Plant-polyphenols based second-generation synbiotics: Emerging concepts, challenges, and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Traditional oligosaccharide prebiotics lack specificity and bioactivity.
• A new definition of prebiotics focuses on host physiological effects.
• Plant polyphenols are emerging as effective prebiotic and synbiotic candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on polyphenol prebiotic and synbiotic attributes.
• To explore the synergy between polyphenols and probiotic bacteria.
• To discuss the development of second-generation synbiotic agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on polyphenols, gut microbiome, and probiotics.
• Analysis of functional synergy between polyphenols and probiotics.
• Evaluation of health benefits and development strategies for polyphenol-based synbiotics.

Main Results:

• Polyphenols exhibit significant prebiotic and synbiotic properties.
• A functional synergy exists between polyphenols and gut probiotics.
• Polyphenol-based synbiotics offer advantages over carbohydrate-based agents.

Conclusions:

• Plant polyphenols are suitable for developing second-generation synbiotic agents.
• Polyphenol-synbiotic agents provide synergistic health benefits.
• These agents represent a superior alternative to traditional prebiotics.