Effects of some common spices and herbs (aqueous extract) on the growth of probiotic Lactobacillus Furfuricola under gastrointestinal simulations

Abstract

Spices and herbs are considered as very beneficial in traditional medicines. We compared the GIT non-simulated conditions with GIT simulated conditions and the effects of aqueous extracts (10%) of some common oriental spices and herbs on the growth of Lactobacillus furfuricola a gut bacterium. In pure culture studies, L. furfuricola was found to enhance the growth in the presence of Carom Seeds (Trachyspermum ammi), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Cinnamon (Cinnamonum verum), Garlic (Allium sativum) and a rapid decrease in growth in the presence of Onion (Allium sepa) , Blackseed (Nigella sativa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale), whereas no effect in the presence of Mint(Mentha), Coriander Seeds (Coriandrum sativum) and Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum) was observed after 48 hours by taking optical density at 600nm by using Spectrophotometer. Human gut simulatory conditions were given artificially under controlled environment and Lactobacillus furfuricola was found to be shown more enhanced growth, indicating that their consumption may favour the growth of probiotics species in the gut. Spices and herbs have potential to enhance the growth of gut microflora.