Researchers find evidence a natural juice can help gut health (Red cabbage juice helps IBD)

Medical Xpress / University of Missouri / International Journal of Molecular Sciences ^ | April 17, 2024 | Eric Slusher / Emily Jean Wilson et al

[ConservativeMind]

A team of researchers is uncovering how the juice from red cabbage, long used in traditional medicine, can alleviate inflammation-associated digestive health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice, offering hope to Americans who suffer from IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Santayana Rachagani's team found red cabbage juice boasts a diverse array of bioactive compounds that improved gut health and alleviated the symptoms of IBD in mice.

"Red cabbage juice alters the composition of gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of good bacteria, resulting in increased production of short chain fatty acids and other bacteria derived metabolites ameliorating inflammation," Rachagani said. "These changes in gut microbiota are associated with improved gut barrier function, enhanced colon repair and anti-oxidative effects, ultimately mitigating intestinal damage and colonic inflammation."

Mice are widely used to study IBD because colitis in mice closely resembles human ulcerative colitis. As a result, the findings provide potentially valuable insights into the benefits of red cabbage juice in humans.

Nagabhishek Sirpu Natesh said red cabbage juice treatment increased good gut bacteria, which in turn triggered an anti-inflammatory receptor in the colons of mice. Moreover, red cabbage juice boosted regulatory T cells, promoting an anti-inflammatory immune balance, further lowering colonic inflammation.

The current primary pharmacological approach for treating IBD is monoclonal antibodies that address inflammation. However, most patients find this treatment loses effectiveness over time.

"These findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying red cabbage juice's therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating IBD," Rachagani said. "Its ability to modulate gut microbiota, activate anti-inflammatory pathways and enhance immune regulation underscores its potential as a valuable therapeutic agent."

Not only do bioactive compounds promote the growth of good gut bacteria, but red cabbage juice is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, further enhancing its potential for gut health.

[Songcraft]

All that pulp and fiber probably helps a lot too...


      

[matthew fuller]

For later reference- thanks for this article.