AphaMax®, an Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Aqueous Extract, Exerts Intestinal Protective Effects in Experimental Colitis in Rats

Abstract

Background: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a unicellular cyanobacterium considered to be a “superfood” for its complete nutritional profile and beneficial properties. We investigated possible beneficial effects of an AFA extract, commercialized as AphaMax®, containing concentrated amount of phycocyanins and phytochrome, in 2,4 dinitrobenzensulfonic acid(DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Methods: Effects of preventive oral treatment of AphaMax® (20, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day) in colitic rats were assessed and then macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed to evaluate the inflammation degree. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and NF-κB, pro-inflammatory citockines, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible NOS (iNOS) levels of expression were determined, as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and nitrite levels. Results: AphaMax® treatment attenuated the severity of colitis ameliorating clinical signs. AphaMax® reduced the histological colonic damage and decreased MPO activity, NF-κB activation, as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression. AphaMax® treatment improved the altered immune response associated with colonic inflammation reducing IL-1β, IL-6 expression. Lastly, AphaMax® reduced oxidative stress, decreasing ROS and nitrite levels. Conclusions: Preventive treatment with AphaMax® attenuates the severity of the inflammation in DNBS colitis rats involving decrease of the NF-kB activation, reduction of iNOS and COX-2 expression, and inhibition of oxidative stress. Due its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant proprieties AphaMax® could be a good candidate as a complementary drug in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment.

Spasmolytic Effects of Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae (AFA) Extract on the Human Colon Contractility

“…Klamin ® is a commercialized extract of the blue-green algae, AFA, containing high amount of beneficial nutrients, such as carotenoids, phycocyanins, and chlorophyll. These constituents have been suggested to be responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and neuroprotective actions of AFA extract supplementation [23,[33][34][35][36][37][38]. Klamin ® contains also elevated concentration of β-PEA, a natural neuromodulator [39], whose reduction in the CNS can lead to depression and affective disturbances [13,40].…”

“…It is likely that AFA extracts, once ingested as food supplements, exert effects also in the gastrointestinal tract, as it was proven in relation to the AFA-extract AphaMax ® , rich in phycocyanins and phytochrome but poor in β-PEA, helpful for counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation [23]. Another AFA extract, Klamin ® , concentrates β-PEA and has shown to be helpful for depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances [24][25][26].…”

Silkworm pupa peptide ameliorates dextrose sodium sulfate-induced colitis by enhancing gut barriers and modifying gut flora

“…COX-2, a key enzyme implicated in UC pathogenesis, is targeted by several drugs used to treat human UC and is involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis [38] . Additionally, it is known that the inflammatory site expresses high levels of iNOS, which works in conjunction with COX-2 to promote the overproduction of inflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β [39][40] . MPO, released by neutrophils, serves as an indicator of neutrophil activation in tissues.…”

Klamath Lake Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae: Wild-Harvesting, Extracts and Benefits

“…Post-treatment assessment revealed substantial remission in 90% of the participants (9 out of 10), with the remaining individual exhibiting significant symptomatic improvement [55]. Additionally, the pharmacological impact of AphaMax® was evaluated in an experimental model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) in rats [56]. Varied dosages of AphaMax® (20, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day) were administered.…”