Consumption of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is associated with beneficial effects such as prevention of
metabolic diseases. Yacon root is known to contain various bioactive components including indigestible
carbohydrates, but the alteration of intestinal environment
after treatment with yacon has not been fully investigated. This study investigated yacon-containing diet effects on the intestinal environment in mice, including microbial composition,
short-chain fatty acid levels, and mucus content. After mice were administered yacon-containing diet for 4 weeks,
16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses revealed their fecal microbiota profiles. Organic
acid concentrations in cecal contents were measured using an HPLC system. Compared to the control group, yacon-containing diet-received mice had significantly higher the concentrations of
succinic acid,
lactic acid,
acetic acid, and
propionic acid. The fecal
mucin content was also higher in yacon-containing diet-received mice. Results of
16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses showed that the relative abundances of 27 taxa differed significantly in yacon-containing diet-received mice. Furthermore, results show effects of yacon administration on intestinal
inflammation using
2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid induced
colitis model in mice. Increased colonic damage and
myeloperoxidase activity after
2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid treatment were suppressed in yacon-containing diet-received mice. Results suggest that oral intake of yacon root modulates the intestinal environment, thereby inhibiting intestinal
inflammation.