A bio-guided approach for the development of a chestnut-based proanthocyanidin-enriched nutraceutical with potential anti-gastritis properties

Abstract

Gastritis is a widely spread inflammatory disease, mostly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. Release of IL-8 by the stomach epithelium is a hallmark of gastritis and contributes to the amplification of the inflammatory state. Pharmacological modulation of IL-8 release is a strategy to relieve gastric inflammation and prevent more severe clinical outcomes. In search of nutraceuticals with potential anti-gastritis properties we used a bio-guided approach based on IL-8 secretion by gastric cells to characterize extracts from the fruits of different chestnut varieties. We found that the ability to inhibit IL-8 secretion correlated with the amount of proanthocyanidins and was associated to the not edible parts of chestnut in all the tested varieties. We also found that the anti-inflammatory activity is preserved upon mild thermal treatment and after in vitro simulated gastric digestion. By combining a robust bio-guided approach with a comprehensive analysis of the tannin fraction of chestnut extracts, we provide evidence for the potential use of chestnut-based nutraceuticals in human gastritis. The bioactive components of chestnut fruits inhibit IL-8 secretion by impairing NF-κB signaling and by other mechanisms, thus opening new applications of proanthocyanidins for inflammation-based diseases.

Metabolic Profiling of Chestnut Shell (Castanea crenata) Cultivars Using UPLC-QTOF-MS and Their Antioxidant Capacity

“…In agreement with a previous report, various proanthocyanidins were detected in chestnuts [ 29 ]. The highly enriched proanthocyanidins showed significant anti-inflammatory activity.…”

“…The highly enriched proanthocyanidins showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. Proanthocyanidins are condensed tannins found in the nuts, bark, fruits, and seeds of various plants [ 30 ] and are anti-inflammatory and have beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and cancer [ 29 ]. Proanthocyanidins are formed by catechins and epicatechins [ 31 ].…”

Leaves and Spiny Burs of Castanea Sativa from an Experimental Chestnut Grove: Metabolomic Analysis and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity

“…Moreover, chestnut shells of an Italian cultivar “Marrone di Roccadaspide” PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) were found to be endowed with antioxidant activity linked to their high content of tannins [ 5 ]. The abundance of total phenols and hydrolysable tannins confers to chestnut grove by-products interesting anti-inflammatory activity, as demonstrated by the ability of Castanea shell extracts to reduce the levels of cytokines and other biomarkers of inflammation in several experimental models [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Special Issue: Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Plant Polyphenols

“…), strawberry (Fragaria spp. ), raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) inhibit release of IL-8 by human gastric epithelial cells, and this effect is due to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway [12][13][14]. The anti-inflammatory effect of ellagitannins for raspberry and blackberry has also been demonstrated in vivo in animal models of an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer [12].…”