Microbial-Derived Antioxidants in Intestinal Inflammation: A Systematic Review of Their Therapeutic Potential.

2025-03-06
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) 14(3)

PubMed: 40227262
DOI: 10.3390/antiox14030321

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
Methods: This systematic review explores the role of microbial-derived antioxidants in alleviating IBD.

The potential of microbial-derived antioxidants to modulate intestinal inflammation is increasingly recognized, which is especially important in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Oxidative stress, a major contributor to chronic intestinal inflammation, is the result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. This systematic review explores the role of microbial-derived antioxidants in alleviating IBD. Among the main findings are certain compounds, such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have demonstrated their ability to neutralize ROS and strengthen the integrity of the intestinal barrier, thereby attenuating inflammatory responses. These antioxidants offer the dual benefit of mitigating oxidative stress and rebalancing the gut microbiota, which is often disrupted in IBD. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies provides a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the effects of these microbial antioxidants. Conventional treatments for IBD primarily focus on immune modulation. In this context, the integration of microbial-derived antioxidants could offer a complementary approach by addressing both oxidative damage and gut dysbiosis. Further research and clinical trials are essential to establish standardized treatment guidelines and clarify the long-term efficacy of these promising therapeutic agents.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus fermentum SBS-1	—	Reduced Intestinal Inflammation	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Certain compounds, such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have demonstrated their ability to neutralize ROS and strengthen the integrity of the intestinal barrier, thereby attenuating inflammatory responses.