26 These results highlighted the possibility of a more rapid rate of recovery following Emu Oil administration during the long-term recovery phase of mucositis, which has not yet been tested.26 In a preliminary study in rats, Abimosleh et al.42 indicated that orally-administered Emu Oil improved selected parameters associated with the BMN 673 manifestation of DSS-induced colitis, characterized by inflammation

and ulceration of the large bowel. Following Emu Oil treatment in colitic rats, this study revealed that proximal and distal colonic crypts were significantly lengthened to a greater extent than in colitic controls.42 Furthermore, histological damage severity observed in the proximal and distal colon of Emu Oil-treated rats was significantly decreased, indicating a lesser degree of tissue damage.42 Importantly, this could represent a new mechanism of action for Emu Oil, suggesting therapeutic promise in the stimulation of Daporinad the intestinal repair process. Moreover, no significant effects were evident with the 13C-sucrose breath test in healthy rats receiving orally-administered Emu Oil, confirming the maintenance of small intestinal functional

health by Emu Oil and supporting its safety for oral administration.42 Further scientific validation of Emu Oil for its potential to treat gastrointestinal diseases characterized by inflammatory processes should be explored. There are well established animal models of intestinal disease43–46 and several novel methods for detection of gastric functions. These include absorptive function,46,47 gastric emptying,48 intestinal transit49 and a breath test for the non-invasive assessment of small intestinal mucosal injury,47 which could greatly facilitate experimental

and clinical studies associated with Emu Oil ingestion. Once the mechanism of Emu Oil action has been confirmed in pre-clinical settings of bowel, joint or systemic inflammation, early-phase clinical trials for these disorders would be indicated. Gastrointestinal diseases and disorders that include ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and NSAID-enteropathy PIK3C2G are characterized by intestinal inflammation, mucosal injury, ulceration and malabsorption. As current therapies for these conditions are variably effective, the development of novel treatment strategies is desirable. Emu Oil could therefore represent a safe, renewable and economical alternative to pharmaceutical options in this context. Although strictly controlled extraction methods seek to minimize the impact of processing on the heterogeneity of Emu Oil preparations, the diet, location and genetic profile of individual birds, would likely influence Emu Oil composition and hence, clinical efficacy.