The surging popularity of botanical extracts in dietary supplements has prompted a closer examination of their potential impact on the gut microbiota. In fact, plant extracts are rich in a variety of bioactive compounds that work synergistically (phytocomplex) and exert a broad spectrum of activities, either beneficial (e.g. prebiotic action of polysaccharides) or potentially detrimental on the intestinal ecosystem and residential microbes (e.g. anti-microbial effect of some polyphenols).
Health-promoting products should be formulated with science-based “friendly” ingredients that help to maintain the intestinal homeostasis. Beside their established target benefit, they should be rigorously studied to respect the intestinal ecosystem, microbial diversity and mucosal integrity.
Giellepi developed a portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients to support healthy lifestyle. Among these, three plant-based raw materials have been extensively studied for their gut-friendly properties on the grow and maintenance of beneficial bacteria:
- Axtragyl®, a natural pytochemically-characterised extract from the root of Astragalus membranaceus designed to sustain everyday joint and muscle functions;
- Kalita®, a clinically researched phytocomplex for cardiometabolic health derived from Citrus bergamia Risso by-products;
- Bromeyal®, a pure bromelain enzymatic complex isolated from pineapple stem which retains its bioactivity following gastrointestinal transit without enteric-coating.
Findings from on-going research studies with the Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Italy, have confirmed the added value of these ingredients in exerting a positive impact on gut microbiota with promotion of health-enhancing bacteria such as bifidobacteria and Akkermansia muciniphila.
Giellepi's Gut-Friendly® solutions stand apart for their validated clinical benefits while simultaneously offering a proof of their effect in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.