Desenvolvimento de produtos funcionais à base de farinha de ora-pronobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) e realização de ensaios clínicos

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop the of ora-pro-nobis flour products, investigate the influence of ora-pro-nobis flour (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) on the adhesion of probiotics in Caco-2 cells and to evaluate the effect of flour products on gastrointestinal symptoms and parameters. anthropometric measurements in adults. Methods: The first stage of the study was the development of functional products based on ora-pro-nobis flour, the performance of proximate composition and analysis of their total phenolics and also of the ora-pro-nobis flour and flour. The second step was the in vitro probiotic count, which was analyzed by the Caco-2 cell adhesion test. And the third step was the realization of two clinical trials. In the first intervention, the volunteers consumed a portion of the test cookie, and in the second intervention a portion of the control cookie. The difference between the cookies was the presence of ora-pro-nobis flour in the test. The second trial was double-blind, with women and lasting six weeks. The test group received a drink with ora-pro-nobis and the control group received a drink with the same ingredients and amounts, but without the addition of ora-pro-nobis. In the trials, anthropometric parameters, stool consistency and color, and gastrointestinal symptoms were analyzed. Specifically in men, blood glucose and lipid profile were also evaluated, and in women, fecal microbiota was analyzed by the Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) method. Results: Pereskia aculeata maintained the high adhesion of L. casei to Caco-2 cells in vitro. In the crossover trial, the ora-pro-nobis cookie improved men's gastrointestinal symptoms. In the second trial, the drink with ora-pronobis aided in weight loss, waist circumference reduction and body fat reduction, also improved some gastrointestinal symptoms. In fecal microbiota there was no significant difference in both groups of volunteers. However, in the test group there was a tendency to decrease in the number of total prokaryotes and C. histolyticum, while there was an increase of Lactobacillus. Conclusion: The ora-pro-nobis flour maintained L. casei adherence to Caco-2 cells and did not alter the anthropometric and biochemical parameters of men. In women drinking ora-pro-nobis promoted weight loss and reduced body fat. The consumption of ora-pro-nobis flour improved intestinal health in both trials.