A study led by the University of Toronto has identified furanodienone (FDN), a ginger-derived compound, as a selective activator of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) with anti-inflammatory effects on the colon.
Researchers demonstrated that FDN binds to PXR, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting intestinal mucosal repair. Jiabao Liu, a researcher at the Donnelly Centre, noted, “We found that we can reduce inflammation in the large intestine of mice by oral injections of FDN.” The findings highlight the potential advantages of natural compounds over synthetic drugs in regulating nuclear receptors.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, presents with debilitating symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea, with no curative treatments available. The study confirmed that FDN acts specifically on the colon, minimizing systemic side effects and enhancing tight junction protein production, which supports intestinal barrier integrity.
Professor Henry Krause, principal investigator, emphasized, “A natural product derived from ginger is a better option because it does not suppress the immune system and does not cause serious side effects.” With the increasing prevalence of IBD due to the Western diet, further clinical trials on FDN could lead to safer, more accessible treatment options for millions of patients.
