Potential use of Agave salmiana as a prebiotic that stimulates the growth of probiotic bacteria

Inulin and other fructans that provide health benefits are accumulated in Agave salmiana. Currently, Agave species are only exploited for the production of alcoholic beverages. Few reports of beneficial effects of fructans obtained from A. salmiana have been presented and therefore the goal of this study was to examine the specific stimulation of probiotic bacteria by A. salmiana powder in comparison to commercial prebiotic products with different bacteria. The composition of A. salmiana that includes fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supports the growth of probiotic bacteria. Inulin Orafti GR showed almost the same stimulation to probiotic bacteria in comparison to A. salmiana. Lactobacillus acidophilus showed the best growth with A. salmiana, decreased the final pH-value to the lowest level and produced the highest concentration of lactate. The structural heterogeneity of fructans from A. salmiana is useful as prebiotic and to maintain persistence of probiotic strains in vivo. The variation of gut microbiota composition that might be caused by microbiota-targeted therapies might also be influenced. Future research should work towards optimizing the FOS content and profile in the plants by selection of plant varieties or changing agronomic and postharvest practice to develop their innovative applications for the food industry and the health promotion. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

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