Flavonoids effects on the proliferation and protection of Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Abstract

Intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the human organism homeostasis and it is subject to several perturbations caused by diet and environmental factors, inducing dysbiosis. The search for compounds can help rebuild the intestinal microbiota because sometimes this is the only treatment option for intestinal dysbiosis. Phenolic compounds are neutralizing free radicals, showing a mutual relationship with foods rich in flavonoids, so they might be helpful during the restoration of the intestinal microbiota. This study analyzed the direct effect of these compounds on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, cultivated with and without flavonoids in MRS broth, in different growth phases and concentrations. After that, were exposed to enzymes that are involved in the human digestive process to analyze any alteration. Flavonoids quercetin, rutin, hesperetin, and hesperidin were individually tested. The results showed that the presence of flavonoids increased the number of colony-forming units (CFU) compared to the control group (without flavonoids), especially when added before the lag phase. In the digestibility test, quercetin showed a minimal effect for the acidic stomach stage, but for the other steps mimicking the further digestive system, there was no difference compared to the control, all being killed after bile salts. Therefore, we concluded flavonoids are helpful in the proliferation of the tested stain; however, it is necessary to develop more efficient methods so that the flavonoids can overcome the digestive system and reach the intestine with total efficiency.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/alookdevelopv1-052