Intestinal anti-inflammatory and visceral analgesic effects of a Serpylli herba extract in an experimental model of irritable bowel syndrome in rats

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance:Serpylli herba extract (SHE), composed of the aerial parts of wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) (Lamiaceae family), is traditionally used in Europe and North Africa to treat diarrhea, gastric ulcers, intestinal parasites and upper respiratory tract infections. Recently, SHE has generated a great interest for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management, probably due to its intestinal anti-inflammatory properties shown in experimental colitis and the fact that its active components could preserve the intestinal barrier integrity, which is altered in patients with IBS.Aim of study: We aimed to test the effects of a SHE in a rat experimental model resembling human IBS.Materials and methods: IBS was provoked by deoxycholic acid (DCA). Rats were then treated with SHE (100 mg/kg) or gabapentin (70 mg/kg) and different inflammatory and gut barrier integrity markers were evaluated. Moreover, several gut hypersensitivity and hyperalgesia determinations were performed.Results: SHE improved referred pain and visceral hypersensitivity. Additionally, SHE enhanced immune status by downregulating of the expression of the pro-inflammatory mediators Il-1β, Il-6, Ifn-γ, Tlr-4, and the inducible enzyme Cox-2, thus inducing visceral analgesia, and promoting the restore of the gut barrier function by upregulating the mucins Muc-2 and Muc-3. These anti-inflammatory effects could be related to its action on mast cells since it significantly inhibited the β-Hexosaminidase production in RBL-2H3 cells. Lastly, SHE also seems to modulate the serotonin pathway by restoring the altered expression of the 5-HT receptors Htr-3 and Htr-4.Conclusion: SHE could be considered a potential new treatment for IBS, since it ameliorates hypersensitivity, visceral hyperalgesia, and inflammation. These beneficial effects may be due to the inhibition of mast cells degranulation and serotonin pathway.

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.): a review of the current evidence of nutritional and preventive health benefits*

“…Therefore, the daily consumption of the extract to high-fat diet-fed mice reduces the weight gain from day 6 onwards at all doses tested, considering the food intake was similar in all high diet-fed mice groups throughout the experimental period ( 142 ). The same group of researchers ( 143 ) elucidated anti-inflammatory and visceral analgesic benefits with the same extract mentioned above in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ( 143 ) (for more details, see Supplementary Table S3 ).…”

Effects of Cirsium palustre Extracts and Their Main Flavonoids on Colon Motility—An Ex Vivo Study

“…Luteolin, one of the polyphenolic compounds extracted from Perilla frutescens, was found to inhibit the production of TNF-α and interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17A,) while apigenin reduced IL-17A secretion and boosted the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 [50]. Research conducted on a luteolin-rich extract of Serpylli herba has revealed its ability to inhibit the release of β-Hexosaminidase and consequently its ability to modulate mast cell degradation [10]. In their study, Docsa and co-workers conducted a comprehensive review of the influence of inflammatory mediators on the emergence of gastrointestinal motility disorders.…”

“…Mast cells can induce alterations in gastrointestinal tract function, and an elevated mast cell count impacts the permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier, thereby contributing to the emergence of visceral hypersensitivity [9]. Additionally, mast cells exhibit various functions, such as regulating secretion and peristalsis, making them a potential target for pharmacological intervention in the treatment of IBS [10].…”

Effects of a Food Supplement with a Wild Thyme (<i>Thymus serpyllum</i> L.) Extract on Gut Health and the Microbiome in Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is discussed to be triggered at least partially on minor/low-grade inflammation processes in the gut, too. Thus, wild thyme extract was also successfully investigated in an IBS model [12]. Additionally, recently obtained data in an experimental model of high-fat diet in mice showed beneficial effects of WThE on metabolic syndrome [13].…”