Green algae extract may offer short bowel syndrome treatment
Washington, Oct 12 : In a first of its kind study, scientists have found that an
extract from green algae Chlorella may turn out to be an effective treatment for short
bowel syndrome (SBS).
SBS is a clinical condition characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance, malabsorption, and progressive malnutrition related to a wide resection of the
small intestine.
One of the most important therapeutic objectives in the management of SBS is to maintain
the patient's calorie intake and nutritional status.
But, some enteral nutrition (EN) products use for energy supports in order to reduce total
parenteral nutrition (TPN) demand. .
Chlorella is a species of green algae that grows in fresh water. It has been consumed as a
food source for centuries in mainly Japan and other Far East countries, besides, it's
healing properties has enhanced it's consumption too. Several EN products have been used
for SBS.
Led by Mustafa Kerem from Gazi University Experimental Surgery Center, the study showed
that there's a positive effect of chlorella crude extract (CCE) on intestinal adaptation
of rats which had undergone short bowel syndrome.
The researchers saw that administration of CCE led to significant increase in intestinal
villi height and villi width, intestinal protein and DNA amount, and serum citruline
levels, which is a sign of improved intestinal absorption.
Utilising this information, one can say that algs which are easily found widely in salt
and fresh waters and can be generated easily, can be used in clinical settings.
CCE has beneficial role in intestinal adaptation. It seems that it can be an alternative
to the other commercial enteral and parenteral products.
The study was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.
ENDS NV
--ANI
