Therapeutic effects of freeze-dried jaboticaba powder in ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

• Grant number: 23/13088-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Raquel Franco Leal
• Grantee: Roberto de Paula do Nascimento
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has no cure and generates a persistent inflammatory process in the mucosa of the rectum and colon, producing gastrointestinal symptoms and decreasing the quality of life of the patient. As far as the etiology and progression of the disease, the following factors are involved: defects in the epithelial barrier integrity, infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes, exacerbated production of cytokines, dysfunctions in nuclear transcription factors, and intestinal dysbiosis. It is estimated that by 2030, the prevalence of IBDs will grow by 5% per year, a scenario said to be capable of impacting health systems, overloading workforces and increasing treatment costs. Although there are several drugs for UC, treatment adherence is still considered low due to its high cost and adverse effects. In this sense, experimental studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of complementary, natural, and safe treatments. Jaboticaba (Myrciaria spp., Plinia spp.) stands out for being a Brazilian fruit rich in polyphenols and dietary fibers, in addition to having a higher antioxidant activity than most foods in our diet. In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated the potential of jaboticaba against colitis and colorectal cancer, however, investigations with humans are still necessary. Therefore, the main objective of this project will be to determine the effects of the consumption of the freeze-dried powder from the whole jaboticaba Sabará fruit (Myrciaria jaboticaba) on patients with mild or moderate UC, by performing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. To understand whether the treatment is capable of inducing a satisfactory response, the following tools will be used: disease activity scores, a questionnaire of quality of life, fecal calprotectin, and analysis of intestinal microbiota.