Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) leaf aqueous extract ameliorates intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and reverts inflammatory parameters in Caco-2 cells monolayer

• Published in: Food research international 2020-07, Vol.133, p.109162-109162, Article 109162
• Main Authors: Cristina Lopes do Carmo, Mônica, Mateus Martins, Isabela, Elisa Ramos Magalhães, Ana, Roberto Maróstica Júnior, Mário, Alves Macedo, Juliana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-inflammatory activity; Caco-2 Cells; Fruit; Humans; Intestinal barrier dysfunction; Passiflora; Passiflora edulis leaf extract; Permeability; Plant Leaves
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109162

[Display omitted] •Passiflora edulis leaf aqueous extract (PELE) is a potent source of antioxidants.•PELE reduced inflammation in Caco-2 cells monolayer.•The treatment with PELE was effective in protecting the tight junction barrier function.•PELE may promote a protective effect by repairing the intestinal epithelial integrity. The aqueous extract of Passiflora edulis leaves is rich in bioactive polyphenolics, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the recovery of barrier dysfunction and the anti-inflammatory effect of P. edulis leaf aqueous extract (PELE) were evaluated using a Caco-2 monolayer model challenged with IL-1β and LPS. After inflammatory stimuli, it was observed a 28% reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and 78% increase of LY permeability. After 48-h treatment with PELE (10 mg mL−1), the monolayer showed 35% increase in TER after inflammatory decreases, and 67% lower LY paracellular permeability, showing a recovery of the monolayer integrity. The treatment also suppressed IL-8 production in 65%. Our results suggest that PELE is a potent source of antioxidants that may promote a protective effect by repairing the intestinal epithelial integrity.