Abstract
Haskap berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a rich dietary source of anthocyanins with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, isolated haskap berry anthocyanins were encapsulated in maltodextrin and inulin (3:1) by freeze-drying to improve stability and bioavailability. The structural properties of microcapsules, encapsulation yield, efficiency, recovery, and powder retention were evaluated. The microcapsules that exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (60%) and anthocyanin recovery (89%) were used in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice. Thirty-five BALB/c male mice of seven weeks old were divided into seven dietary supplementation groups (n = 5) to receive either free anthocyanins, encapsulated anthocyanins (6.2 mg/day), or probiotics (1 × 109 CFU/day) alone or as combinations of anthocyanin and probiotics. As observed by clinical data, free anthocyanin and probiotic supplementation significantly reduced the severity of colitis. The supplementary diets suppressed the DSS-induced elevation of serum inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor) and apoptosis markers (B-cell lymphoma 2 and Bcl-2-associated X protein) in mice colon tissues. The free anthocyanins and probiotics significantly reduced the serum IL-6 levels. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of haskap berry anthocyanins and probiotics protects against DSS-induced colitis possibly by attenuating mucosal inflammation, and this combination has the potential as a health-promoting dietary supplement and nutraceutical.