Euglena gracilis Z and its carbohydrate storage substance relieve arthritis symptoms by modulating Th17 immunity

β-1,3-glucans from Euglena Gracilis protects against ulcerative colitis via modulating the gut barrier, T-cell immunity and gut microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by impaired gut barrier, dysregulated immune responses and pronounced gut dysbiosis. Euglena gracilis (EG), rich in β-1,3-glucan (EGP), exhibits immunomodulatory properties, yet its effects on colitis and EGP's role as a core bioactive component are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of EGP against UC by targeting gut barrier, T-cell immunity and gut microbiota. Results indicated that EG and EGP effectively improved the body weight, colon growth and reduced disease activity index of the DSS-induced mice. Both treatments also significantly suppressed the level of TNF-α and IL-6, restored gut barrier by upregulating ZO-1 and balanced Th17/Treg cells ratio. Microbiota analysis revealed EG and EGP reshaped gut microbiota composition, with an increase in beneficial strains, particularly within the Bacteroidota phylum. Metabolomics linked these changes to enhanced amino acid metabolism. Bacteroides fragilis, a Bacteroidota member, displayed similar anti-colitis bioactivity. In vitro fermentation with fecal samples from UC patients confirmed EGP's role in reshaping gut microbiota, increasing beneficial families such as Clostridiaceae and Lactobacillaceae, while enhancing tryptophan metabolism with anti-inflammatory indoles. These findings identify EGP as the core active component of EG, highlighting its potential in UC prevention through microbiota modulation, gut barrier support and immune regulation.

Microalgae in health care and functional foods: β-glucan applications, innovations in drug delivery and synthetic biology

Microalgae are emerging as a key player in healthcare, functional foods, and sustainable biotech due to their capacity to produce bioactive compounds like β-glucans, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in an eco-friendly manner. This review comprehensively discusses the role of microalgae in healthcare and functional foods, focusing particularly on β-glucan therapeutics, drug delivery innovations, and synthetic biology applications. In healthcare, microalgae-derived compounds show immense promise for treating diseases, boosting immunity, and tackling oxidative stress. Euglena-derived paramylon, a type of β-glucan, has shown potential in various medical applications, including immunomodulation and anticancer therapy. Synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering are enhancing microalgae's therapeutic and nutritional value, with applications in drug delivery and personalized medicine. To maximize the potential of microalgae, further research and development are needed to address scalability, regulatory alignment, and consumer acceptance, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable practices to align healthcare innovation with environmental conservation.

Unveiling Immunomodulatory Effects of Euglena gracilis in Immunosuppressed Mice: Transcriptome and Pathway Analysis

The immunomodulatory effects of Euglena gracilis (Euglena) and its bioactive component, β-1,3-glucan (paramylon), have been clarified through various studies. However, the detailed mechanisms of the immune regulation remain to be elucidated. This study was designed not only to investigate the immunomodulatory effects but also to determine the genetic mechanisms of Euglena and β-glucan in cyclophosphamide (CCP)-induced immunosuppressed mice. The animals were orally administered saline, Euglena (800 mg/kg B.W.) or β-glucan (400 mg/kg B.W.) for 19 days, and CCP (80 mg/kg B.W.) was subsequently administered to induce immunosuppression in the mice. The mice exhibited significant decreases in body weight, organ weight, and the spleen index. However, there were significant improvements in the spleen weight and the spleen index in CCP-induced mice after the oral administration of Euglena and β-glucan. Transcriptome analysis of the splenocytes revealed immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated in the Euglena- and β-glucantreated groups. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated that pathways related with interleukin (IL)-17 and cAMP play significant roles in regulating T cells, B cells, and inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, Ptgs2, a major inflammatory factor, was exclusively expressed in the Euglena-treated group, suggesting that Euglena's beneficial components, such as carotenoids, could regulate these genes by influencing immune lymphocytes and inflammatory cytokines in CCP-induced mice. This study validated the immunomodulatory effects of Euglena and highlighted its underlying mechanisms, suggesting a positive contribution to the determination of phenotypes associated with immune-related diseases and the research and development of immunotherapies.

