The effect of a fennel seed extract on the STAT signaling and intestinal barrier function

Abstract

Background Foeniculum vulgare, F. vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is believed to be one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs and has been exploited by people for centuries as a nutritional aid for digestive disorders. In many southeast Asian countries, it is ingested as an after-meal snack, mukhvas, due to its breath-freshening and digestive aid properties. F. vulgare is used in some countries, such as Iran, as a complementary and alternative treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods This study investigated the effects of fennel seed extract on intestinal epithelium barrier function and the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway. This pathway is active in inflammatory bowel disease. To study the protective effects of fennel seed extract in vitro, monolayers derived from the T84 colonic cell line were challenged with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and monitored with and without fennel seed extract. To complement our in vitro studies, the dextran sodium sulfate induced murine colitis model was employed to ascertain whether the protective effect of fennel seed extract can be recapitulated in vivo. Results Fennel seed extract was shown to exert a protective effect on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in both T84 and murine models and showed increases in tight junction-associated mRNA in T84 cell monolayers. Both models demonstrated significant decreases in phosphorylated STAT1 (pSTAT1), indicating reduced activation of the STAT pathway. Additionally, mice treated with fennel seed showed significantly lower ulcer indices than control mice. Conclusions We conclude barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract is improved by fennel seed extract, suggesting the potential utility of this agent as an alternative or adjunctive therapy in IBD.

Evidence of the Beneficial Impact of Three Probiotic-Based Food Supplements on the Composition and Metabolic Activity of the Intestinal Microbiota in Healthy Individuals: An Ex Vivo Study

“…The probiotic strains B. longum ES1 and L. acidophilus NCFM ® employed in this study were accompanied by bioactive ingredients. In contrast to findings reported by other authors who observed a beneficial modulation of intestinal microbiota through the use of, for instance, lavender extract, fennel, chamomile, or omega 3 fatty acids [22][23][24][25][26], our results indicate that in the two supplemented formulations, PI and GP, the additional components did not have a significant impact on the composition or metabolism of the intestinal microbiota. Lastly, the results support the pre-existing scientific evidence that the benefits increase if more than one probiotic, such as lactobacilli, is combined with bifidobacteria [65,66].…”

“…These components help relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, reflux, and heartburn. It is important to note that these ingredients not only influence intestinal cells by modulating inflammation, redox state, pain perception, and immune responses, but they also potentially affect the balance and activity of the intestinal microbiota [22][23][24][25][26].…”

Review of natural compounds for potential psoriasis treatment

“…The average PASI improvement was 34.21% versus 1.85% for the placebo. Vitamin D supplementation increased the results of psoriasis therapy (Das et al 2022 ). Aurochem Laboratories Pvt.…”

Analysis of Network Pharmacological Efficacy and Therapeutic Effectiveness in Animal Models for Functional Dyspepsia of Foeniculi fructus

“…Foeniculi fructus ( F. fructus ; Foeniculum vulgare or fennel) is an umbelliferous plant that is indigenous to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It has a long history of traditional herbal medicine use in both China and Europe, dating back to ancient times [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. This herb has been employed as a natural remedy for various digestive ailments, such as flatulence, bloating, and indigestion.…”

“…This herb has been employed as a natural remedy for various digestive ailments, such as flatulence, bloating, and indigestion. Additionally, it possesses antipyretic, analgesic, and antioxidant properties [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. F. fructus provides relief from symptoms associated with female menopausal syndrome, helps regulate menstruation, and enhances libido [ 8 ].…”