Effects of several flavonoids on human gut microbiota and its metabolism by in vitro simulated fermentation

Abstract

IntroductionFlavonoids have antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities. They have high market value and are widely used in food and medicine fields. They also can regulate gut microbiota and promote human health. However, only a few flavonoids have been reported for their regulatory effects on human gut microbiota.MethodsThe effects of hesperidin, hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, hesperetin, naringin, prunin, naringenin, rutin, isoquercitrin, and quercetin on gut microbiota structural and metabolic differences in healthy subjects were studied by means of in vitro simulated fermentation technology.ResultsResults showed that the nine kinds of flavonoids mentioned above, especially hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, prunin, and isoquercitrin, were found to have more effect on the structure of human gut microbiota, and they could significantly enhance Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). After 24 h of in vitro simulated fermentation, the relative abundance of intestinal probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus) was increased by the three flavonoids and rutin. Furthermore, the relative abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria was decreased by the addition of hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, naringin, prunin, rutin, and isoquercitrin (e.g., Lachnoclostridium and Bilophila). Notably, prunin could also markedly decrease the content of H2S, NH3, and short-chain fatty acids. This performance fully demonstrated its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that flavonoids can regulate the imbalance of gut microbiota, and some differences in the regulatory effect are observed due to different structures. This work provides a theoretical basis for the wide application of flavonoids for food and medicine.

Relationships between Habitual Polyphenol Consumption and Gut Microbiota in the INCLD Health Cohort

“…This trend was previously described for both taxa in response to a flavonoid-enriched apple intervention in healthy adults [ 46 ]; for Sutterella abundance in response to lignan-rich interventions (e.g., flaxseed meal [ 47 , 48 ] and psyllium husk [ 49 ]; and for Lactobacillus abundance in response to other flavonoid-rich interventions [ 14 , 50 ]. There is previous evidence that flavonoids promote Lactobacillus growth [ 51 ], and several Lactobacillus spp., are capable of metabolizing both flavonoids and lignans [ 52 , 53 ]. It is important to note that other studies observed either no change in Lactobacillus abundance [ 54 ] or a decrease in Sutterella abundance [ 55 ].…”

“…Finally, Lachnoclostridium , was inversely correlated with phenolic acid consumption. While we did not identify phenolic acid-specific responses in the existing literature, inverse relationships were observed between Lachnoclostridium and other polyphenols in vitro [ 51 ] and in vivo [ 108 ].…”

Nutraceutical blends predict enhanced health via microbiota reshaping improving cytokines and life quality: a Brazilian double-blind randomized trial

“…When scrutinizing the effects of supplements concerning genera-based disparities, discernible positive impacts emerged. Prevotella is typically linked to diets abundant in plant-derived fibers, non-western carbohydrate profiles 84 , and flavonoid fermentation 85 , which might be related to the NSupple_ Silybum effect. This genus, known for its anti-obesogenic attributes through propionate production 86 , demonstrated marked benefits following the administration of NSupple_ Silybum .…”

Potential Beneficial Effects of Naringin and Naringenin on Long COVID—A Review of the Literature

“…Naringin and naringenin can directly regulate the intestinal microbiota and its metabolism. Naringin significantly reduces the abundance of gastrointestinal disease-related bacteria (e.g., Lachnoclostridium and Bilophila ) and enhances probiotic content in experiments [ 121 ]. Naringenin can regulate the growth and gene expression pattern of intestinal commensal microorganisms through interaction and activate genes related to cellular metabolism [ 122 ].…”