The Clinical Promise of Microalgae in Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Natural Compounds to Recombinant Therapeutics

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an invalidating chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation and progressive bone damage. Dietary intervention is an important component in the treatment of RA to mitigate oxidative stress, a major pathogenic driver of the disease. Alongside traditional sources of antioxidants, microalgae-a diverse group of photosynthetic prokaryotes and eukaryotes-are emerging as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory food supplements. Several species accumulate therapeutic metabolites-mainly lipids and pigments-which interfere in the pro-inflammatory pathways involved in RA and other chronic inflammatory conditions. The advancement of the clinical uses of microalgae requires the continuous exploration of phytoplankton biodiversity and chemodiversity, followed by the domestication of wild strains into reliable producers of said metabolites. In addition, the tractability of microalgal genomes offers unprecedented possibilities to establish photosynthetic microbes as light-driven biofactories of heterologous immunotherapeutics. Here, we review the evidence-based anti-inflammatory mechanisms of microalgal metabolites and provide a detailed coverage of the genetic engineering strategies to enhance the yields of endogenous compounds and to develop innovative bioproducts.

Euglena gracilis-derived β-glucan paramylon entrains the peripheral circadian clocks in mice

Paramylon, a β-1,3-glucan storage polysaccharide derived from Euglena gracilis, has various health benefits, such as anti-obesity effects and modulation of immune function. However, whether paramylon intake affects the circadian clock remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of paramylon intake on the circadian clock. The results showed that the paramylon intake regulated peripheral clocks in mice. Furthermore, cecal pH and short-chain fatty acid concentrations after paramylon intake were measured. The correlation between changes in the expression of clock-related genes and alterations in the intestinal environment was confirmed. In addition, peripheral clock entrainment by paramylon intake was not observed in antibiotic-treated mice whose gut microbiota was weakened. These findings suggest that the regulation of the circadian clock by paramylon intake was mediated by changes in gut microbiota. In addition, the entraining effect of paramylon intake was also confirmed in mice bred under conditions mimicking social jetlag, which implies that paramylon intake may contribute to recovery from social jetlag. Thus, the appropriate consumption of paramylon may have a beneficial effect on health from a chrono-nutritional perspective.

Oral Administration of Euglena Gracilis Z Alleviates Constipation and Cardiac Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Isoproterenol-Induced Heart Failure

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) often experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and disturbances to drug absorption. In HF, hypoperfusion and congestion cause structural and functional changes in the gut, which, in turn, lead to impaired cardiac function. Euglena gracilis Z (hereafter “Euglena”), called Midorimushi in Japanese, is a microalga that is used as a food or nutritional supplement. It is unclear whether Euglena is beneficial for bowel habitus and cardiac function in subjects with HF.

Methods and Results: We injected C57BL/6 male mice subcutaneously with isoproterenol (ISO) (20 mg/kg/day) for 7 days to examine bowel movement in HF. Euglena was orally administered to mice on an ad libitum-feeding to a normal chow containing 2% dietary mixture. ISO induced a decrease in bowel movement and an increase in fecal retention in the cecum, as well as a decrease in left ventricular (LV) contraction. Euglena accelerated intestinal transit, relieved fecal retention, and prevented the alterations in gut pathology in ISO-treated mice. Euglena also suppressed ISO-induced decreases in LV contraction, although it had no significant effect on LV hypertrophy.

Conclusions: The results suggested that oral administration of Euglena alleviated constipation and cardiac dysfunction in a mouse model of ISO-induced HF, and highlight the potential clinical benefit of Euglena in patients with HF in preventing constipation and contractile deterioration.

Euglena gracilis and Its Aqueous Extract Constructed With Chitosan-Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Facilitate Cutaneous Wound Healing in Mice Without Inducing Excessive Inflammatory Response

Naturally occurring compounds isolated from the microalga Euglena gracilis, such as polysaccharide paramylon, exhibit antimicrobial, anti-viral, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. Whether live E. gracilis cells and its aqueous extract accelerate burn wound healing remains to be investigated. In this study, live E. gracilis cells and its aqueous extract were mixed with chitosan-hyaluronic acid hydrogel (CS/HA) to form cell + CS/HA and extract + CS/HA, which were then smeared onto the deeply burned skin of mice. The efficacy of these mixtures in accelerating wound healing was assessed through wound size reduction measurement, histological and immunofluorescence analyses, and serum pro-inflammatory cytokine level (INF-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6) determination. The live E. gracilis cells and its aqueous extract were found to facilitate wound healing by enhancing re-epithelization and reducing fibroplasia without stimulating excessive inflammatory response. In conclusion, live E. gracilis cells and its aqueous extract can be potentially used to treat cutaneous wounds.

