Mechanisms and therapeutic actions of edible fruits in inflammatory bowel disease: A review of pre-clinical studies

The review highlights the significance of traditional knowledge in using edible fruits to address health issues, specifically focusing on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Edible fruits are rich in beneficial components like dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, and antioxidants which contribute to overall health and show potential in managing gastrointestinal disorders. The objective of the review is to provide strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of edible fruits in preventing and treating IBD. The study conducted an extensive review of research published from 2001 to 2022, gathering data from reputable sources and evaluating the utilization of edible fruits in IBD treatment. This review identified 36 species of edible fruits across 10 families historically used in traditional medicine. Various bioactive molecules like tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and ascorbic acid have been isolated from these fruits. Recent studies have shown that compounds from edible fruits can counteract intestinal inflammation in animal models by influencing key signaling pathways and exhibiting immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The review suggests that extracts from edible fruits could offer potential alternative or supplementary treatments for individuals with IBD. However, the review also acknowledges limitations in some prior studies, including inadequate dosages, insufficient standards, and an incomplete understanding of mechanisms. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of these extracts and compounds.