A new study suggests that oysters may help protect against intestinal inflammation, offering a potential new approach for gut health. The research was presented at the Society for Experimental Biology conference.
Researchers tested a dried oyster meat extract on human intestinal cells treated with TNF-α, a molecule that causes inflammation. The oyster extract prevented certain inflammatory signaling pathways from activating and lowered the expression of an inflammatory enzyme called COX-2.
The findings indicate that the oyster extract could help with intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut. This condition occurs when bacteria and toxins leak from the gut into the bloodstream. Even when inflammatory stimuli were present, the oyster extract protected the gut cells.
Oysters are already known for being nutritious and containing antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds. Previous research had shown that oysters could reduce inflammation in mice. This study aimed to see if those benefits applied to humans.
Giulia Trinchera, a researcher and Ph.D. student, said in a news release that finding naturally occurring substances with anti-inflammatory properties could be a useful strategy for managing chronic inflammatory diseases and their related health issues.
Oysters are widely available and considered a sustainable seafood option. The researchers note that more studies are needed to confirm these results before oyster extract supplements become available.
