New Study breakthrough Sea Buckthorn Pulp Oil Nanoemulsion Reduces Colitis by Modulating Inflammation, Antioxidants, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolites in Mice
Our recent study published on ScienceDirect highlights the significant therapeutic potential of a sea buckthorn pulp oil (SBPO) nanoemulsion stabilized with a sodium caseinate-Salecan β-glucan conjugate in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This nanoemulsion markedly reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and regulated gut microbiota and metabolic pathways in a mouse model, outperforming conventional SBPO supplementation.
Study Overview:
Research confirms the significant advantages of using SBPO nanoemulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate and Salecan β-glucan conjugates as an effective dietary strategy for managing inflammatory bowel disease. By improving gut microbiota composition, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and modulating key metabolic pathways, the SBPO nanoemulsion provides robust therapeutic benefits superior to conventional SBPO formulations.
Key Findings:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Current pharmaceutical treatments, though effective, carry substantial side effects, prompting the exploration of dietary interventions such as sea buckthorn pulp oil (SBPO). However, SBPO's inherent instability, bitterness, and limited colon-targeted delivery have restricted its practical application.
To overcome these challenges, researchers developed a nanoemulsion formulation of SBPO using sodium caseinate conjugated with Salecan β-glucan, a bacterial-derived polysaccharide known for its superior antioxidant activity and mucosal adhesion. The efficacy of this nanoemulsion was evaluated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model through a 37-day oral administration protocol.
Results showed significant therapeutic improvements in mice treated with the SBPO nanoemulsion. Specifically, the nanoemulsion significantly reduced clinical colitis symptoms, restored colon length, and decreased the disease activity index (DAI) compared to DSS-only controls (P < 0.05). Additionally, the nanoemulsion substantially suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels in the colon (P < 0.05).
High-throughput sequencing of gut microbiota revealed that the SBPO nanoemulsion effectively restored microbial balance, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing pathogenic species associated with inflammation. Non-targeted fecal metabolomics further demonstrated significant modulation of metabolic pathways, particularly those involving amino acid metabolism, organic acids, and purine derivatives.
Crucially, the nanoemulsion formulation exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy compared to traditional SBPO supplementation alone, underscoring the critical role of nanoencapsulation and targeted delivery in enhancing bioactivity and colon-specific outcomes.
About Northwest A&F University
Northwest A&F University is recognized for its commitment to research excellence and innovation, especially in the areas of life sciences and technology. Located in Yangling, Shaanxi, China, the university is dedicated to addressing global challenges in food science, agriculture, and health.
About Puredia
Puredia is a global leader in the supply of organic, innovative, and clinically tested nutritional ingredients, specializing in the cultivation and development of Sea Buckthorn products. Established by Dr. Hywel Yuen, Puredia upholds rigorous international certification standards, including USDA, EU, Canada, and China Organic certifications, alongside Halal and Kosher accreditations. The company is distinguished by its robust commitment to scientific research, ensuring the highest levels of efficacy and safety in its offerings. Puredia's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility is evident in its management of organic-certified farms located on the Tibetan Plateau and its contributions to local communities, particularly in enhancing educational opportunities for children in surrounding areas.