Anti-inflammatory effects of gastrointestinal digested Sambucus nigra L. fruit extract analysed in co-cultured intestinal epithelial cells and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages

In order to evaluate potential therapeutic properties of Sambucus nigra fruit extract, its anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Physiochemical changes in the extract composition, which occur following oral administration, were mimicked in an artificial alimentary tract, while transepithelial absorption was simulated using enterocyte-like Caco-2 cell monolayer, imitating intestinal barrier. The obtained results showed that gastrointestinal digested extract, transported across intestinal epithelium, down-regulated the expression of major genes of inflammatory pathway, such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and COX-2. Reduction of IL-6, TNF-alpha and prostaglandin E-2 secretion was also observed as a result of LPS-stimulated macrophages' treatment. Moreover, enhanced nitric oxide production in response to inflammatory stimuli in RAW264.7 cells was controlled by the digested and intestinal permeable fraction of elderberry extract. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.