In Vitro Digestion and Fecal Fermentation of Polysaccharides from Hawthorn and Its Impacts on Human Gut Microbiota

Polysaccharides are biological macromolecules that difficult to absorb into intestinal epithelial cells for exerting activities, whereas the interaction between polysaccharides and gut microbiota might be an alternative method. This study aimed explore in vitro digestion of hawthorn (HPS) their with microbiota. Results showed content reducing sugars increased slightly during gastric digestion. However, no free monosaccharide was detected whole simulated process, indicating HPS indigestible. The total carbohydrate residue decreased fermentation. result due utilization by Meanwhile, short-chain fatty acids were produced HPS. Notably, could significantly modulate composition human microbiota; particular, relative abundances Megasphaera, Acidaminococcus Mitsuokella increased, Escherichia Shigella Fusobacterium decreased. It suggested decrease harmful regulate proportion beneficial bacteria tract. Overall, effects believed related used as a potential dietary supplement.