<b>Impact of Taxonomically Diverse Fruit and Vegetable Blends on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Barrier Function</b>

<p dir="ltr">Phytochemical-rich fruits and vegetables (FVs) are widely recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, yet the role of FV combinations with respect to botanical family diversity on intestinal health remains unclear. Most studies focus on individual foods or broad categories, limiting mechanistic insight into how taxonomic differences modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and barrier function. This dissertation addresses this gap through two complementary studies integrating <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> approaches. The first study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory potential of twelve individual FV extracts and eight combinations grouped by taxonomic similarity or diversity, using Caco-2 and RAW 264.7 cell models. Combinations spanning multiple botanical families enhanced antioxidant enzyme expression and tight junction protein levels while suppressing LPS-induced inflammatory signaling. Notably, vegetable blends exhibited particularly potent effects. The second study assessed dietary supplementation with the same FV blends in an IL-10 -/- mouse model of piroxicam-induced colitis. Botanically diverse blends conferred greater protection against weight loss and clinical symptoms, modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulated genes related to barrier function and antioxidant defenses. However, blends containing potato and pepper unexpectedly increased inflammatory markers, highlighting the complexity of botanical interactions. Together, these findings underscore the critical role of botanical diversity and phytochemical composition in shaping the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut barrier-supporting effects of fruit and vegetable combinations. This work emphasizes the importance of taxonomic diversity in targeted dietary strategies to mitigate chronic inflammation and promote intestinal health. By elucidating the therapeutic potential of botanically diverse FV blends, this research supports their strategic use in dietary interventions aimed at preventing or managing chronic inflammatory diseases.</p>