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.

ANI