Effects of Potential Prebiotics from <i>Codium fragile</i> on Intestinal Diseases

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an extract of the green algae Codium fragile (hereafter referred to as CFE) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. As the administration of CFE increased, the proliferation of Akkermansia muciniphila, which is a key player in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders, also increased. After CFE administration for 10 weeks, acetic acid was identified as the major metabolite in mouse cecum and β-glucuronidase activity in mouse fecesdecreased. Further, CFE significantly alleviated the acute intestinal injury induced by DSS administration, including DAI score, colon length, and histological score. The experimental group also displayed indications of significantly lower neutrophil activity and inflammation. In conclusion, the protective effect of CFE against DSS colitis suggests its clinical use by IBD patients.

Keywords

• <i>Codium fragile</i>
• <i>Akkermansia muciniphila</i>
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• prebiotics