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Category: Health published by Shameen published: March 15, 2019, 22:16 IST Update: March 15, 2019, 22:16 IST
New York: Researchers have identified an avocado seed extract with anti-inflammatory properties as part of a laboratory study.
The team, including Joshua Lambert of Penn State, said this represented a potential source of new anti-inflammatory compounds that could be developed as functional food ingredients or pharmaceuticals.
Researchers have developed the extract over the last decade as a food coloring and it is unclear whether the compounds that cause the bright orange color of this extract play a role in its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, said Lambert .
To determine the anti-inflammatory properties of the avocado seed extract, researchers used cell culture models and enzymes that play important roles in the immune response and inflammatory diseases.
A clbad of immune cells called macrophages were cultured in Petri dishes and activated with a pro-inflammatory stimulus in the presence or absence of avocado seed extract.
The researchers measured the production of important pro-inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways in the cells after treatment with the extract.
"The next step, before we can draw any new conclusions about the anti-inflammatory activity of this avocado seed extract, will be to design studies on animal models," explained Lambert.
"The level of activity we see in the extract is very good. We have observed inhibitory activity at concentrations in the range of micrograms per milliliter, which is an acceptable amount of activity to warrant further studies, "Lambert added.
The discovery could be important because cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, colitis and many other more serious conditions are badociated with chronic inflammation, suggests the study published in the journal Advances in Food Technology and Nutritional Sciences.
Source: IANS
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