Extracts Prepared from Feed Supplements Containing Wood Lignans Improve Intestinal Health by Strengthening Barrier Integrity and Reducing Inflammation

Abstract

Lignans are known to exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, indicating their potential as constituents of feed supplements. This study investigated two extracts derived from the feed supplements ‘ROI’ and ‘Protect’—which contain the wood lignans magnolol and honokiol (‘ROI’), or soluble tannins additional to the aforementioned lignans (‘Protect’)—and their impact on selected parameters of intestinal functionality. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were determined by measuring their effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in vitro. The impact on intestinal barrier integrity was evaluated in Caco-2 cells and Drosophila melanogaster by examining leaky gut formation. Furthermore, a feeding trial using infected piglets was conducted to study the impact on the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation. The Protect extract lowered ROS production in Caco-2 cells and reversed the stress-induced weakening of barrier integrity. The ROI extract inhibited the expression or secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Moreover, the ROI extract decreased leaky gut formation and mortality rates in Drosophila melanogaster. Dietary supplementation with Protect improved the antioxidant status and barrier integrity of the intestines of infected piglets. In conclusion, wood lignan-enriched feed supplements are valuable tools that support intestinal health by exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening effects.

Elder (Sambucus nigra), identified by high-content screening, counteracts foam cell formation without promoting hepatic lipogenesis

“…Extract analyses were performed using reversed-phase chromatography, as described previously 16 using a Ultimate 3000 HPLC system comprised of a LPG-3400SD pump with built-in degasser, a WPS-3000 U(T)SL cooled autosampler, a temperature-controlled column compartment and an DAD-3000(RS) diode array detector equipped with the Chromeleon software (all Thermo Scientific, Dreieich, Germany). Analyte separation was performed on an Accucore C18 column (150 mm × 3.0 mm × 2.6 μm; Thermo Scientific).…”

Identification of Oxidative-Stress-Reducing Plant Extracts from a Novel Extract Library—Comparative Analysis of Cell-Free and Cell-Based In Vitro Assays to Quantitate Antioxidant Activity

“…Such assessments provide a better understanding of how plant extracts interact with cellular components, affect signaling cascades, and potentially influence gene expression associated with oxidative stress responses [ 21 ]. Two examples of cellular assays, which target different aspects of oxidative stress, include the ROS detection assay utilizing 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H 2 DCF-DA) [ 12 , 22 , 23 ], and the Griess assay [ 24 ]. This ROS detection assay is based on the principle of detecting ROS-induced oxidative stress.…”

Dietary supplementation of magnolol alleviates fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome in postpeak Xinhua laying hens via regulation of liver lipid metabolism

“…Moreover, the safety of magnolol when taken orally has been confirmed, making it suitable for use as an additive in animal feed production ( Sarrica et al, 2018 ). Studies have revealed that dietary supplements magnolol can enhance intestinal health by promoting barrier integrity and exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions ( Heckmann et al, 2022 ). Broilers supplemented with magnolol have exhibited improved growth performance, higher quality meat, increased antioxidant capacity, and enhanced immune function ( Xie et al, 2022 ).…”