Anti-Inflammatory and Intestinal Microbiota Modulation Properties of Jinxiang Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Polysaccharides toward Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis

Abstract

Garlic polysaccharides are great potential agents because of their anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and immunomodulation properties. However, few studies have reported their anti-inflammatory effects on improving the colon system and corresponding intestinal microbiota. Herein, a water-soluble garlic polysaccharide (WSGP) was extracted from Jinxiang garlic to evaluate its effects on ameliorating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model. The results showed that (1) after administration of the WSGP (200 or 400 mg/kg/day), the feed intake, body weight, and colon length of colitic mice were increased, while the disease activity index and the histological score of colitic mice were decreased; (2) the WSGP reduced the colonic tissue damage and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors (interleukin 6, interleukin 1 beta , and tumor necrosis factor alpha); and (3) the WSGP enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved the composition of intestinal microbiota. The key microorganisms, including Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Mucispirillum, Helicobacter, Ruminococcus_1, and Ruminiclostridium_5, were identified to be associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. Taken together, this study proved that WSGP supplementation could alleviate DSS-induced colitis by improving mucosal barriers, blocking proinflammatory cytokines, and modulating gut microbiota.

Beneficial Effects of Organosulfur Compounds from Allium cepa on Gut Health: A Systematic Review

“…In the second study referred, PTSO supplementation modulated the GM composition in broiler chickens and also improved the nutrient digestibility without affecting activity of mucosal enzymes [71]. Similar results were obtained in another assay with broilers [82], where a significant bactericidal effect of PTSO against enterobacteria, coliforms, E. coli, C. jejuni and Salmonella, both in vitro and in vivo, was revealed.…”

“…In another recent study, dietary supplementation with a polysaccharide from Jinxiang garlic alleviated colitis in mice. The treated animals showed an improvement in the structure of the intestinal mucosa, and, in addition, the blocking of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed [82]. We have not found any other systematic review linking OSCs to gut health or GM, except a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluated solely the use of allicin as a complementary therapy for H. pylori infection and whose efficacy was evaluated in randomized controlled trials [83].…”

Garlic Essential Oil as Promising Option for the Treatment of Acute Campylobacteriosis—Results from a Preclinical Placebo-Controlled Intervention Study

“…To date, improved clinical and microscopic outcomes upon treatment with different garlic compounds have been shown in various acute intestinal inflammation models. For instance, garlic oil application could ameliorate acute colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in rats [47], which also held true for water-soluble garlic polysaccharide in acute murine DSS colitis [48], and for prophyl-propane thiosulfonate isolated from garlic in both, DSS-and 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced acute colitis in mice [49].…”

Adzuki Bean Alleviates Obesity and Insulin Resistance Induced by a High-Fat Diet and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Mice

“…Prevotellaceae can reduce endothelial permeability, prevent the host from being exposed to endotoxins, and promote the improvement of intestinal function [61]. Ruminococcus_1, which promotes the production of SCFAs, is beneficial to the growth of epithelial cells [62]. Increasing levels of SCFAs reduce the pH value of the colon, thereby preventing the overgrowth of pathogens, which is conducive to intestinal health [63].…”