# Exploring Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Juglans regia and Pfaffia paniculata Extracts: Implications for Intestinal Dysbiosis and Colorectal Cancer Risk Associated with Oral Pathogens

## TL;DR

This study explores the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects of two plant extracts in relation to gut health and colorectal cancer risk.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the potential of Juglans regia and Pfaffia paniculata extracts to combat oral pathogens linked to gut dysbiosis and colorectal cancer.

## Key findings

- Juglans regia extract showed strong antioxidant activity with a CE50 of 37.26 mcg.
- Pfaffia paniculata extract reduced P. micra biofilms by over 90%.
- Neither extract showed genotoxic effects.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Colorectal neoplasms rank as the third most prevalent cancer globally and stand as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Its etiology is multifaceted, pointing to the role of microorganisms within the human microbiota in its development. Notably, the high prevalence of oral pathogens like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Parvimonas micra is implicated in inducing gut dysbiosis and stimulating the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate in vitro the biological effects of extracts from Juglans regia and Pfaffia paniculata. Methods: Phytochemical analysis was carried out by HPLC, and the antioxidant effect was determined by DPPH. Antimicrobial activity was investigated on F. nucleatum and P. micra planktonic and biofilms. Metabolic activity and genotoxicity were performed. Results:
J. regia and P. paniculata expressed CE50 37.26 and 1367.57 mcg, respectively. The extracts exhibited a minimum bactericidal concentration of 1.73 and 0.48 mg/mL for J. regia and P. paniculata, respectively. Reduction superiorly 90% of P. micra biofilms. Metabolic activity was varied proportionally to the extract concentration, and no genotoxic effects were observed. Conclusions: The J. regia extract has great antioxidant activity and could be used as an alternative in combating pathogens associated with the onset of dysbiosis and tumor progression in colorectal neoplasms. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to validate their clinical applicability.