Baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) agro-industrial by-products promote the growth and metabolism of probiotic strains

Abstract

Aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition and effects of the baru peel plus pulp (BPP) and the partially defatted baru nut (DBN) on the growth and metabolism of probiotics. Methods and results the proximate composition, including dietary fibers, and polyphenols profile were determined in the BPP and DBN, and the prebiotic activity was evaluated on growth and metabolism of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. BPP and DBN have a high content of insoluble fibers and phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids. Moreover, DBN stands out for its high content of proteins and lipids. BPP and DBN stimulated the growth and metabolism of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, and Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26. Conclusions baru by-products have potential prebiotic properties to be confirmed in preclinical and clinical studies, and to be explored as an ingredient in new health-promoting foods.