Kombuchas from Green and Black Tea Modulate the Gut Microbiota and Improve the Intestinal Health of Wistar Rats Fed a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet

Abstract

The Western diet can negatively affect the gut microbiota and is associated with metabolic disorders. Kombucha, a tea fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), is known for its bioactive properties and has become popular in the last years. In this study, we evaluated the effects of regular kombucha consumption on the gut microbiota and on outcomes related to the intestinal health of Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet. After eight weeks receiving a standard diet (AIN-93M) (n = 10) or a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFHF) (n = 30) to induce metabolic disorders, the animals were subdivided into four groups: AIN-93M (n = 10); HFHF (n = 10); GTK (HFHF + green tea kombucha (n = 10); and BTK (HFHF + black tea kombucha; n = 10) for 10 weeks. Although body composition did not differ among the groups, the HFHF diet was associated with metabolic alterations, and stimulated the growth of gram-negative bacteria such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroides. Kombucha ingestion could somewhat modulate the gut microbiota, attenuating the effects of a Western diet by increasing propionate production and favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Adlercreutzia in the GTK group. Our results suggest that regular kombucha consumption may be beneficial to intestinal health, which can be mostly attributed to its high content and diversity of phenolic compounds.

Advances in the Production of Sustainable Bacterial Nanocellulose from Banana Leaves

“…The observed variability in the pH of JNB may be attributed to factors such as soil type, genetic variability, and the application of chemical fertilizers [ 67 , 71 ]. On the other hand, the pH value of GTI closely aligns with findings from previous studies [ 72 , 73 , 74 ]. The acidity of GTI may be attributed to the extraction of compounds inherent in tea leaves, including organic acids, phenols, carboxylic groups, and amino acids [ 74 ].…”

“…On the other hand, the pH value of GTI closely aligns with findings from previous studies [ 72 , 73 , 74 ]. The acidity of GTI may be attributed to the extraction of compounds inherent in tea leaves, including organic acids, phenols, carboxylic groups, and amino acids [ 74 ]. The pH of SCOBY exhibits analogous values to those documented in other studies [ 75 , 76 ].…”

“…The determination of total soluble solids (TSS) concentration can be achieved through density and Brix measurements. The TSS values observed in GTI align consistently with those reported in prior investigations [ 74 ]. As posited by [ 73 ], the presence of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, carbohydrates, amino acids, pigments, vitamins, and other minor compounds contributes to the TSS in GTI.…”

Coffee Husk By-Product as Novel Ingredients for Cascara Kombucha Production

“…Cascara kombucha exhibits the potential to serve as a prebiotic agent, hence potentially promoting the proliferation of probiotic microorganisms and contributing to the establishment of a harmonious gut microbiota. The ingestion of kombucha has been shown to promote the proliferation of advantageous bacterial species such as Proteobacteria spp., Bacteroides spp., and Lactobacillus spp., while concurrently diminishing detrimental taxa [ 32 ] thus facilitating the equilibrium of the gastrointestinal microbiota.…”

Emerging Dietary Bioactives in Health and Disease

“…researchers from multiple countries, including the USA, Brazil, United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, China, and Israel. The presented manuscripts cover a wide variety and range of topics in the field of dietary bioactives in health and disease, with emphasis on the investigation of the effects hydrolyzed protein of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei on intestinal functionality, morphology, and bacterial populations, in vivo (Gallus gallus) [1]; the demonstration of the capacity of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) pulp oil to prevent adipogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress in mice fed a high-fat diet [2]; the demonstration of the capacity of kombuchas from green and black tea to modulate the gut microbiota and improve the intestinal health of wistar rats fed a high-fat highfructose diet [3]; the methodological preparation, characterization, wound healing, and cytotoxicity assay of pegylated nanophytosomes loaded with 6-gingerol [4]; the discussion of empire apple (Malus domestica) juice, pomace, and pulp and the modulation of intestinal functionality, morphology, and bacterial populations in vivo (Gallus gallus) [5]; the effect of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) associated with high-fat diet on the intestinal health of wistar rats [6]; the demonstration of the capacity of curcumin-added whey protein to positively modulate skeletal muscle inflammation and oxidative damage after exhaustive exercise [7]; the introduction of the novel intra-amniotic administration-an emerging method with which to investigate necrotizing enterocolitis in vivo (Gallus gallus) [8]; the investigation of the effect of black corn anthocyanin-rich extract (Zea mays L.) on cecal microbial populations in vivo (Gallus gallus) [9]; the demonstration of BRD9 inhibition by natural polyphenols which target DNA damage/repair and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells [10]; the alterations in intestinal brush border membrane functionality and bacterial populations following the intra-amniotic administration (Gallus gallus) of catechin and its derivatives [11]; the performance of a comparison of the effects of concord grape (Vitis labrusca L.) puree, juice, and pomace on intestinal morphology and functionality, and on bacterial populations in vivo (Gallus gallus) [12]; the demonstration of how the intra-amniotic administration (Gallus gallus) of genistein alters mineral transport, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota [13]; the occurrence of the alterations in intestinal brush border membrane functionality and bacterial populations following intra-amniotic administration (Gallus gallus) of nicotinamide riboside and its derivatives [14]; a literature review and discussion of dietary trehalose as a bioactive nutrient [15]; and an analysis of how resistant maltodextrin consumption in a double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial induces specific changes in potentially beneficial gut bacteria [16]…”