Abstract
Globe artichoke is an intriguing source of indigestible sugar polymers such as inulin-type fructans. In this study, the effect of ultrasound in combination with ethanol precipitation to enhance the extraction of long chain fructans from artichoke wastes has been evaluated. The inulin-type fructans content both from bracts and stems was measured using an enzymatic fructanase-based assay, while its average degree of polymerization (DP) was determined by HPLC-RID analysis. Results show that this method provides artichoke extracts with an inulin-type fructans content of 70% with an average DP between 32 and 42 both in bracts and in stems. The prebiotic effect of long chain inulins from artichoke extract wastes was demonstrated by its ability to support the growth of five Lactobacillus and four Bifidobacterium species, previously characterized as probiotics. Besides, we considered the possibility to industrialize the process developing a simpler method for the production of inulin-type fructans from the artichoke wastes so that the artichoke inulin preparation could be suitable for its use in synbiotic formulations in combination with different probiotics for further studies including in vivo trials.
Highlights
Globe artichoke is an intriguing source of indigestible sugar polymers such as inulin-type fructans
We considered the possibility to industrialize the process developing a simpler method for the production of inulin-type fructans from the artichoke wastes so that the artichoke inulin preparation could be suitable for its use in synbiotic formulations in combination with di erent probiotics for further studies including in vivo trials
They should adhere to the intestinal cells, proliferate and colonize the intestine to limit the activity of pathogen microorganisms, and allow the interaction with the immune cells [6]. erefore, the bene cial physiological e ects attributed to probiotic bacteria are dependent on the strain and the number of viable bacteria that reach the gastrointestinal system which make their viability a prerequisite for their functionality
Summary
Globe artichoke is an intriguing source of indigestible sugar polymers such as inulin-type fructans. E stability and diversity of this population is hindered by stress, infection, antibiotic use, and other environmental factors resulting in gut dysbiosis in some cases [2], that can be associated with many health issues and infections In this regard, the consumption of live microbial feed supplements de ned as probiotics or bene cial bacteria are thought to equilibrate this population and to prevent and treat a variety of diseases, among them: reduction of lactose intolerance symptoms, decrease of cholesterol levels, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), protection against pathogenic bacteria, and reestablishment of intestinal ora a er antibiotic therapy [3, 4]. Prebiotics are employed in synbiotic preparation along with probiotic strains to favor the viability of these bacteria in the colon as reported
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
