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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

An In Vivo Method for Evaluating the Gut-Blood Barrier and Liver Metabolism of Microbiota Products
Published on: October 20, 2018
Bilberry anthocyanin extract promotes intestinal barrier function and inhibits digestive enzyme activity by
1State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety (Tianjin University of Science and Technology), Tianjin 300457, China. lxling@tust.edu.cn.
Abstract:
This study was aimed at understanding potential mechanisms regarding bilberry anthocyanin extract consumption and healthy aging and the effects on intestinal barrier function and digestive enzyme activity, through regulating the gut microbiota in aging rats. Medium-dose bilberry anthocyanin extract consumption (20 mg per kg bw per day) was the optimum amount to regulate the intestinal function of aging rats. After consumption, bacteria beneficial to the intestine (Aspergillus oryzae, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Clostridiaceae-1, the Bacteroidales-S24-7-group and the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group) were induced to grow, and harmful bacteria (Verrucomicrobia and Euryarchaeota) were inhibited. However, high-dose bilberry anthocyanin extract consumption altered some intestinally beneficial bacteria in an adverse way. There was a correlation between changes in bacterial composition and changes in short-chain fatty acids and the intestinal mucosal barrier. Bilberry anthocyanin extract consumption also decreased the activity of digestive enzymes. Our results suggest that bilberry anthocyanin extract consumption is a potential approach for assisting healthy aging.
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