Antiviral Activity and Underlying Action Mechanism of Euglena Extract against Influenza Virus

It is difficult to match annual vaccines against the exact influenza strain that is spreading in any given flu season. Owing to the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, new approaches for treating influenza are needed. Euglena gracilis (hereinafter Euglena), microalga, used as functional foods and supplements, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of influenza virus infection in mice. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory action of microalgae against the influenza virus is unknown. Here, we aimed to study the antiviral activity of Euglena extract against the influenza virus and the underlying action mechanism using Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Euglena extract strongly inhibited infection by all influenza virus strains examined, including those resistant to the anti-influenza drugs oseltamivir and amantadine. A time-of-addition assay revealed that Euglena extract did not affect the cycle of virus replication, and cell pretreatment or prolonged treatment of infected cells reduced the virus titer. Thus, Euglena extract may activate the host cell defense mechanisms, rather than directly acting on the influenza virus. Moreover, various minerals, mainly zinc, in Euglena extract were found to be involved in the antiviral activity of the extract. In conclusion, Euglena extract could be a potent agent for preventing and treating influenza.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Euglena gracilis Extracts

Dietary supplementation with nutrients able to control intestinal and systemic inflammation is of marketable interest. Indeed, gastrointestinal homeostasis plays a significant role in maintaining human health. In this setting, E. gracilis may sustain or promote human health, but the effects on the intestinal inflammatory milieu are not clear. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of E. gracilis and inferred possible mechanisms. Paramylon, crude, and fractionated extracts were obtained from E. gracilis grown in vitro. Phytoconstituents of the extracts were characterized using TLC and HPLC UV-Vis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were investigated in primary human macrophages and an intestinal epithelial cell line (HT-29). The analysis of the extracts led to identifying β-carotene, neoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, canthaxanthin, and breakdown products such as pheophytins and pheophorbides. E. gracilis fractionated extracts reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α triggered by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the short and long terms. Pheophytin a and b and canthaxanthin increased the intracellular reducing potential and dampened the production of LPS-induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, intracellular events usually involved in the perpetuation of chronic inflammatory disorders. This study rationalizes the role of specific extract fractions of E. gracilis in controlling LPS-driven intestinal inflammation.

Effects of Euglena gracilis Intake on Mood and Autonomic Activity under Mental Workload, and Subjective Sleep Quality: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

While the human body maintains homeostasis by altering the balance in the autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, a prolonged imbalance in these systems can result in physical and mental symptoms, including a decline in sleep quality and work efficiency. Euglena gracilis (Euglena) is a single-celled microalga with the properties of both plants and animals and contains abundant nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, which have various beneficial health effects. This study evaluated the effects of Euglena intake on the mood states and stress coping under mental workload tasks, and subjective sleep quality. We assigned men and women aged 20 to 64 years to Euglena and placebo intake groups, and measured indices related to the autonomic nervous system, psychological states, and sleep quality together with the application of workload stress before food intake, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after commencing intake. Euglena intake regulated the autonomic nervous system under a workload and improved psychological parameters and sleep conditions. These results indicate that the consumption of Euglena may regulate the balance of the autonomic nervous system during stress and may have a favorable effect on psychological status and sleep quality.

Renoprotective effects of paramylon, a β-1,3-D-Glucan isolated from Euglena gracilis Z in a rodent model of chronic kidney disease

Paramylon is a novel β-glucan that is stored by Euglena gracilis Z, which is a unicellular photosynthesizing green alga with characteristics of both animals and plants. Recent studies have indicated that paramylon functions as an immunomodulator or a dietary fiber. Currently, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem, and there is no effective preventive treatment for CKD progression. However, paramylon may suppress the progression of CKD via the elimination of uremic toxins or modulation of gut microbiota, leading to the alleviation of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of paramylon in CKD rat model. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats with a 5/6 nephrectomy were given either a normal diet or a diet containing 5% paramylon for 8 weeks. Proteinuria was measured intermittently. Serum and kidney tissues were harvested after sacrifice. We performed a renal molecular and histopathological investigation, serum metabolome analysis, and gut microbiome analysis. The results showed that paramylon attenuated renal function, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial injury, and podocyte injury in the CKD rat model. Renal fibrosis, tubulointerstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression levels tended to be suppressed with paramylon treatment. Further, paramylon inhibited the accumulation of uremic toxins, including tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-related metabolites and modulated a part of CKD-related gut microbiota in the CKD rat model. In conclusion, we suggest that paramylon mainly inhibited the absorption of non-microbiota-derived uremic solutes, leading to protect renal injury via anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Paramylon may be a novel compound that can act against CKD progression.

