Manipulation of Gut Microbiota Using Acacia Gum Polysaccharide

Abstract

Acacia gum (AG) is a branched-polysaccharide gummy exudate that consists of arabinose and galactose. The traditional practice in African-Middle Eastern countries uses this gum as medicine. Traditional use of AG is to treat stomach disease, which can be a potential functional food. In this research, commercially available AG from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal was investigated as the prebiotic. The experiment employed a pH-controlled in vitro colon model inoculated with human fecal microbiota to mimic the human colon. Fermentation samples at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h were brought for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography and bacterial enumeration via fluorescent in situ hybridization. Results showed that AG significantly promotes Bifidobacteria proliferation similar to fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) while inhibiting the Clostridium histolyticum group, commonly associated with gut dysbiosis. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate showed a similar trend to FOS (p > 0.05). The AG shows potential against gut dysbiosis, as it promotes gut-probiotics, through modulation of microbial population and SCFA production, especially butyrate.

Effect of organic acids on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immunity of broiler chickens with and without coccidial challenge

“…The OAs, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can substitute AGPs from broiler diets (Scicutella et al 2021 ). The SCFAs, majorly propionic acid, acetic acid, and butyric acid, are produced by the fermentation of the carbohydrates performed by beneficial intestinal bacteria (Rawi et al 2021 ).…”

Soluble Dietary Fiber, One of the Most Important Nutrients for the Gut Microbiota

“…The results of an in vitro study by Rawi et al showed that acacia gum significantly increased the abundance of Bifidobacteria while it inhibited that of Clostridium histolyticum, the bacterium which gives rise to gut dysbiosis. Moreover, acacia gum promoted the production of butyrate, which may also contribute to ameliorating the gut microbiota [49]. RSs, both insoluble and soluble, can be fermented and utilized by colonic microorganisms.…”

The Role of Nutritional Factors in the Modulation of the Composition of the Gut Microbiota in People with Autoimmune Diabetes

“…[158]. A commercial prebiotic containing the polysaccharides from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal, used in an in vitro study involving an artificial intestine settled by human fecal microflora, caused an increase in the number of Bifidobacteria and a decrease in the number of Clostridium histolyticum, as well as an increase in SCFA content [202]. Some prebiotics benefit gut health by selectively stimulating gut microorganisms, including Bifidobacteria [203].…”