*4.3.2 Prebiotics*

Prebiotics are a subcategory of nutritional fibers that is not affected by the gastric acidity and the enzymes present in the digestive system of mammals which is very crucial for our health [101]. The main distinguishing benefit of prebiotics is their stimulation in growth of intestinal bacteria connected with fitness and comfort [102].

## *4.3.3 Complex carbohydrate*

Some complex carbohydrates include resistant starch and plant cell-wall polysaccharides are not digested by the gut microflora. Polysaccharides comprising of cellulose, hemicelluloses (xylan, xyloglucan, mannan, β-glucan) and pectin. These all complex carbohydrates have positive simulative effect on microbial populations in the gut [103]. A number of bacteria present in human gut that possess genes programming with carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in their genomes. These bacteria can digest such compound carbohydrates.

### *4.3.4 Prebiotic carbohydrates*

Prebiotics definition is fulfilled by resistant starch [101]. In the colon prebiotic type of fermentation is provided by it and has lots of metabolic advantages, for instance it increase the bile salt production and laxation, lowers the danger of gastrointestinal tract cancers, and lowers the after meal glucose stimulus and blood lipid levels [104, 105]. Farther more it assists in growing of epithelial cells and propagation by increased butyrate concentration via its fermentation by the gut microbiota [106].

### *4.3.5 Algal (AGAL) polysaccharides*

AGAL polysaccharide provides with dietary fiber, e.g., alginates, agars and carrageenan from seaweeds, consumed in food industry as thickeners and stabilizers or emulsifiers [107]. Many health benefits provided by dietary fibers due to its gel-forming ability and other physicochemical properties, including ability to ferment by the alimentary canal microbiota [108]. These benefits include controlled appetite, type 2 diabetes and obesity by increasing satiation, refining of gut barrier working and lessening the ad worse effects of luminal components.

**17**

*Therapeutic Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86762*

gut [110].

individuals [111].

*4.3.6 Herbal prebiotics*

starch [114].

*4.3.9 Burdock root*

*4.3.10 Lentil*

*4.3.8 Cereal grain fraction*

Gut bacteria cause fermentation of compound carbohydrates that has beneficial affect for the host. This activity makes complex carbohydrate as potential prebiotics. Proteolytic activity produce potential harmful product and the fermentation of complex carbohydrates reduce risk caused by these harmful metabolites [109]. Furthermore, some useful metabolites with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, like phenolic substances and short chain fatty acids are also produced by the microbial fermentation of complex carbohydrates in the

Chemically, inulin-type fructans are a linear polydisperse carbohydrate material consisting mainly, if not exclusively, of β-(2–1)-fructosyl-fructose glycosidic bond linkages [81]. Fructans are proposed to be classified as "functional fiber" according to recent concepts drawn from physiological effects on human

Guar galactomannan was enzymatically hydrolyzed to obtain partially hydrolyzed guar gum which can be utilized as prebiotic source. Partially hydrolyzed guar can be considered as potential prebiotic compound that may further stimulate the

Some herbs are used for the treatment of inflammatory immune diseases that also have prebiotic effect in the host. These herbs include *Ocimum sanctum*, *Piper nigrum* and *Zingiber officinale*. *Zingiber officinale and Ocimum sanctum* exhibited greater prebiotic activity, with higher growth of *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium* as compare to most commonly used prebiotic, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS). However, *Piper nigrum* have similar prebiotic activity as that of most commonly used prebiotic FOS. These herbs used to regulate gut microbiota which ultimately

Fractionated lotus seed resistance starch (LRS3) was fractionated and tested for

Most commonly used cereal grains to develop new classes of prebiotic are corn,

It is rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides and phenolic compound but its use in food products are limited. It is widely used in bakery product for consumers that search for functional foods of health benefits. Burdock roots are effective alterna-

Lentil food are rich source of prebiotic carbohydrates which have raffinose family oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, sugar alcohols and resistance starch.

rice, wheat, barley and oats which also have high economic value [115].

its structural properties and prebiotic activities. LRS3–20% showed higher prebiotic activity against these bacteria *Bifidobacterium adolescentis* and *Lactobacillus acidophilus as* compared to LRS3–30% and high concentration of amylose maize

growth of potentially probiotic bacteria or native gut microflora [112].

prevent systemic swelling and related disorders [113].

tive for functional foods with health benefits [116].

*4.3.7 Fractionated lotus seed resistance starch*

*Therapeutic Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86762*

*Oral Health by Using Probiotic Products*

**4.3 Healthy diet for probiotic**

*4.3.1 Dietary fiber*

*4.3.2 Prebiotics*

comfort [102].

