA) were significantly (P≤0.05) improved by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Furthermore, carcass traits, such as carcass weight and dressing percentage, were improved (P≤0.05) by adding FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. The inclusion of FWGE in the broiler chicken diet by 0.2% had a considerably positive impact on the birds’ growth performance, health, and carcass quality.

Fermented Wheat Germ Protein with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor AR42 Demonstrates Enhanced Cytotoxicity against Lymphoma Cells In Vitro and In Vivo.

Current treatments for lymphoma are plagued by substantial toxicity and the inability to overcome drug resistance, leading to eventual relapse and rationalizing the development of novel, less toxic therapeutics and drug combinations. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are a broad class of epigenetic modulators that have been studied in multiple tumor types, including lymphoma. Currently, HDACis are FDA-approved for treating relapsed T-cell lymphomas and multiple myeloma, with ongoing trials in other lymphomas and solid tumors. As single agents, HDACis frequently elicit toxic side effects and have limited efficacy; therefore, many current treatment strategies focus on combinations to boost efficacy while attempting to minimize toxicity. Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is a complementary agent that has shown efficacy in several malignancies, including lymphoma. Here, we utilize a more potent FWGE derivative, known as fermented wheat germ protein (FWGP), in combination with the HDACi AR42, to assess for enhanced activity. We report increased in vitro killing, cell cycle arrest, and in vivo efficacy for this combination compared to each agent alone with minimal toxicity, suggesting a potentially new, minimally toxic treatment modality for lymphoma.

2, 6-dimethoxy-1, 4-benzoquinone alleviates septic shock in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

To investigate the mechanism of 2, 6-dimethoxy-1, 4-benzoquinone (DMQ), an active ingredients in fermented wheat germ extract, for inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviating septic shock in mice. Cultured murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with DMQ, followed by treatment with Nigericin, ATP, and MSU for activating the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome; the noncanonical NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by intracellular transfection of LPS, and AIM2 inflammasome was activated using Poly A: T.In human monocytic THP-1 cells, the effect of Nigericin on inflammasome activation products was examined using Western blotting and ELISA.Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to explore the mechanism of DMQ-induced blocking of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.In a male C57BL/6J mouse model of LPS-induced septic shock treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg DMQ, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum and peritoneal lavage fluid were determined using ELISA, and the survival time of the mice within 36 h was observed. Treatment with DMQ effectively inhibited LPS-induced activation of canonical NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse BMDM and human THP-1 cells and also inhibited non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse BMDM, but produced no significant effect on AIM2 inflammasome activation.DMQ significantly blocked the binding between ASC and NLRP3.In the mouse models of septic shock, DMQ treatment significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β in the serum and peritoneal fluid and obviously prolonged survival time of the mice. DMQ can effectively block ASC-NLRP3 interaction to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviate LPSinduced septic shock in mice.

Enhancing the techno‐ and bio‐functionality of wheat germ fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum

SummaryThis study explored the fermentation of defatted wheat germ (DWG) using Lactobacillus plantarum, leading to the release of bioactive peptides with improved technological and health properties. Proteomic analysis of fermented defatted wheat germ (FDWG) and DWG revealed a higher abundance of functional peptides in FDWG, with 27 peaks ranging from 503–1391 m/z compared to 22 peaks ranging from 537–1362 m/z for DWG. The peptides identified in FDWG were enriched in hydrophobic amino acids, known for their antioxidant and radical scavenging capabilities. Furthermore, FDWG‐based bread demonstrated the lowest gliadin content, making it a promising option for coeliac patients. The bread also exhibited a soft texture and higher consumer acceptance, positioning it as a viable alternative in reduced‐gluten bakery products. Overall, fermented wheat germ presents an exciting avenue for obtaining bioactive peptides with diverse potential applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

A Fermented Wheat Germ Extract Contains Protein Components Active against NSCLC Xenografts In Vivo.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although advances have been made in the past decade to treat such tumors, most options induce multiple side effects, and many patients discontinue therapy due to toxicity. Thus, the need remains for non-toxic, effective NSCLC therapies, especially in an elderly patient population. Our lab has previously identified a protein fraction from the nutraceutical Avemar®-dubbed fermented wheat germ protein (FWGP)-with demonstrated efficacy in lymphoma models both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that FWGP also has anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo against lung cancer. In vitro cytotoxicity against multiple lung cancer cell lines yielded IC50 values comparable to those previously established with the parent product, Avemar. Further, significant A549 xenograft growth inhibition occurred in athymic nu/nu mice receiving FWGP in both pre-radiated and non-radiated models when compared to the untreated control. Encouragingly, mice treated with FWGP experienced no toxicities as detected by weight reduction or blood chemistry analysis. These data support the further study of FWGP as a potential non-toxic therapy for lung cancer and other oncologic indications.

