The Impact of Za’atar Antioxidant Compounds on the Gut Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Disorders: Insights for Future Clinical Applications

Abstract

Since the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in host homeostasis and energy balance, changes in its composition can be associated with disease states through the promotion of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders and increasing intestinal permeability, ultimately leading to the impairment of intestinal barrier function. Za’atar is one of the most popular plant-based foods in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Za’atar is a mixture of different plant leaves, fruits, and seeds and contains hundreds of antioxidant compounds, especially polyphenols, and fiber, with pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggesting health-promoting effects in cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Za’atar compounds have also been studied from a gastrointestinal perspective, concerning both gut microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases. Antioxidants such as Za’atar polyphenols may provide beneficial effects in the complex interplay between the diet, gut microbiota, and intestinal permeability. To our knowledge, no studies have reported the effects of the whole Za’atar mixture, however, based on the pre-clinical studies published on components and single compounds found in Za’atar, we provide a clinical overview of the possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract, focusing mainly on carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, and other polyphenols. We also cover the potential clinical applications of Za’atar mixture as a possible nutraceutical in disorders involving the gastrointestinal tract.

Nutritional and Physiological Properties of Thymbra spicata: In Vitro Study Using Fecal Fermentation and Intestinal Integrity Models

“…This could be useful for the management of pathogenic bacterial overgrowth during dysbiosis, which may occur under different disease conditions. Several studies using cellular or animal models have described the modulatory effects of CVL and CVL-rich essential oils (EOs) on gut microbiota [ 11 ]. EOs rich in CVL increased the relative abundance of some beneficial species such as Bacilli , Lactobacillales , and Veillonellaceae in weaned piglets [ 39 ], and improved microbiota composition, as well as piglet health and performance [ 40 ].…”

“…The mixture contains hundreds of antioxidant compounds, especially polyphenols. Za’atar compounds have been studied from a gastrointestinal perspective, concerning both gut microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases, suggesting that Za’atar polyphenols may provide beneficial effects in the complex interplay between the diet, GM, and intestinal permeability [ 11 ].…”

Comprehensive Strategies for Metabolic Syndrome: How Nutrition, Dietary Polyphenols, Physical Activity, and Lifestyle Modifications Address Diabesity, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Neurodegenerative Conditions

“…These conflicting results suggest the need for a more in-depth understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of n-3 PUFA on weight reduction [ 192 ] and a large-scale investigation over a long period to draw definitive conclusions [ 193 ]. Polyphenols from the Mediterranean diet are known to exert modulatory effects on the gut microbiota and gut-liver axis [ 21 ].…”

“…Many studies have emphasized the potential role of polyphenols and their metabolites in the prevention of various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”

“…Polyphenols, most present in plant-based diets, spices, fruit, vegetables, and cereals, may reduce the risk of MS [ 20 ]. Several studies reported the beneficial effects of polyphenols in the prevention of diabesity, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”