Physiometabolic effects of Agave salmiana fructans evaluated in Wistar rats

A prospective completely randomized experimental study was conducted using 48 animals to evaluate the physiometabolic effects of Agave salmiana fructans as a dietary supplement in healthy Wistar rats. Five fructans concentrations from 5 to 20%25 (w/w) and one control were used in the rats’ diet and were divided into six groups (n = 8 rats/group). The treatments were carried out for 35 days, during which glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, body-weight gain, food intake, fecal excretion, organ weights, renal and hepatic functions and a histological analysis of the cecum were evaluated. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, renal and hepatic functions were not significantly affected by any treatment. Body-weight gain and food intake were lower in the rat groups fed fructans than in the control group. Increased fecal excretion (p < 0.05) was observed only in animals fed 12.5 and 20%25 fructans. Mice supplemented with fructans exhibited increased weight and length (p < 0.05) in the cecum and colon. A histological analysis of the cecum showed cellular proliferation with a dose of 12.5%25 and membrane lysis at doses of 15 and 20%25. In conclusion, the inclusion of 12.5%25 of Agave salmiana fructans in the animals’ diets exerts beneficial physiometabolic effects after the seventh treatment day. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.

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