Abstract
Polyphenols of Laurel and Myrtle exhibit structural diversity, which affects bioavailability, metabolism, and bioactivity. The gut microbiota plays a key role in modulating the production, bioavailability and, thus the biological activities of phenolic metabolites, particularly after the intake of food containing high-molecular-weight polyphenols. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the polyphenolic components of Laurel and Myrtle aqueous extract have beneficial effects on rat health. The growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), β-glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase activity, pH value, body weight change and food efficacy ratio after intragastric treatment of rats with Laurel and Myrtle extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for two weeks were investigated. The endogenous populations of colonic probiotic bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) were counted on selective media. According to the obtained data, Laurel extract in the applied dose of 50 and 100 and Myrtle extract (100 mg/kg) positively affects the rats health by increasing the number of colonies of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria compared to the control group, causes changes in glycolytic enzymatic activity and minor change in antioxidative tissue activity. In addition, high doses of Laurel increase food efficiency ratio, while Myrtle has the same effect at a lower dose.
Highlights
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralIn recent years, the need for the use of healthy food in the prevention and treatment of diseases in a “natural” way, with proven scientific effectiveness, has been increasing worldwide
The phenolic components of Laurel extract have a better effect on the intestinal microbiota and their metabolic activity than Myrtle extract
The application of high doses of Laurel extract increases the number of probiotic bacteria by reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria and ensures better health status of animals
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralIn recent years, the need for the use of healthy food in the prevention and treatment of diseases in a “natural” way, with proven scientific effectiveness, has been increasing worldwide. Lauraceae) are a source of new compounds that have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity [1,2,3,4] These aromatic spices and herbs can be used in culinary, food, perfume and cosmetic industries, as well as for medicinal purposes (antimicrobial and antioxidative agents). In folk medicine in some countries such as Turkey, Italy, Sardinia and other countries in the Mediterranean region and Europe, the fruits and leaves of these plants are used in the treatment of many types of infectious diseases, including diarrhoea and dysentery. The leaves of these plants with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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