P30 | Beneficial effect of fermented wheat germ extract in intestinal epithelial cells in case of lipopolysaccharide‐evoked inflammation

Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and TherapeuticsVolume 46, Issue S1 p. 100-100 POSTER PRESENTATIONS P30 | Beneficial effect of fermented wheat germ extract in intestinal epithelial cells in case of lipopolysaccharide-evoked inflammation First published: 11 June 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13309Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume46, IssueS1Special Issue: 15th International Congress of the European Association for Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology held Bruges, Belgium, July 2–5, 2023June 2023Pages 100-100 RelatedInformation

The effects of Avemar treatment on feline immunodeficiency virus infected cell cultures.

In addition to standard highly active antiretroviral therapy protocols, complementary therapies using natural compounds are widely used by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected human patients. One such compound is the fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), named Avemar. In this study, we investigate the effects of Avemar in a feline-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome model. MBM lymphoid cells were acutely infected by the American feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-Petaluma (FIV-Pet) and the European FIV Pisa-M2 strains. FL-4 lymphoid cells, continuously producing FIV-Pet, served as a model for chronic infection. Crandell Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells were infected by either FIV-Pet or feline adenovirus (FeAdV) as a model for transactivation and opportunistic viral infection. Cell cultures were treated pre- and post-infection with serial dilutions of spray-dried FWGE (Avemar pulvis, AP), a standardized active ingredient in commercial Avemar products. Residual FIV and FeAdV infectivity was quantified. In a concentration-dependent manner, AP inhibited replication of FIV strains in MBM and CRFK cells by 3-5log. Low AP concentration prevented FIV-Pet release from FL-4 cells. Higher concentrations destroyed virus-producing cells with cytopathic effects resembling apoptosis. AP strongly inhibited FeAdV production inside CRFK cells but not in HeLa cells. Adenovirus particles are then released via the disintegration of CRFK cells. This report is the first to describe the antiviral effects of Avemar. Further studies are required to confirm its in vitro and in vivo effects and to investigate the potential for its use as a nutraceutical in FIV-infected felines or HIV-infected humans. Avemar, as a single nutraceutical, inhibits FIV replication and destroys retrovirus carrier cells. An important conclusion is that prolonged Avemar treatment might reduce the number of retrovirus-producing cells in the host.

Fermented Wheat Germ Alleviates Depression-like Behavior in Rats with Chronic and Unpredictable Mild Stress.

Depression is a chronic mental illness with devastating effects on a person's physical and mental health. Studies have reported that food fermentation with probiotics can enrich the nutritional values of food and produce functional microorganisms that can alleviate depression and anxiety. Wheat germ is an inexpensive raw material that is rich in bioactive ingredients. For example, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is reported to have antidepressant effects. Several studies concluded that Lactobacillus plantarum is a GABA-producing bacteria and can alleviate depression. Herein, fermented wheat germs (FWGs) were used to treat stress-induced depression. FWG was prepared by fermenting wheat germs with Lactobacillus plantarum. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was established in rats, and these rats were treated with FWG for four weeks to evaluate the effects of FWG in relieving depression. In addition, the study also analyzed the potential anti-depressive mechanism of FWG based on behavioral changes, physiological and biochemical index changes, and intestinal flora changes in depressed rats. The results demonstrated that FWG improved depression-like behaviors and increased neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus of CUMS model rats. In addition, FWG effectively altered the gut microbiota structure and remodeled the gut microbiota in CUMS rats, restored neurotransmitter levels in depressed rats through the brain-gut axis, and restored amino acid metabolic functions. In conclusion, we suggest that FWG has antidepressant effects, and its potential mechanism may act by restoring the disordered brain-gut axis.

Mixed fermentation and electrospray drying for the development of a novel stabilized wheat germ powder containing highly viable probiotic cultures.

