Research Topic: gut microbiota

Potential Roles of Exogenous Proteases and Lipases as Prebiotics

This review explores how digestive enzymes like proteases and lipases work similarly to prebiotics—foods that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut. When animals consumed supplements of these enzymes, their gut bacteria became healthier, producing more beneficial compounds and showing improved intestinal health. These findings suggest that fermented foods and raw foods containing natural digestive enzymes, as well as enzyme supplements, may help promote a healthy gut microbiome.

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The Effect of Fungal Nutraceutical Supplementation on Postoperative Complications, Inflammatory Factors and Fecal Microbiota in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery with Curative Intent: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Researchers tested whether a supplement made from nine different medicinal mushroom types could reduce complications after colorectal cancer surgery. While the supplement didn’t significantly reduce overall complications, it did appear to boost immune function in patients undergoing traditional surgery and favorably changed the composition of gut bacteria. The supplement was well-tolerated with no serious side effects.

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Modulating the gut microbiota is involved in the effect of low-molecular-weight Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on immune function

Researchers studied a natural compound from licorice called Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GP) to see if it could help restore immune function in mice weakened by chemotherapy. GP treatment improved intestinal health, boosted immune cells, and changed the gut bacteria composition to favor beneficial strains. The study shows that GP works partly by modifying which bacteria live in the gut, which then support the immune system. This research suggests GP could be useful as a natural supplement for strengthening immunity and treating intestinal inflammation.

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Exo- and Endo-1,5-α-L-Arabinanases and Prebiotic Arabino-Oligosaccharides Production

This review explores arabino-oligosaccharides (AOS), special sugar compounds that act as prebiotics to feed beneficial gut bacteria. Scientists use enzymes called arabinanases to produce these AOS from plant material, particularly from arabinan found in sugar beets. Different types of these enzymes create different AOS products with varying health benefits, making them promising ingredients for functional foods and supplements that support digestive health.

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Sensory Characteristics of Probiotic-Containing Foods: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Enhancing Acceptability and Consumer Adherence

This review explains why we don’t eat probiotic foods regularly even though we know they’re healthy: they often don’t taste, smell, or feel good. The authors show that improving the taste, texture, and appearance of probiotic foods can help people stick with them. They discuss how using different bacterial strains, better food formulas, and clever cooking techniques can make these foods more enjoyable while keeping their health benefits intact.

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Amorphophallus konjac: traditional uses, bioactive potential, and emerging health applications

Konjac is a plant used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine for thousands of years that contains a special fiber called glucomannan. This fiber can help with weight loss, blood sugar control, and cholesterol reduction while also supporting a healthy gut and reducing inflammation. Modern research shows promising potential for using konjac to help prevent serious diseases like colorectal cancer and manage conditions like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

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Investigating the Knowledge of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Synbiotics That May Help to Improve the Gut-Organ Axis Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

This study examined what middle-aged and older adults know about probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics—special food components that can improve gut health. Researchers found that many people had little knowledge about these products, even though they may help with various health conditions including heart disease and mental health. After giving people an educational information sheet about gut biotics, their knowledge significantly improved, suggesting that simple education can help people make better choices about their digestive health.

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Lentinula edodes cultured extract intake alleviates long-term immune deregulation induced by early-life gut microbiota dysbiosis

Taking an extract from shiitake mushrooms (AHCC) during pregnancy and breastfeeding can help protect babies from the negative immune effects of antibiotics. Antibiotics given early in life damage the beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut, leading to long-term immune problems. This study showed that shiitake extract helped restore healthy bacteria and reduced inflammation in mice exposed to antibiotics as infants, suggesting it could be used as a preventive measure for children who need antibiotics.

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A novel synbiotic formulation prevents calcium oxalate stones by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis

This study tested a special probiotic and prebiotic combination to prevent kidney stones caused by too much oxalate in the body. The formula containing three beneficial bacteria strains and a plant-based fiber worked better than any single component alone. The treatment restored healthy gut bacteria, protected the intestinal lining, and reduced the amount of oxalate reaching the kidneys, effectively preventing stone formation in animal models.

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Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Powder on the Growth Performance, Immune Organ Weights, Cecal Microbiology, Serum Immunoglobulins, and Tibia Minerals of Broiler Chickens

Researchers tested whether powdered Ganoderma lucidum mushroom could replace antibiotic growth promoters in chicken farming. The study found that adding 0.2% mushroom powder to chicken feed improved weight gain and feed efficiency similar to antibiotics, while also promoting beneficial gut bacteria. The mushroom powder was safe and did not cause any disease, making it a promising natural alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.

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