In an experiment on mice, European researchers have shown that eating strawberries may reduce the harm caused by alcohol in gastric mucosal membranes. Published in the open access journal PLoS ONE, this study can contribute to improve the treatment of gastric ulcers.
The research team from Italy, Serbia and Spain have confirmed the protective effect that has strawberries in the abdomen of mammals that have been damaged by alcohol. The scientists gave ethanol (ethyl alcohol) in laboratory mice and showed that the gastric mucous membrane extract previously crushed strawberries suffered only minimal damage.
Sara Tulipani, researchers from the University of Barcelona (UB) and a coauthor of this study explained that "the positive effects of the strawberries are not only related to antioxidant capacity and a high content of phenolic compounds (anthocyans) but also on the fact that this fruit and enzymes enable the body's antioxidant defenses. "
The conclusion from this study suggest that the frequent consumption of strawberries can have a beneficial effect in preventing gastric diseases associated with the generation of free radicals or reactive oxygen species. This fruit can slow the formation of gastric ulcers in humans.
Gastritis or inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane is not only associated with alcohol consumption but also can be caused by a viral infection or by anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin) or a drug used to fight the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
Maurizio Battino, coordinator of the research group at the Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM, Italy) pointed out that "in this case, the consumption of strawberries during or after the pathology can reduce damage to the mucous membranes of the stomach."
Less ulceration after eating strawberries
The research team found that ulceration of the stomach is reduced in rats fed extracts of strawberries (40 mg / day per kilo of body weight) for 10 days before being given alcohol.
Battino stressed that "this study was not understood as a way to reduce the effects of drunkenness, but as a way to find molecules in the membrane of the stomach that protects against the damaging effects of different agents."
Treatment for ulcers and other gastric pathologies currently require new protective drugs that have antioxidant properties. The compounds found in strawberries could be the answer.
No comments:
Post a Comment