Gut microbiome-modulating properties of a polyphenol-enriched dietary supplement comprised of hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts. Monitoring of phenolic metabolites

This paper investigates the impact of a polyphenol-enriched supplement comprised hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and lemon verbena (Lippia Citriodora) (brand name Metabolaid®) on gut microbiota composition functionality, by performing fermentations with human faecal under gut-simulated conditions. Results indicated that Metabolaid®, in dose-dependent manner, modulated bacteriome to higher relative abundances some major genera (>3% abundance) such as Bifidobacterium, Blautia Faecalibacterium other minor Prevotella Akkermansia. Metabolaid® also promoted increases short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, particularly butyric acid. On hand, it was confirmed compounds present (anthocyanins, verbascoside acid) were rapidly metabolized microbiota. Overall, these results reveal certain level microbiota-modulating properties could be implicated, at least partially, mechanisms behind potential beneficial effects this obesity.