Synergistic Cytoprotective and Antioxidant Potential of a Probiotic-Prebiotic Formulation Enriched with Withania somnifera and Elaeocarpus ganitrus Against Oxidative Stress in Intestinal Epithelial Cells: An In Vitro Approac

Author : Chain Singh, Sarita Devi

Abstract : Oxidative stress is a central driver of gastrointestinal epithelial dysfunction and a key contributor to chronic intestinal disorders. The present in vitro study evaluates the cytoprotective and antioxidant efficacy of a novel formulation combining probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum), a prebiotic (inulin), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract, and Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) extract against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in Vero intestinal cell lines. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, antioxidant potential by DPPH radical scavenging assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by DCFH-DA fluorescence, and cellular morphology by inverted microscopy. The combined formulation demonstrated significantly superior cell viability (93.2 ± 1.7% at 48 hrs), the lowest IC50 (41.6 ± 1.0 µg/mL), and maximum ROS reduction (59.4%) compared to individual components (p < 0.001). Microscopic analysis confirmed near-normal cellular morphology in the combined group. These results validate the synergistic interaction among probiotics, prebiotics, and herbal bioactives, providing a scientific foundation for developing integrated nutraceutical formulations targeting intestinal health.

Keywords : Probiotics, Withania somnifera, Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Oxidative stress, MTT assay, DPPH, ROS, Vero cells, Synergistic effect, Nutraceuticals.

Conference Name : International Conference on Laboratory Medicine, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Safety (ICLMP-CDS-26)

Conference Place : Delhi, India

Conference Date : 14th Jun 2026