Characterization and In Vitro Prebiotic Activity of Pterostilbene/β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Pterostilbene (PTS) offers health benefits but suffers from poor water solubility and bioavailability.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for maximizing PTS's therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize Pterostilbene/beta-cyclodextrin (PTS/β-CD) inclusion complexes.
• To evaluate the enhanced solubility, stability, and prebiotic/probiotic functionalities of PTS/β-CD complexes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis via phase solubility method; characterization using FTIR, SEM, XRD, NMR, and molecular docking.
• Simulated gastrointestinal digestion and in vitro fecal fermentation assays.
• Analysis of short-chain fatty acid production and gut microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of PTS/β-CD inclusion complexes with a 1:1 ratio and stability constant of 166.7 M⁻¹.
• β-CD demonstrated resistance to digestion, enabling colonic delivery; PTS showed gradual release.
• PTS/β-CD significantly increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids (acetic, butyric, lactic) and promoted growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Conclusions:

• PTS/β-CD inclusion complexes effectively improve PTS solubility and bioavailability.
• The complexes exhibit significant prebiotic and probiotic properties, modulating gut microbiota composition.
• PTS/β-CD demonstrates dual functionality by promoting beneficial bacteria and suppressing pathogenic bacteria in the gut.