Fruit and plant extracts have long been evaluated for their medicinal properties. Scientists are currently working to better understand how these natural compounds can help prevent or treat diseases, particularly in the face of increased antibiotic resistance.
Recent studies have shown that certain plant extracts and fruit fibers can boost the immune system and even reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Researchers from University of Munich Additionally, the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) is working to explore the power of medicinal plants in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
In a lecture during German FAPESP week at the Berlin Free University, the team shared that they are building infection models to investigate how plant compounds affect bladder cells and immune responses.
Medicinal plants may block infection
Medicinal plants contain phytochemicals that help block infections and support the body’s defenses.
While some of these compounds can reduce inflammation, fever, or pain, researchers are particularly interested in the possibility of blocking infections.
“While their anti-inflammatory, anti-fat and analgesic effects are well known, active compounds in these plants, such as flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids, have yet to characterize the mechanisms of action against pathogens.
Plant extracts and bladder cells
To dig deeper, scientists created infection models to observe how these extracts affect gene activity in bladder cells.
Experts have focused in particular on plants listed in the German Pharmacopoeia, which have traditional uses for the treatment of urological problems.
Working with UFMG scientists, the team tested excerpts from plants Solidago Gigantea and Equiseti Herba.
They discovered how well a certain water-based extract was reduced E. coliThe main cause of UTI is to stick to human bladder cells and survive.
“We observed a dramatic reduction in the adhesion and proliferation of this bacteria in bladder cells,” Ulrich said.
Fruit Fiber and Digestive Health
While German colleagues have focused on infection, Brazilian researchers are exploring ways in which fruit fiber supports digestive health and prevents disease.
A team from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Sao Paulo is working with the Food Research Center (FORC) to research special polysaccharides.
These sugars, especially pectin, are found in papaya, passion fruit and citrus fruit. They are thought to help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
But extracting them can be difficult. Fruits like papaya ripen quickly, altering the structure of pectin and reducing health benefits.
“During fruit ripening, enzymes are expressed that modify the structure of the pectin and reduce the beneficial biological effects. Meanwhile, passionfruit and citrus pectin must be chemically modified to present the beneficial activity of Paul.”
Increases fruit effectiveness
To address these challenges, the Brazilian team has created a new method of extracting and modifying pectin from the normally discarded white sections of oranges and passion fruit.
By reducing molecular complexity in the lab, researchers were able to increase the effectiveness of pectin.
This led to one patent extracting pectin from soft fruits such as papaya and chayote. Another patent has been filed for a way to change pectin from leftovers of passion fruit.
“We already have a prototype for extracting and modifying these pectins at a laboratory scale. The idea is to get products that can be consumed as supplements and food ingredients, such as flour rich in modified pectin,” explained Fabi.
Plants and Fruits: The Future of Medicine
With the revised pectin, the team collaborated with other groups to carry out animal studies. These preclinical studies have shown a promising link between pectin changes and improved biological activity in the body.
“These preclinical studies serve as the basis for the development of clinical trials. [with modified pectins] “As an adjuvant for chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer, or even as a beneficial modulator of the gut microbiota,” Fabi said.
Together, these complementary projects from Brazil and Germany highlight the potential of natural substances in improving health, from preventing infection to helping the intestines.
As science continues to explore the benefits of what we eat, it is becoming clear that the healing power of plants may be more than just folklore. It could be the future of functional foods and medicines.
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