Category Archives: Probiotics

Jewel Orchid Prebiotic Extract Prevents Bone Loss in Rats

Abstract

The prebiotic effect of Anoectochilus formosanus and its consequences on bone health.

The present study evaluated the prebiotic effect of a standardised aqueous extract of Anoectochilus formosanus (SAEAF) and its effects on osteoporosis in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The OVX rats were randomly divided into five groups and orally treated with water, SAEAF (200 and 400 mg/kg daily) and inulin (400 mg/kg daily) for 12 weeks. The sham group was orally treated with water. The SAEAF treatment enhanced the number of faecal bifidobacteria in OVX rats. The results of a Ca-balance experiment showed that SAEAF increased apparent Ca absorption and retention. The OVX rats were killed after SAEAF treatment lasting 12 weeks. The SAEAF decreased the caecal pH values and increased the caecal wall weight, caecal mucosa calbindin-D9k mRNA expression, free-Ca concentration and levels of SCFA in the caecum. The mineral content, density and biomechanical strength of bones were lower in OVX rats than the sham group, but these bone losses were prevented by SAEAF administration. Microtomography scanning showed that the SAEAF-treated rats had higher trabecular bone volume than the OVX rats. These results suggest that SAEAF prevented bone loss associated with ovarian hormone deficiency in the rats.

Yang LC, Wu JB, Lu TJ, Lin WC
Br. J. Nutr. May 2013
PMID: 22950799

Probiotics + FOS-Inulin Decreases Osteocalcin in Aged Rats

Abstract

Changes in calcium status in aged rats fed Lactobacillus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis and oligofructose-enriched inulin.

In this study we hypothesized that an increase in numbers of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine can affect calcium (Ca) status in the elderly. Adult and aged rats were fed a diet with or without synbiotics for 21 days. Synbiotics increased the numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in large intestine in both adult and aged rats. The plasma Ca concentration was significantly increased while osteocalcin concentration was significantly decreased only in aged rats fed synbiotics.

Naughton V, McSorley E, Naughton PJ
Appl Physiol Nutr Metab Feb 2011
PMID: 21326391