The study identified that pistachio (Pistacia vera) leaf waste can be transformed into a gut targeted bioactive phytocomplex with meaningful intestinal health benefits, and it systematically evaluated this potential using human intestinal models. The researchers prepared a polyphenol-rich pistachio leaf extract (PLE) and characterized its phenolic profile through analytical techniques. Prebiotic potential was demonstrated by enhanced growth and prolonged exponential phase of the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CNCM I-1572-LCDG compared with inulin. Antimicrobial activity was tested against clinically relevant pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, and Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC 13813, showing inhibition of most strains and stronger synergistic effects when combined with probiotic cell free supernatant. Antioxidant capacity was confirmed through radical scavenging assays, while anti-inflammatory effects were demonstrated in human intestinal organoids by reduced TNF-α and enhanced protective markers such as SOD2 and IL-10 without compromising tissue viability. Overall, the result indicates that this pistachio leaf derived phytocomplex is beneficial in gut-health formulations.
Source : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004225016062