Effect of Black Corn Anthocyanin-Rich Extract ( L.) on Cecal Microbial Populations In Vivo ().

Black corn has been attracting attention to investigate its biological properties due to its anthocyanin composition, mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside. Our study evaluated the effects of black corn extract (BCE) on intestinal morphology, gene expression, and the cecal microbiome. The BCE intra-amniotic administration was evaluated by an animal model in . The eggs ( = 8 per group) were divided into: (1) no injection; (2) 18 MΩ HO; (3) 5% black corn extract (BCE); and (4) 0.38% cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). A total of 1 mL of each component was injected intra-amniotic on day 17 of incubation. On day 21, the animals were euthanized after hatching, and the duodenum and cecum content were collected. The cecal microbiome changes were attributed to BCE administration, increasing the population of and and decreasing The BCE did not change the gene expression of intestinal inflammation and functionality. The BCE administration maintained the villi height, Paneth cell number, and goblet cell diameter (in the villi and crypt), similar to the HO injection but smaller than the C3G. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between , , , and villi GC diameter. The BCE promoted positive changes in the cecum microbiome and maintained intestinal morphology and functionality.