Goals: To determine whether the consumption of artichokes enriched with a probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei strain affects faecal microbiota composition, faecal enzyme activity and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production as well as symptom profile in patients suffering from constipation. Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder often related to the food diet. The beneficial effects of probiotics and prebiotics on human health are under investigation. Moreover, recent studies assessed the suitability of some vegetables, particularly olives and artichokes, to vehicle probiotic strains into the gastrointestinal tract. Study: For 15 days, 8 volunteers (3M/5F age 40±14 yr) integrated their normal diet with artichokes (180 gr) enriched with 20 billions of Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043. Faecal samples were subjected to microbiological and biochemical analyses. Besides, investigations on symptom profile of subjects and stool consistency were performed by using a validated questionnaire (GSRS) and the Bristol stool form chart. Results: The gut of all subjects resulted to be colonized by the probiotic strain after 15 days feeding. No significant differences in the microbial counts throughout the experimental period were registered, while a significant increase of butyric and valeric acids with a concomitant decrease of lactic acid was registered. At the same time the faecal ²-glucuronidase activity was significantly reduced. Finally, the analysis of symptom profile indicated a marked reduction in abdominal distension and feeling of incomplete evacuation. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that novel approaches for treating constipation can come through ingestion of probiotic vegetable products, that, acting as symbiotics, can ameliorate this common disorder.
Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei-enriched artichokes on constipated subjects: a pilot study
Valerio F;De Candia S;Lonigro S L;Lavermicocca P
2010
Abstract
Goals: To determine whether the consumption of artichokes enriched with a probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei strain affects faecal microbiota composition, faecal enzyme activity and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production as well as symptom profile in patients suffering from constipation. Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder often related to the food diet. The beneficial effects of probiotics and prebiotics on human health are under investigation. Moreover, recent studies assessed the suitability of some vegetables, particularly olives and artichokes, to vehicle probiotic strains into the gastrointestinal tract. Study: For 15 days, 8 volunteers (3M/5F age 40±14 yr) integrated their normal diet with artichokes (180 gr) enriched with 20 billions of Lactobacillus paracasei LMGP22043. Faecal samples were subjected to microbiological and biochemical analyses. Besides, investigations on symptom profile of subjects and stool consistency were performed by using a validated questionnaire (GSRS) and the Bristol stool form chart. Results: The gut of all subjects resulted to be colonized by the probiotic strain after 15 days feeding. No significant differences in the microbial counts throughout the experimental period were registered, while a significant increase of butyric and valeric acids with a concomitant decrease of lactic acid was registered. At the same time the faecal ²-glucuronidase activity was significantly reduced. Finally, the analysis of symptom profile indicated a marked reduction in abdominal distension and feeling of incomplete evacuation. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that novel approaches for treating constipation can come through ingestion of probiotic vegetable products, that, acting as symbiotics, can ameliorate this common disorder.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
