Research Topic: Prebiotic activity

Comparative study on structural characterization, physicochemical properties, and in vitro probiotic activities of resistant starch from different varieties of Euryale ferox

Euryale ferox, a nutritious aquatic plant, contains two varieties with significantly different health benefits. North Euryale ferox has much higher levels of resistant starch (a special type of starch that resists digestion) compared to South Euryale ferox, making it potentially more beneficial for gut health and diabetes management. The resistant starch in this plant acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria, supporting overall digestive and metabolic health.

Read More »

Antimicrobial and prebiotic properties of Weissella confusa B4-2 exopolysaccharide and its effects on matrix metalloproteinase genes expression

Researchers discovered that a bacterium called Weissella confusa produces a sticky substance (exopolysaccharide) that has multiple health benefits. This substance fights harmful bacteria, acts as an antioxidant, helps heal wounds, and may slow down skin aging by reducing proteins that break down collagen. Because this bacterium produces much more of this substance than other commonly studied bacteria, it could be used in food preservation, health supplements, and anti-aging skincare products.

Read More »

Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Potential of Sargassum Species: A Narrative Review

Sargassum is a type of ocean seaweed that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains compounds that may help fight inflammation, oxidative stress, viruses, and bacteria. Scientists have discovered that different Sargassum species produce nearly 200 different bioactive compounds with potential health benefits ranging from reducing arthritis symptoms to supporting immune function. While Sargassum can accumulate harmful heavy metals like arsenic from seawater, researchers have developed effective cleaning methods to remove these contaminants while preserving the beneficial compounds. This makes Sargassum a promising sustainable source of natural medicines and health supplements.

Read More »

Therapeutic Prospects of Undaria pinnatifida Polysaccharides: Extraction, Purification, and Functional Activity

This review examines how to extract and purify beneficial compounds called polysaccharides from wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida), a popular food in East Asia. These polysaccharides have multiple health benefits including fighting oxidative damage, boosting immune function, fighting cancer cells, and promoting healthy gut bacteria. The review details various extraction methods and discusses how these compounds could be developed into functional foods and medicines.

Read More »

Insights into the Mechanisms and Functional Effects of Insoluble Dietary Fiber Modification: A Review

Insoluble dietary fiber is important for digestive health but its rigid structure limits its usefulness in processed foods and medicine. Scientists can modify this fiber using various techniques like heating, pressure, enzymes, and chemicals to make it more effective. When combined properly, these modification strategies can dramatically improve dietary fiber’s ability to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, and promote beneficial gut bacteria, making it valuable for functional foods and health applications.

Read More »
Scroll to Top