Prebiotic Activity of Polysaccharides Extracted from Jerusalem Artichoke Tuber and Development of Prebiotic Granules

Introduction: Jerusalem artichoke tubers (JA) contain non-digestible carbohydrates, especially inulin-type fructans, which have been found to possess various benefits on human health, including the prebiotic effect. Although many studies established the prebiotic property of inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides, there are less information of the prebiotic potential of JA crude extract. This study aimed to investigate prebiotic effect of the JA extract and develop prebiotic granules from JA extract. Material and Methods: Crude polysaccharide extract of JA was obtained using hot water and freeze-dried method. The selected probiotics, including L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, B. longum and B. breve were used in this study. The prebiotic effect of the JA extract was indicated by bacterial growth and acid production. Parallelly, JA extract granule formulation was developed to be a prebiotic food product. Results: The JA extract at the highest concentration tested (2%) caused a significant increase in the growth and acid production of every probiotics tested, including L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, B. longum and B. breve. The growth promoting effects of the 2% JA extract were detected as early as 12 hour-incubation, and this action was maintained throughout the observed incubation period. Conclusions: The developed JA extract granules possessed desirable properties with the moisture content of 4.00±0.20%. The formulated granule was soluble in water and produced a brown and clear solution with slightly sweet taste. Nonetheless, in vivo experiments on the prebiotic effect of the developed preparation should be performed further.