Investigation of Possibilities of Using Nerium oleander L. Extract as Prebiotic for Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Abstract

The use of microorganisms that support human health and stimulate the immune system is gaining more importance. It is thought that probiotic bacterial strains, representing a significant portion of these microorganisms, may be treated in different disease groups. For instance, prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, constipation, urogenital system health, rotavirus diarrhea as well as colon cancer can be prevented using probiotics. The probiotic bacterial strains, have basic needs such as bacterial auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity. Due to the phytochemicals contained in the Nerium oleander L., this plant has been used as medicinal plants. Such plants, when ingested, contact with the human gastrointestinal microbiome, so beneficial microorganisms can be affected. Thus, present study aimed to investigate the effects of Nerium oleander L. extract on two of the most studied and very well-known probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Nerium oleander L. was extracted using ethanol. Probiotics were grown in the presence of this extract. Surface hydrophobicity of probiotics grown in the presence of plant extract was assessed by Microbial Adhesion to Solvents (MATS) Assay, and auto-aggregation was performed. Auto-aggregation and surface hydrophobicity properties of these bacteria can be modulated by this plant, due to its phytochemicals. We have demonstrated that Nerium oleander plant extract could have a positive effect on the specific properties of probiotic bacteria, such as auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity. Autoaggregation, as well as surface hydrophobicity were increased or decreased dependent on the dose as the plant extract The combinations of this plant and a probiotic strain could be next generation functional food, defined as food ingredient that has positive health benefits to the human.