Nondairy fermented probiotic powder was developed based on stabilized wheat germ through mixed fermentation (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum) and electrospraying process. In the first step, the effect of mixed fermentation on lipase and lipoxygenase activity of wheat germ was investigated. The results showed a significant reduction in the activity of both enzymes (82.72% for lipase and 72% for lipoxygenase), therefore, mixed fermentation effectively stabilizes the wheat germ. In the next step, after the preparation of the solutions for drying process and investigating the physical properties (surface tension, electrical conductivity, and viscosity) of the solutions, the electrosprayability of the samples was evaluated at different conditions and revealed that 18 kV applying voltage, 0.3 flow rate, and 12 cm distance between tip to collector was the best for electrospraying the 20% solution of fermented wheat germ with morphologically most semi-uniform particles. Finally, the viability of the probiotics after drying process and during the storage at 25°C was examined. The number of initial cells counted as 14.48 ± 0.2log cfu/g and the viability studies showed 0.55 log cfu/g decrease in the number of viable bacteria from initial count as a result of the electrospraying process. Furthermore, 7.86 ± 0.03 log cfu/g in freeze-dried and 9.05 ± 0.45 log cfu/g in electrosprayed samples survived after 70 days of storage.

Abstract 3778: Mitochondrial dynamics in cancer restored by a bioactive fraction of fermented wheat germ extract

Abstract Bioactive fraction of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (A250) was shown to be effective in increasing gene expression of mitochondrial proteins in a dose-dependent manner. According to the STRING protein network analysis these proteins are linked to the Krebs cycle and apoptosis. However, the in vivo therapy had no effect on the white blood cell count, and the increase in the immune cell profile was favorable, indicating that its effect was specific to tumor cells. Citation Format: Gyula Bencze. Mitochondrial dynamics in cancer restored by a bioactive fraction of fermented wheat germ extract [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3778.

Regulatory mechanism of fermented wheat germ on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia rats via activation of AMPK pathway

Regulatory mechanism of fermented wheat germ on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia rats via activation of AMPK pathway

Utilizing Fermented Wheat Germ To Improve The Quality Of Local Bread

Utilizing Fermented Wheat Germ To Improve The Quality Of Local Bread

Effects of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Oral Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study

Oral carcinoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, and despite the advances in the therapy, its mortality is still high. An attention in cancer treatment has focused on natural compounds due to their potential beneficial effects on human health. In this study, the effects of dietary supplement Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (FWGE) on oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) cells were investigated In Vitro using three cell lines (HSC-3, SAS, SCC-25) with variable aggressiveness. The cell viability was significantly decreased by the treatment with high concentration of FWGE in every cell line. Regarding migration and invasion, HSC-3 and SCC-25 cells were most sensitive to FWGE since their movement was significantly reduced with 5 and 10 mg/ml FWGE, while SAS was inhibited only with 10 mg/ml FWGE. Chemotherapeutic compounds (cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) significantly reduced all OTSCC cells viability. Importantly, combination of these drugs with 10 mg/ml FWGE significantly decreased the cell viability compared to the treatment with the chemotherapeutics or FWGE alone. Based on these In Vitro experiments, the use of FWGE seems to improve the anticancer effects on OTSCC cells. Further In Vivo and clinical studies should be conducted to verify the positive effects of FWGE for OTSCC patients.

2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone increases skeletal muscle mass and performance by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling and mitochondrial function

Background2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ), a natural phytochemical present in fermented wheat germ, has been reported to exert anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adipogenic effects. However, the effect of DMBQ on muscle hypertrophy and myoblast differentiation has not been elucidated. PurposeWe investigated the effect of DMBQ on skeletal muscle mass and muscle function and then determined the possible mechanism of DMBQ. MethodsTo examine myogenic differentiation and hypertrophy, confluent C2C12 cells were incubated in differentiation medium with or without various concentrations of DMBQ for 4 days. In animal experiments, C57BL/6 mice were fed DMBQ-containing AIN-93 diet for 7 weeks. Grip strength, treadmill, microscopic evaluation of muscle tissue, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. ResultsDMBQ significantly increased fusion index, myotube size, and the protein expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC). DMBQ increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), whereas the phosphorylation of these proteins was abolished by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 in C2C12 cells. In addition, DMBQ treatment increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α), which programs mitochondrial biogenesis, protein levels compared with control C2C12 cells. DMBQ significantly increased maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity in C2C12 cells. In animal experiments, DMBQ increased skeletal muscle weights and skeletal muscle fiber size compared with the control group values. In addition, the DMBQ group showed increased grip strength and running distance on an accelerating treadmill. The protein expression of total MHC, MHC1, MHC2A, and MHC2B in skeletal muscle was upregulated by DMBQ supplementation. We found that DMBQ increased the phosphorylation of AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as well as downstream S6K and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in skeletal muscle. DMBQ also stimulated mRNA expression of PGC1α, accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial DNA content, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins, and oxidative enzyme activity. ConclusionCollectively, DMBQ was shown to increase skeletal muscle mass and performance by regulating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and enhancing mitochondrial function, which might be useful for the treatment and prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy.

