Dietary supplementation of haskap berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) anthocyanin-rich fraction and probiotics attenuates the severity of dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis in Balb/C mice

Abstract

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berry is a rich dietary source of anthocyanins with anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed at investigating the supplementation of haskap anthocyanin-rich fraction alone or with probiotics on the severity reduction of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in Balb/c mice. Mice were divided into seven dietary groups (n=5) to receive anthocyanin (free or encapsulated) with or without probiotics. As observed by clinical data, anthocyanin + probiotics supplementation significantly reduced the severity of colitis. The supplementary diets suppressed the DSS-induced elevation of serum inflammatory (Interleukin (IL)-6, and Tumor necrosis factor -α) and apoptosis markers (B cell lymphoma-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein) in mice colon tissues. The free anthocyanin + probiotics significantly reduced the serum IL-6 levels. Dietary supplementation of haskap berry anthocyanin + probiotics protects against DSS-induced colitis possibly through attenuating the epithelial inflammation and can be utilized in developing health-promoting dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.