*4.3.3 Complex carbohydrate*

*4.3.4 Prebiotic carbohydrates*

*4.3.5 Algal (AGAL) polysaccharides*

microbiota [106].

hormone GLP-2. Chief stimulus for GLP-2 secretion is nutrient consumption. SCFAs maintain the release of GLP-2 which is important in regulation of the gut

Diet is an element on which unequal antagonism exists between the microflora

of gut and specific group of bacteria get their nutrition. It also serve as direct medium for the gut microflora since it may act as a direct substrate for the microbiota through its indigestible constituents and some by-products of digestion. Among all the nutritional constituents, dietary fibers are vital as they cannot be absorbed in the upper part of the digestive system; although they can be fermented in the lower

Prebiotics are a subcategory of nutritional fibers that is not affected by the gastric acidity and the enzymes present in the digestive system of mammals which is very crucial for our health [101]. The main distinguishing benefit of prebiotics is their stimulation in growth of intestinal bacteria connected with fitness and

Some complex carbohydrates include resistant starch and plant cell-wall polysaccharides are not digested by the gut microflora. Polysaccharides comprising of cellulose, hemicelluloses (xylan, xyloglucan, mannan, β-glucan) and pectin. These all complex carbohydrates have positive simulative effect on microbial populations in the gut [103]. A number of bacteria present in human gut that possess genes programming with carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in their genomes.

Prebiotics definition is fulfilled by resistant starch [101]. In the colon prebiotic type of fermentation is provided by it and has lots of metabolic advantages, for instance it increase the bile salt production and laxation, lowers the danger of gastrointestinal tract cancers, and lowers the after meal glucose stimulus and blood lipid levels [104, 105]. Farther more it assists in growing of epithelial cells and propagation by increased butyrate concentration via its fermentation by the gut

AGAL polysaccharide provides with dietary fiber, e.g., alginates, agars and carrageenan from seaweeds, consumed in food industry as thickeners and stabilizers or emulsifiers [107]. Many health benefits provided by dietary fibers due to its gel-forming ability and other physicochemical properties, including ability to ferment by the alimentary canal microbiota [108]. These benefits include controlled appetite, type 2 diabetes and obesity by increasing satiation, refining of gut barrier

working and lessening the ad worse effects of luminal components.

fence system and decreases lipopolysaccharide translocation [99].

part of the gut by the intestinal microbiota [100].

These bacteria can digest such compound carbohydrates.

**16**

Gut bacteria cause fermentation of compound carbohydrates that has beneficial affect for the host. This activity makes complex carbohydrate as potential prebiotics. Proteolytic activity produce potential harmful product and the fermentation of complex carbohydrates reduce risk caused by these harmful metabolites [109]. Furthermore, some useful metabolites with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, like phenolic substances and short chain fatty acids are also produced by the microbial fermentation of complex carbohydrates in the gut [110].

Chemically, inulin-type fructans are a linear polydisperse carbohydrate material consisting mainly, if not exclusively, of β-(2–1)-fructosyl-fructose glycosidic bond linkages [81]. Fructans are proposed to be classified as "functional fiber" according to recent concepts drawn from physiological effects on human individuals [111].

Guar galactomannan was enzymatically hydrolyzed to obtain partially hydrolyzed guar gum which can be utilized as prebiotic source. Partially hydrolyzed guar can be considered as potential prebiotic compound that may further stimulate the growth of potentially probiotic bacteria or native gut microflora [112].

#### *4.3.6 Herbal prebiotics*

Some herbs are used for the treatment of inflammatory immune diseases that also have prebiotic effect in the host. These herbs include *Ocimum sanctum*, *Piper nigrum* and *Zingiber officinale*. *Zingiber officinale and Ocimum sanctum* exhibited greater prebiotic activity, with higher growth of *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium* as compare to most commonly used prebiotic, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS). However, *Piper nigrum* have similar prebiotic activity as that of most commonly used prebiotic FOS. These herbs used to regulate gut microbiota which ultimately prevent systemic swelling and related disorders [113].

#### *4.3.7 Fractionated lotus seed resistance starch*

Fractionated lotus seed resistance starch (LRS3) was fractionated and tested for its structural properties and prebiotic activities. LRS3–20% showed higher prebiotic activity against these bacteria *Bifidobacterium adolescentis* and *Lactobacillus acidophilus as* compared to LRS3–30% and high concentration of amylose maize starch [114].

#### *4.3.8 Cereal grain fraction*

Most commonly used cereal grains to develop new classes of prebiotic are corn, rice, wheat, barley and oats which also have high economic value [115].

#### *4.3.9 Burdock root*

It is rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides and phenolic compound but its use in food products are limited. It is widely used in bakery product for consumers that search for functional foods of health benefits. Burdock roots are effective alternative for functional foods with health benefits [116].

#### *4.3.10 Lentil*

Lentil food are rich source of prebiotic carbohydrates which have raffinose family oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, sugar alcohols and resistance starch.

