In vitro fecal microbiota modulation properties of some dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the gut microbiome modulatory effects of dietary fibers (DFs) of different Turkish apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) varieties dried using different techniques. Three different sun-dried apricots belonging to Şekerpare, Iğdır Şalağı, and Hasanbey varieties from Erzincan region; and sun-dried, and sulfurized apricots belonging to Şekerpare variety from Malatya region were obtained. Neutral and acidic monosaccharide compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and spectrophotometry, respectively. In vitro fecal fermentation analyses were applied and changes in microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids were determined using 16S rRNA sequencing technique and GC, respectively.

Dried apricot DFs were dominated with pectin- and cellulose/hemicellulose-related monosaccharide units, and the DF compositions showed only slight differences from variety to variety. Dried apricot DFs were found to influence the β- and α-diversities of microbial communities in variety and drying techniques independent-ways. Although the degrees of promotions were slightly impacted by the apricot-variety and drying technology, dried apricot DFs were generally capable of promoting the beneficial microbial taxa, including Coprococcus eutactus, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens related operational taxonomic units (OTUs).

Overall, this study demonstrates that dried apricots can modulate colonic microbiota composition and function, with the effect being subtly impacted by variety, location, and drying techniques. These findings also suggest that gut microbiome modulation ability of DFs of dried appricot could be an important contribution factor to its health promoting properties. Thus, dried apricots have potential to be utilized for the development of functional foods aimed at promoting colonic health. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.