Biological effects and potential mechanisms of action of Pistacia lentiscus Chios mastic extract in Caco-2 cell model

Publication date: March 2019Source: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 54Author(s): Maira Zorzan, Daniela Collazuol, Giovanni Ribaudo, Alberto Ongaro, Carla Scaroni, Giuseppe Zagotto, Decio Armanini, Susi Barollo, Fabio Galeotti, Nicola Volpi, Marco Redaelli, Raffaele PezzaniAbstractPistacia lentiscus L. (PL) is an evergreen shrub from which it is derived a precious aromatic resin called mastic gum or mastic. This extract possesses numerous proprieties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activities of a patented PL Chios mastic extract in a human small intestine mucosa model, the Caco-2 cells. PL Chios mastic extract showed no toxic effect in Caco-2 cells treated with lower concentrations (<100 μg/ml). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were not increased in Caco-2 cells and disaccharidase activity as well as sucrase–isomaltase expression were decreased at 50 μg/ml, suggesting a potential role in glycaemic control. Also paracellular permeability was reduced in Caco-2 cells and remarkably this extract induced a barrier effect useful in protecting against chemical or biological insults.Graphical abstract

Source: Journal of Functional Foods - January 16, 2019 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research