The prebiotic effect of Molkosan® on Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus plantarum.

Abstract

Microbiota is an important part of the human health. It influences some aspects of several diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or obesity. Its composition is dependent on early stages of infancy and it is so abundant, that currently is being referred to as an organ. Prebiotics are fuel for microbial growth and are thought to facilitate the healthy balance of the microflora. In this study, Molkosan®, an over-the-counter prebiotic has been tested on two bacteria commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract: Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus plantarum. Standard microbiological techniques have been used along with Gram staining and antibiotic disks test. Selective media were chosen for growing of the combined colonies. The results show a significant influence of different Molkosan® concentrations on growth of both bacteria, individually as well as combined with p<0.001. Opportunistically pathogenic E. coli numbers were notably decreased with the higher concentrations. The growth over time was affected by the concentration of the tested prebiotic as well with p<0.001 for both: E. coli and L. plantarum. In combined culture, the addition of large Molkosan® concentrations was associated with a change in the ratio between the bacteria in favour of L. plantarum by 34% between TSB control and 10% prebiotic. The treatment influenced the antibiotic sensitivity of E. coli by increasing the clearance zone for Streptomycin, Tetracycline and Chloramphenicol (p<0.001) and decreasing L. plantarum clearance zone for Streptomycin and Tetracycline (p=0.028 and p=0.011 respectively). Preliminary findings for pH changes have been reported. Little changes were observed in morphology. Molkosan® have shown a potential as a prevention and therapeutic option for conditions caused by a disrupted microbiota. It has also been noted, that the use of this supplement with L. plantarum as synbiotics could produce a more significant health benefit. The findings are promising, therefore further research on this product including tests on humans should be carried out.