### **4.4 Therapeutic potential of prebiotics**

### *4.4.1 Prebiotic impact on intestinal micro flora*

Dietary fibers which are part of prebiotic play positive impact on intestinal micro flora [117]. In cholesterol metabolism prebiotic fibers play a very unique action specifically on fermentation of products and modulation of micro flora. Some research show both probiotics and prebiotics (in which non digestible food ingredients are more beneficial for host which stimulate the growth of colonic bacteria) to suppress tumor and preneoplastic lesions in the colons of animal treated with carcinogenic chemicals [118]. The presence of beneficial bacteria in gut of infants fed with human breast milk is supported by the metabolism of the complex mixture of oligo saccharides present in the milk. More mature gut microbiota is found in the formula milk. In adults formulation infants is used to achieve a type of intestinal microbiota. Improper gut microbiota (dysbiosis) can cause autoimmune disorders, infections and allergic reactions in old age [59].

#### *4.4.2 Colon cancer and prebiotics*

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) is the first detectable abnormal growth of cells appears as lesions in the large intestine. To identify ACF lesions chromoscopic colonoscopy of high magnification is used, generally it appear as colonic mucosa. They comprised of crypts that are raised on upper side of normal mucosa. It consists of extremely condensed epithelia and has changed luminal openings visibly confined from the normal neighboring crypts. The development of the ACF to polyp, adenoma and adenocarcinoma equivalents buildup of numerous genetic and biochemical modifications. A little amount of ACF can be a cause of colon cancer. Presently, it is unidentified that which crypts are responsible for the development of tumor. Though, various researches support the idea of development of colon cancer from ACF [119]. Perrin et al*.* [120] reported that some fibers which stimulate the formation of stable butyrate-producing colonic ecosystem. This type of colonic environment diminished the rate of ACF. Therefore it is clear that colonic ecosystem that produces stable butyrate decreases the risks of developing colon cancer.

#### *4.4.3 Prebiotics modulation of immune function*

Immunological functions are modulated by our diet and affect resistance of host by various ways. Along with essential food components non-essential nutrients like non-digested carbohydrates also play an important role in controlling the immunological responses, particularly lymphoid tissues of the gut. Bodera [121] reviewed the previous literature by various scientist on the effects of prebiotics in enhancing the immunity of host and observed that there is sufficient proof indicating prebiotics such as inulin helps in the modulation of immunological functions. He suggests to take prebiotics for the modulation of immunological parameters in gut associated lymphoid tissues, secondary lymphoid tissues and peripheral circulation. First line defense is provided by the innate immune system and prevent the entry of contagious agents or eradicating entering pathogens. It encompasses physical fences like skin and mucous membranes, blood cells and tissue, such as phagocytes, natural killer cells and soluble mediators, like supplement proteins and cytokines.

#### *4.4.4 Prebiotics as dietary modulators of gut microbiota in obesity*

It is suggested that gut microbiota plays an important role in obesity and obesityassociated comorbidities that gut microbiota could be a possible goal for fatness

**19**

that of oligosaccharides [124].

*Therapeutic Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86762*

involvements. It is assumed that microbial dysbiosis is associated with fatness, it is concluded that restoring the potential symbiosis between the gut microbiota and host holds great potential. Prebiotics are consumed so that gut microbiota can be modified. Prebiotics are not capable to be digested by host enzymes although they move in the large intestine and are particularly fermented in the gastrointestinal tract where they help in growth of bacteria particularly *Bifidobacterium* and

Worldwide, Schizophrenia is the 25 leading cause of disabilities that decrease the life about 10–20 years. Inappropriate treatment like pharmacotherapy in the administration of cognitive defects and weight gain are recognized a significant contributors of these diseases; therefore there is a need to develop such treatments that alleviate one, or both, of these diseases would be very helpful. By using gut microbiome from dietary source like prebiotics for the treatment of these diseases may be one such intervention. Moreover, prebiotics also effect breakdown, and in case of obesity they rise the concentration of anorexigenic gut hormones such as peptide tyrosine tyrosine, glucagon-like peptide 1 and leptin and decrease the

*Lactobacillus* that have been related with health benefits [122].

*4.4.5 Prebiotics assist in the management of cognition*

amount of orexigenic hormones such as ghrelin [123].

