Scientists from the Tokyo University of Science found a new compound called PSB in blueberries may be a potential treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Many plants contain bioactive ingredients that can alleviate human diseases. These phytocompounds often contain restorative biological properties such as anti-cancerous, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Thus, understanding how they interact with the body can lead to potential treatment strategies against major immune disorders.
In patients with IBD, the gastrointestinal tract lining contains long-lasting ulcers caused by chronic inflammation due to an elevated immune response in the body.
In the study, the team aimed to find an effective compound that can suppress the immune system.
They found PSB, which showed stronger immunosuppressive activity than the other candidates. They also showed that PSB treatment inhibits inflammatory cytokine production.
When they further tested PSB in mice with IBD, they found that oral intake of PSB improved symptoms of IBD.
Thus, the study confirmed that PSB is an extremely promising anti-inflammatory drug to fight IBD. Additionally, it is easily absorbed by the body, making it an ideal drug candidate.
Through these findings, the scientists have ushered in new possibilities for the treatment of not just IBD, but also other inflammatory disorders.
The team says for disease prevention, it is important to find the beneficial components in foods and to understand the underlying mechanism by which immune responses and homeostasis are modulated in the body.
The new findings showed that PSB possesses a strong immunosuppressive property, paving the way for a new, natural treatment for IBD.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about foods that could help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about foods that could improve survival in Parkinson’s disease, and results showing Keto diet could help you lower blood sugar and lose weight.
The research was published in The FASEB Journal and conducted by Prof Chiharu Nishiyama et al.
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