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (FWGE) as a Treatment Additive for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Clinical Trial

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a devastating and incurable disease. Combined therapy using conventional anticancer drugs and a proprietary medical nutriment, fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), also known as Avemar, has been suggested as a treatment for progressing prostate cancer (PCa) patients, who have become resistant to first line hormonal therapy (gonadotropin releasing hormone, GnRH). The primary aim of this study was to test if this combined therapy would slow down disease progression in CRPC patients. We tested the nontoxic, readily available, inexpensive FWGE, together with the conventional treatment, GnRH analogue, in 36 CRPC patients. Although this is a pilot study, with the drawback of a statistically small sample size, some anticancer clinical activity of FWGE could be seen in the CRPC patients, as measured by prostate specific antigen doubling time (PSADT). We found that the intake of GnRH with FWGE for at least 4 months, improved the overall health as well as the quality of life (QOL) in 4 patients (11%) and was instrumental in extending the PSADT in about 17 (out of 26) patients (65.4%), six of whom were significant. Since no mentionable adverse events were noticed, this treatment may permit the postponement of chemotherapy for these patients.

Potential anti-aging effects of fermented wheat germ in aging mice

Fermented wheat germ (FWG) is a valuable food ingredient and is naturally rich in antioxidant components; fermentation can improve the antioxidant capacity of wheat germ. The complex anti-aging effect of WG is not fully understood. This study was carried out to explore the functional properties of FWG: BALB/c mice with d-galactose (D-gal; 300 mg/kg/d) induced aging were treated with FWG (20 mg/kg/d) for 6 wk. The control mice were compared to mice with D-gal induced aging and aging mice administered FWG. FWG increased organ indices and enhanced learning and memory. The amount of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in the serum of aging mice also decreased after supplementation with FWG. FWG intake enhanced antioxidant activity in aging mice. FWG significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity; it decreased the level of malondialdehyde in different tissues, including the liver, brain, intestine and serum. High-throughput sequencing results showed that the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes index and the number of beneficial bacteria in the FWG group increased, and the growth of pathogens was suppressed in the intestines. These results suggested that FWG holds a great potential as a functional food by reducing oxidative damage, maintaining the stability of intestinal bacteria, and delaying aging.

Non-covalent modification of low-molecular quinones into iron-based nanoreactors enabling self-sustaining Fenton reaction-mediated chemo-dynamic therapy and resisting macrophage uptake

Chemo-dynamic therapy of anti-tumor nano-medicine relies on the continuous generation of toxic hydroxyl radical (OH). 2,6-dimethoxy hydroquinone (DMHQ) and 2,6-dimethoxy-ρ-benzoquinone (DMBQ) are potential anti-tumor component in fermented wheat germ. To obtain a self-amplified nanoreactor and cascade cancer therapy, nano Fe3O4 was co-loaded with glucose oxidase and DMHQ + DMBQ. The nanoreactor produced endogenous H2O2 and DMHQ + DMBQ accelerated Fe3+/Fe2+ conversation, thus speeding up the generation of OH. Both in vitro and in vivo antitumor experiments demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy of cancer. Furthermore, an in vitro vein model was used and the results showed that the abundances of stealth-related proteins such as Apolipoprotein B-100 on the surface of the nanoreactors increased in comparison with the nanoreactors without modification of DMHQ and DMBQ, and lower macrophage nonspecific uptake and the expression of inflammatory cytokines of macrophages were found. These findings substantially broaden the biomedical applications of naturally-derived antitumor molecules to nano-catalytic tumor therapy.

