In vitro colonic fermentation and potential prebiotic properties of pre-digested jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) by-products

Abstract

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) by-products (JB) are rich sources of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, which can be fermented by intestinal microbiota to promote health benefits. This study evaluated the effects of a 48 h-in vitro colonic fermentation of pre-digested JB on the contents of phenolic compounds and sugars, production of organic acids, and abundance (%) of bacterial groups found as part of the human intestinal microbiota. JB reduced the pH (4.35) and promoted changes on phenolic compounds (profile and contents) and sugars, as well as production of short-chain fatty acids during the fermentation. JB increased the abundance of Lactobacillus spp./Enterococcus spp. (4.32-6.25%) and Bifidobacterium spp. (4.60-10.03%) during the fermentation, and decreased the abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. (7.50-10.71%), Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides (1.37-3.70%), and C. histolyticum (0.91-2.30%), resulting in positive prebiotic indexes (8.61-11.92). JB should contribute to beneficial changes in the human intestinal microbiota, with effects compatible with prebiotic ingredients.

Keywords: Fecal fermentation; Gut microbiota; Modulatory effects; Myrciaria spp..