Euglena Gracilis and β-Glucan Paramylon Induce Ca2+ Signaling in Intestinal Tract Epithelial, Immune, and Neural Cells

The intestinal tract contains over half of all immune cells and peripheral nerves and manages the beneficial interactions between food compounds and the host. Paramylon is a β-1,3-glucan storage polysaccharide from Euglena gracilis (Euglena) that exerts immunostimulatory activities by affecting cytokine production. This study investigated the signaling mechanisms that regulate the beneficial interactions between food compounds and the intestinal tract using cell type-specific calcium (Ca²⁺) imaging in vivo and in vitro. We successfully visualized Euglena- and paramylon-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling in vivo in intestinal epithelial cells from mice ubiquitously expressing the Yellow Cameleon 3.60 (YC3.60) Ca²⁺ biosensor. Moreover, in vivo Ca²⁺ imaging demonstrated that the intraperitoneal injection of both Euglena and paramylon stimulated dendritic cells (DCs) in Peyer’s patches, indicating that paramylon is an active component of Euglena that affects the immune system. In addition, in vitro Ca²⁺ imaging in dorsal root ganglia indicated that Euglena, but not paramylon, triggers Ca²⁺ signaling in the sensory nervous system innervating the intestine. Thus, this study is the first to successfully visualize the direct effect of β-1,3-glucan on DCs in vivo and will help elucidate the mechanisms via which Euglena and paramylon exert various effects in the intestinal tract.

Genetic Engineering Strategies for Euglena gracilis and Its Industrial Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: A Review

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted at the 2015 United Nations Summit are globally applicable goals designed to help countries realize a sustainable future. To achieve these SDGs, it is necessary to utilize renewable biological resources. In recent years, bioeconomy has been an attractive concept for achieving the SDGs. Microalgae are one of the biological resources that show promise in realizing the "5F"s (food, fiber, feed, fertilizer, and fuel). Among the microalgae, Euglena gracilis has the potential for achieving the "5F"s strategy owing to its unique features, such as production of paramylon, that are lacking in other microalgae. E. gracilis has already been produced on an industrial scale for use as an ingredient in functional foods and cosmetics. In recent years, genetic engineering methods for breeding E. gracilis have been researched and developed to achieve higher yields. In this article, we summarize how microalgae contribute toward achieving the SDGs. We focus on the contribution of E. gracilis to the bioeconomy, including its advantages in industrial use as well as its unique characteristics. In addition, we review genetic engineering-related research trends centered on E. gracilis, including a complete nuclear genome determination project, genome editing technology using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and the development of a screening method for selecting useful strains. In particular, genome editing in E. gracilis could be a breakthrough for molecular breeding of industrially useful strains because of its high efficiency.

Bioproducts From Euglena gracilis: Synthesis and Applications

In recent years, the versatile phototrophic protist Euglena gracilis has emerged as an interesting candidate for application-driven research and commercialisation, as it is an excellent source of dietary protein, pro(vitamins), lipids, and the β-1,3-glucan paramylon only found in euglenoids. From these, paramylon is already marketed as an immunostimulatory agent in nutraceuticals. Bioproducts from E. gracilis can be produced under various cultivation conditions discussed in this review, and their yields are relatively high when compared with those achieved in microalgal systems. Future challenges include achieving the economy of large-scale cultivation. Recent insights into the complex metabolism of E. gracilis have highlighted unique metabolic pathways, which could provide new leads for product enhancement by genetic modification of the organism. Also, development of molecular tools for strain improvement are emerging rapidly, making E. gracilis a noteworthy challenger for microalgae such as Chlorella spp. and their products currently on the market.

Accelerated Wound Healing on the Skin Using a Film Dressing with β-Glucan Paramylon

BACKGROUND/AIM

β-Glucan has been shown to modulate immune system and potentially aid wound healing. A naturally-available β-glucan, paramylon, is available in the form of a film, which would be an ideal form to use in wound care. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic efficacy of paramylon film as a wound dressing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An acute wound was created on the skin of the posterior aspect of mice and wound healing was observed for 5 days. Mice were treated with either paramylon film or conventional cellulose film.

RESULTS

The time course of changes in wound size revealed that paramylon film dressing application leads to significantly faster wound contraction than conventional cellulose film. The dressing suppressed elevation of the inflammatory cytokines interferon gamma, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor.

CONCLUSION

β-Glucan paramylon film can facilitate wound healing by inhibiting inflammatory aggression and has potential application as a novel wound dressing.