2,6-DMBQ suppresses cell proliferation and migration via inhibiting mTOR/AKT and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in NSCLC cells

2,6-Dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DMBQ) is the major bioactive compound found in fermented wheat germ extract. Although fermented wheat germ extract has been reported to show anti-proliferative and anti-metabolic effects in various cancers, the anticancer potential and molecular mechanisms exerted by 2,6-DMBQ have not been investigated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Here, we report that 2,6-DMBQ suppresses NSCLC cell growth and migration through inhibiting activation of AKT and p38 MAPK. 2,6-DMBQ significantly suppressed anchorage-dependent and independent cell growth. Additionally, 2,6-DMBQ induced G2 phase cell cycle arrest through inhibiting the expression and phosphorylation of cyclin B1 and CDC2, respectively. Furthermore, 2,6-DMBQ strongly suppressed NSCLC cell migration through induction of E-cadherin expression. To determine the molecular mechanism(s) exerted by 2,6-DMBQ upon NSCLC cell lines, various signaling kinases were screened; the results indicate that 2,6-DMBQ strongly inhibits the phosphorylation of AKT and p38 MAPK. Additionally, the growth kinetics of cells treated with an AKT or p38 MAPK inhibitor in combination with 2,6-DMBQ indicate that 2,6-DMBQ suppresses NSCLC cell growth and migration through inhibition of AKT and p38 MAPK. Taken together, our results suggest that 2,6-DMBQ is a potential anticancer reagent against NSCLC cells and could be useful for treating lung cancer patients.

The Impact of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Porcine Epithelial Cell Line Exposed to Deoxynivalenol and T-2 Mycotoxins.

The effect of fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) (Immunovet®) was evaluated with cotreatments with deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin (T-2). These mycotoxins are produced by Fusarium mold species. The effects of FWGE on IPEC-J2 with DON and T-2 have not been studied until now. The IPEC-J2 porcine, nontumorigenic cell line was selected to investigate the outcome of the individually and simultaneously added compounds, as it has in vivo-like properties. The cells were treated for 24 h with the selected solutions; then, the IPEC-J2 cells were allowed to regenerate in a culture medium for an additional 24 h. In our results, DON and T-2 significantly increased the adverse impacts on cell viability and integrity of the cell monolayer. To elucidate the extent of oxidative stress, extracellular H2O2 concentrations and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. FWGE appeared to be beneficial to IPEC-J2 cells given the separately and significantly decreased ROS levels. 1% and 2% FWGE could significantly reduce mycotoxin-induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that FWGE exerted protective effects to counteract the oxidative stress-provoking properties of applied fusariotoxins in the nontumorigenic IPEC-J2 cell line.

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract as a Redox Modulator: Alleviating Endotoxin-Triggered Oxidative Stress in Primary Cultured Rat Hepatocytes.

Bioactive compounds such as benzoquinone derivates presented in fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) have several positive effects on overall health status of humans and animals alike. Since available data regarding the antioxidant activity of FWGE are limited, the aim of our study was to investigate its effects on the cellular redox homeostasis applying primary hepatocyte cell cultures of rat origin. Cultures were challenged to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment for 2 or 8 hours to trigger inflammatory response. Further, culture media were concomitantly supplemented with or without FWGE (Immunovet®, 0.1% and 1%). In order to monitor the metabolic activity of the cell cultures, CCK-8 test was applied, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using Amplex Red method. Malondialdehyde concentration of culture media as a specific marker of lipid peroxidation and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in cell lysates were also determined to monitor the redox status of the cultures. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that FWGE did not show cytotoxic effects in any applied concentration in cell cultures. Furthermore, FWGE efficiently decreased cellular ROS production and lipid peroxidation rate in case of LPS-induced inflammatory response. However, without LPS treatment, higher concentration of FWGE increased the rate of both ROS and malondialdehyde synthesis. This observation may refer to the prooxidant activity of high dose FWGE, which is an important beneficial effect regarding tumor cells. However, in case of noninflamed hepatocytes, considering the results of glutathione peroxidase activity, the application of the product did not result in severe oxidative distress. In accordance with the abovementioned findings, FWGE as a redox modulator, applied in the appropriate concentration, can serve as a promising candidate in the supplementary therapy of patients suffering from various inflammatory diseases, decreasing the free radical generation, thus avoiding the occurrence of cytotoxic effects.