Comprehensive study on selenium- and zinc-enriched duck embryo egg powder: component analysis, safety evaluation and prostate protection effect.

BACKGROUND

Selenium and zinc elements have been proven to participate in immune regulation and infertility improvement. Their potential has been confirmed in in prostatitis and reproductive performance modulation. In this study, first the composition of selenium- and zinc-enriched duck embryo egg (SZDE) powder was analyzed, especially trace elements and oligopeptides. Secondly, acute toxicity was evaluated. A prostatitis rat model was constructed to explore the SZDE anti-inflammation effects.

RESULTS

Levels of selenium and zinc elements were much higher in SZDE than in normal eggs. SZDE showed no toxicity in male or female mice according to behavior and pathological parameters. Significant downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased androgens levels (P < 0.05) were found after the SZDE intervention. Prostatitis was significantly improved via inhibition of the MAPK/p38 pathway following SZDE treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overall, these findings demonstrated the security and prostatitis regulation effect of SZDE, indicating that it might serve as a new dietary strategy for prostate health. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.