*4.4.6 Prebiotics for the improvement of enzyme activity and phosphate uptake*

*4.4.7 Prebiotics and the bioavailability of minerals and trace elements*

Prebiotic carbohydrates have positive influence in the absorption of minerals and trace elements. There exist a promising evidence about the stimulatory impact of prebiotic carbohydrates (non-digestible oligosaccharides and lactulose) on the bioavailability of minerals and trace elements. However, most of the studies is on the rats because, the studies on the human is limited. It has been hypothesized that prebiotics create strong osmotic effect that reduce the pH and stimulate the exchange of

Prebiotics improve the activity of enzymes and phosphate uptake in the intestine. One of study was conducted to recognize the impact of prebiotics supplementation in infant formula on enzyme activity and phosphate uptake in the small intestine of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Forty-eight fifteen days old SD rats of similar weight were divided into three groups randomly: A was selected as control group in which SD rats were fed with standard infant formula with no prebiotics treatment. Rats in groups B, C were nourished standard infant formula supplemented with oligosaccharides, and the standard infant formula supplemented with polysaccharides, correspondingly. The results were checked at 28 days. It was observed that as compared to group A, group B and C showed the following: (1) In SD rats group C showed greater activities of sucrose and lactase in the small intestine; (2) In SD rats of group C comparative expressions of lactase gene in the anterior and posterior segments of the small intestine were increased by 1.68 and 2.26, and the *Mgam* gene relative expression in the posterior segment of the small intestine was improved by 0.99 in SD rats of group C; (3) the relative expressions of *Na/Pi-IIb* gene in the anterior and posterior segments of the small intestine were increased by 1.85 and 2.28 in SD rats of group C. These results specify that the supplementation of prebiotics in infant formula can stimulate enzyme movement in the small intestine by improving the relative expression of enzyme gene and *Na/Pi-IIb* gene and by reducing the intestinal injury. The polysaccharides improved to be healthier than

#### *Therapeutic Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86762*

*Oral Health by Using Probiotic Products*

*4.4.2 Colon cancer and prebiotics*

**4.4 Therapeutic potential of prebiotics**

*4.4.1 Prebiotic impact on intestinal micro flora*

Dietary fibers which are part of prebiotic play positive impact on intestinal micro flora [117]. In cholesterol metabolism prebiotic fibers play a very unique action specifically on fermentation of products and modulation of micro flora. Some research show both probiotics and prebiotics (in which non digestible food ingredients are more beneficial for host which stimulate the growth of colonic bacteria) to suppress tumor and preneoplastic lesions in the colons of animal treated with carcinogenic chemicals [118]. The presence of beneficial bacteria in gut of infants fed with human breast milk is supported by the metabolism of the complex mixture of oligo saccharides present in the milk. More mature gut microbiota is found in the formula milk. In adults formulation infants is used to achieve a type of intestinal microbiota. Improper gut microbiota (dysbiosis) can cause

autoimmune disorders, infections and allergic reactions in old age [59].

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) is the first detectable abnormal growth of cells appears as lesions in the large intestine. To identify ACF lesions chromoscopic colonoscopy of high magnification is used, generally it appear as colonic mucosa. They comprised of crypts that are raised on upper side of normal mucosa. It

consists of extremely condensed epithelia and has changed luminal openings visibly confined from the normal neighboring crypts. The development of the ACF to polyp, adenoma and adenocarcinoma equivalents buildup of numerous genetic and biochemical modifications. A little amount of ACF can be a cause of colon cancer. Presently, it is unidentified that which crypts are responsible for the development of tumor. Though, various researches support the idea of development of colon cancer from ACF [119]. Perrin et al*.* [120] reported that some fibers which stimulate the formation of stable butyrate-producing colonic ecosystem. This type of colonic environment diminished the rate of ACF. Therefore it is clear that colonic ecosystem

that produces stable butyrate decreases the risks of developing colon cancer.

*4.4.4 Prebiotics as dietary modulators of gut microbiota in obesity*

Immunological functions are modulated by our diet and affect resistance of host by various ways. Along with essential food components non-essential nutrients like non-digested carbohydrates also play an important role in controlling the immunological responses, particularly lymphoid tissues of the gut. Bodera [121] reviewed the previous literature by various scientist on the effects of prebiotics in enhancing the immunity of host and observed that there is sufficient proof indicating prebiotics such as inulin helps in the modulation of immunological functions. He suggests to take prebiotics for the modulation of immunological parameters in gut associated lymphoid tissues, secondary lymphoid tissues and peripheral circulation. First line defense is provided by the innate immune system and prevent the entry of contagious agents or eradicating entering pathogens. It encompasses physical fences like skin and mucous membranes, blood cells and tissue, such as phagocytes, natural killer cells and soluble mediators, like supplement proteins and cytokines.

It is suggested that gut microbiota plays an important role in obesity and obesityassociated comorbidities that gut microbiota could be a possible goal for fatness

*4.4.3 Prebiotics modulation of immune function*

**18**

involvements. It is assumed that microbial dysbiosis is associated with fatness, it is concluded that restoring the potential symbiosis between the gut microbiota and host holds great potential. Prebiotics are consumed so that gut microbiota can be modified. Prebiotics are not capable to be digested by host enzymes although they move in the large intestine and are particularly fermented in the gastrointestinal tract where they help in growth of bacteria particularly *Bifidobacterium* and *Lactobacillus* that have been related with health benefits [122].
