Inulin

Inulin is an orally active prebiotic targeting the intestinal microbiota, selectively promoting the proliferation and activity of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria, and playing a role in regulating the intestinal microecology. The functions of Inulin include: ① Fermentation by probiotics in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (such as butyrate and propionate), lowering the intestinal pH and inhibiting the overgrowth of harmful bacteria; ② Enhancing the intestinal barrier function and reducing endotoxin translocation; ③ Directly scavenging free radicals (such as superoxide free radicals, hydroxyl free radicals) and activating antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) to reduce oxidative stress. Inulin can also be used in the study of intestinal diseases (constipation, IBD), metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity) and liver damage by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism (such as reducing triglycerides, improving insulin sensitivity) and immune response (enhancing NK cell activity, inhibiting inflammatory factors)[1][2][3][4]. In Vitro: Antioxidant activity assay: Inulin (0.025-1 mg/mL; 5 min) exhibited moderate scavenging ability in vitro, promoted the scavenging of superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and H2O2, and inhibited lipid peroxidation^[2].
Cytotoxicity assay: Inulin (2.0%; 24 h) significantly increased the survival rate of HT-29 cells and inhibited the cytotoxicity induced by Deoxycholic acid (HY-N0593) (100% protection), Lithocholic acid (HY-B0172) (30% protection) and fecal water (40% protection)^[3].
Genotoxicity assay: Inulin (2%; 90 min) significantly reduced the genotoxicity of 4-NQO and fecal water by SOS chromotest and Ames test, with SOS induction potency (SOSIP) reduced by 29-74% and 57-70%, respectively^[3].
In Vivo: Inulin (5-10% diet; free feeding; 4 weeks) significantly increases whole body bone mineral content (BMC) and bone density (BMD) in male rats, while reducing plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels^[1].
Inulin (100-400 mg/kg; gavage; once a day; 3 weeks) significantly reduces 0.3% CCl4 (olive oil)-induced acute liver injury in male ICR mice, reduced serum ALT, AST, ALP levels, and increased liver tissue antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px)^[2].