Abstract
The present study explored the prebiotic potential of Ocimum, sanctum, Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum, which are extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory immune diseases. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and phenolic compounds in Ocimum sanctum, Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum extracts. Antioxidant activity was modest when compared with ascorbic acid; but Ocimum sanctum and Zingiber officinale, showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher prebiotic activity, with abundant growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium when compared to the well known prebiotic, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS). Whereas Piper nigrum showed prebiotic activity that was similar to the standard prebiotic FOS. The anti-inflammatory properties of these herbs could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals. Prebiotic potential of these herbs may be exploited to regulate gut bacteria, which in turn will prevent systemic inflammation and associated disorders.
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
