Therapeutic Potential of Robusta Green Coffee Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An In Vitro Mouse Model

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by an abnormal immune response to gut microbiota. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Robusta green coffee/ RGC (Coffea canephora var. Robusta) extract using an in vitro inflammation model involving macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. Methods: Primary macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells were isolated from the peritoneal cavity and intestines of male Mus musculus, induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/mL) in the well plate and treated with Robusta green coffee extract with variance concentrations (normal, LPS, 30 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, and 70 µg/mL).  Each treatment was conducted in triplicate (n=3). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was analyzed by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Robusta green coffee extract significantly (p=0.00) improved the viability of both macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, it reduced TNF-α expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages. A concentration of 30 µg/mL showed optimal effects on macrophage viability and TNF-α expression, while 50 µg/mL showed optimal effects on intestinal epithelial cell viability. Conclusions: Robusta green coffee extract may have potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties for managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), pending further validation through in vivo studies.