Modulation of Small-Intestine Morphology in Mice by a Novel Supplement Containing Silybum marianum, Yeast β-Glucan, Prebiotics, and Minerals

Ricardo Aparecido Baptista Nucci; Victor Abou Nehmi-Filho; Marta Ferreira Bastos; Jéssica Alves de Freitas; José Pinhata Otoch; Ana Flávia Marçal Pessoa; Wilson Jacob-Filho

doi:10.1055/s-0043-1773807

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU, Table of Contents

CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU 2024; 14(03): 426-430
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1773807

Brief Report

Modulation of Small-Intestine Morphology in Mice by a Novel Supplement Containing Silybum marianum, Yeast β-Glucan, Prebiotics, and Minerals

Authors

Ricardo Aparecido Baptista Nucci

¹Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

²Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Aging (LIM-66), Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Victor Abou Nehmi-Filho

³Research and Development of Efeom Nutrition S/A, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

⁴Department of Surgery, Natural Products and Derivatives Laboratory (LIM-26), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Marta Ferreira Bastos

⁵Postgraduate Program in Aging Sciences, São Judas Tadeu University, São Paulo, Brazil
Jéssica Alves de Freitas

³Research and Development of Efeom Nutrition S/A, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

⁴Department of Surgery, Natural Products and Derivatives Laboratory (LIM-26), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
José Pinhata Otoch

³Research and Development of Efeom Nutrition S/A, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

⁴Department of Surgery, Natural Products and Derivatives Laboratory (LIM-26), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Ana Flávia Marçal Pessoa

³Research and Development of Efeom Nutrition S/A, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

⁴Department of Surgery, Natural Products and Derivatives Laboratory (LIM-26), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

⁶Brazilian Academic Consortium for Integrative Health (CABSIN), Natural Products Committee, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Wilson Jacob-Filho

¹Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

²Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Aging (LIM-66), Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Abstract

Silymarin, derived from Silybum marianum, has recently demonstrated its potential to improve health in conditions such as obesity and metabolic disturbances. Understanding the impact of nutraceuticals on intestinal morphology is crucial for developing supplements that promote a higher quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of nutraceutical supplementation with silymarin on the morphology of the small intestine. Sixty-day-old adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups: one receiving a standard chow (control) and the other receiving a novel silymarin supplement (experimental). Following the experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and fragments of the small intestine were collected for histochemical analysis using Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff with Alcian blue staining techniques. Our results revealed an increase in the number of villi per analyzed field in the experimental group, accompanied by a decrease in basic mucin, crypt depth, mucosal thickness, and villus spacing. In conclusion, this novel nutraceutical supplementation may play a crucial role in modulating small intestine morphology and enhancing absorption capacity.

Keywords

intestine - mice - morphology - Silymarin - supplementation

Full Text

References

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