Use of an in vitro gastrointestinal model to evaluate the potential impact of a vegetal extract on human intestinal health

There are numerous medicinal plants and fruits traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. However, the effects caused by these vegetal products on the intestinal microbial populations are poorly understood.
METHODS: An in vitro simulator of human digestion (SHIME®) was used to analyze the intestinal effects of two weeks of treatment with three increasing doses of a vegetal extract. Gut microbiota community and metabolites were studied on ascending (AC), transverse (TC), and descending (DC) colons using qPCR and SPME-GC/MS methods, respectively.
RESULTS: A significant increase of acetic acid in TC, and of butyrate in all colons were observed by the end of treatment, while propionate levels remained unchanged. On 11 targeted microbial populations, most decreased in DC during the treatment, and Bacteroidetes decreased in all colon compartments, while Firmicutes increased. Bifidobacterium increased in AC even two weeks after completing the treatment. Akkermansia muciniphila increased in TC and DC following treatment with the higher doses. During the two weeks after completing the treatment, Bacteroides-Prevotella populations significantly increased in TC and DC regions, probably as a residual effect induced by the vegetal extract. Overall, the studied vegetal extract increased health-promoting bacteria which could have a beneficial impact on gastrointestinal health and gut barrier.