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Amelioration of Ulcerative Colitis in BALB/c Mice by Probiotic-Fermented Aegle marmelos Juice

Summary

Researchers tested a fermented bael fruit juice with probiotics as a treatment for ulcerative colitis in mice. The mice treated with this juice showed significant improvement in weight recovery, reduced inflammation markers, and increased antioxidant protection compared to untreated diseased mice. The fermentation process increased the beneficial compounds in the juice. These results suggest that probiotic-fermented bael fruit juice could be a natural and effective treatment option for people with ulcerative colitis.

Background

Aegle marmelos (bael fruit) has been traditionally used in folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal disorders due to its phytochemical content including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. Fermentation using probiotics is known to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic properties of plant-based compounds. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with limited treatment options and significant side effects from conventional medications.

Objective

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of probiotic-fermented Aegle marmelos juice for treating ulcerative colitis using a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model. The objectives were to determine if fermentation enhances anti-inflammatory properties, assess efficacy in reducing colonic inflammation, and evaluate potential therapeutic applications for UC treatment.

Results

Probiotic-fermented A. marmelos juice improved body weight recovery (11% gain vs 8% in untreated DSS group) and reduced disease activity index compared to disease controls. Treatment decreased inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-6 while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis showed the three bioactive compounds (marmelosin, umbelliferone, luvangetin) were present with levels partially restored during fermentation compared to pasteurization alone.

Conclusion

Probiotic-fermented A. marmelos juice demonstrated promising therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis management through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. The fermentation process enhanced bioactive compound bioavailability and efficacy. These findings suggest probiotic-fermented A. marmelos juice could serve as an effective natural therapeutic strategy for UC, though further research in human subjects and mechanistic studies are warranted.
  • Published in:International Journal of Food Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40206440, DOI: 10.1155/ijfo/5288406
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