Title of article :
THE BIFIDOGENIC EFFECT OF AGAVE FEROX C. KOCH LEAF JUICE
Author/Authors :
Ročková, Š. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague - Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech Republic , Killer, J. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague - Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech Republic , Killer, J. Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics - Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic , Rada, V. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague - Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech Republic
Abstract :
The juice of agave leaf (Agave ferox C. Koch) stimulated in vitro the growth of 17 strains of bifidobacteria. The utilization of oligofructans, glucose, fructose and total saccharides was determined by enzymatic and refractometrical methods. Juice of agave leaf was important source of carbon and energy for beneficial saccharolytical bifidobacteria tested. The agave leaf acts as a prebiotic within the colonic microflora, increasing numbers of bifidobacteria, which can metabolise it to produce shortchain fatty acids. This bifidogenic effect can initiate a number of gastrointestinal and systemic health benefits that may be associated to improved immune system and reduced the incidence of diseases
Keywords :
agave leaf juice , Agave , bifidogenic activity , bifidobacteria , prebiotic
Journal title :
Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica
Journal title :
Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica
