Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals, and Their Impacts on the Maturation of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the first point of contact for ingested substances and thus represents a direct interface with the external environment. Apart from food processing, this interface plays a significant role in immunity and contributes to the wellbeing of individuals through the bra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in physiology 2021-07, Vol.12, p.684464-684464
Main Authors: Mukonowenzou, Nyasha Charity, Adeshina, Kehinde Ahmad, Donaldson, Janine, Ibrahim, Kasimu Ghandi, Usman, Dawoud, Erlwanger, Kennedy Honey
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
development
gastrointestinal tract
gut microbiota
immunity
maturation
Physiology
phytochemicals
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Summary:The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the first point of contact for ingested substances and thus represents a direct interface with the external environment. Apart from food processing, this interface plays a significant role in immunity and contributes to the wellbeing of individuals through the brain-gut-microbiota axis. The transition of life from the environment, to suckling and subsequent weaning has to be matched by phased development and maturation of the GIT; from an amniotic fluid occupancy during gestation, to the milk in the suckling state and ultimately solid food ingestion at weaning. This phased maturation of the GIT can be affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including diet. Despite the increasing dietary inclusion of medicinal plants and phytochemicals for health benefits, a dearth of studies addresses their impact on gut maturation. In this review we focus on some recent findings mainly on the positive impact of medicinal plants and phytochemicals in inducing precocious maturation of the GIT, not only in humans but in pertinent animals. We also discuss Paneth cells as mediators and potential markers of GIT maturation.
ISSN:1664-042X
1664-042X
DOI:10.3389/fphys.2021.684464