Evaluation of the effectiveness of new inulin complexes with extracts from quinoa grains and spinach leaves

Abstract

Consumption of plant-derived prebiotics can help reduce the body’s susceptibility to chronic fatigue syndrome, psycho-emotional stress, and the negative effects of increased physical and cognitive overloads. Inulin, a polysaccharide obtained from chicory roots, has beneficial effects on the intestinal microflora. It seems promising to combine inulin with functional ingredients from spinach leaves and quinoa grains. Spinach leaves contain biologically active substances such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Quinoa grains contain protein (12.9%), with a high content of lysine and methionine, are rich in fiber, minerals, more than 20 phenolic compounds have been identified in their composition, tannins, saponins, sterols, phytic acid and ecdysteroids are present in small quantities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the prophylactic administration of the developed complexes to the diet of experimental male Wistar rats. The experiment was carried out during 14 days. Consumption of spinach leaves extract and a complex of spinach extract with inulin by animals decreased the concentration of corticosterone in the blood while simultaneously increasing the content of prostaglandin E2. Consumption of quinoa grain extract and a complex of quinoa extract with inulin significantly reduced only blood corticosterone levels. The beneficial effects of the developed complexes with inulin on the intestinal microbiota have been shown.