Showing papers by "Arthur C. Ouwehand published in 2018"
TL;DR: An overview of published and unpublished data on the antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal activity of thymol and cinnamaldehyde (TC blend) is provided to describe the effects of this specific EO blend on gut microbiota, growth performance and welfare, carcass characteristics and food safety.
Abstract: Essential oils (EOs) are important aromatic components of herbs and spices and their biological activities have been known and utilised since ancient times in perfumery, food preservation, flavouring, and medi - cine. Some of their biological activities include antibacterial, antifungal, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects amongst others. EOs have received attention in recent years as potential 'natural' alternatives for replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in animal diets due to their positive impact on growth performance, gut microbiota and welfare. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of our own published and unpublished data on the antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal activity of thymol and cinnamaldehyde (TC blend), and to describe the effects of this specific EO blend on gut microbiota, growth performance and welfare, carcass characteristics and food safety. The possible modes of action of EOs are discussed and areas for future research are proposed.
90 citations
TL;DR: The use of antimicrobial growth promoters has been banned in the EU. This has created an inter- est in alternative strategies to prevent an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the potential development of intestinal disorders in livestock as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The use of antimicrobial growth promoters has been banned in the EU. This has created an inter - est in alternative strategies to prevent an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the potential development of intestinal disorders in livestock. Essential oils (EOs) have been known to exhibit antimicrobial activity against specific microbial species and could therefore be considered one such alternative in controlling the intestinal micro - bial population. Under anaerobic conditions, the tested Clostridium perfringens strains were found to be sensitive (P < 0.05) to carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral, limonene, thymol, particularly at the higher concentration tested (500 mg/l) and to oregano oil, rosemary oil and thyme oil. Streptococcus epidermis was sensitive (P < 0.05) to most EO's tested, also mainly at the higher concentration. The tested Salmonella serovars were found to be sensitive (P < 0.05) only to high (500 mg/l) concentrations of the tested EOs. Escherichia coli was sensitive (P < 0.05) to most of the tested EOs, also at lower concentrations (5 and 50 mg/l). Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus reuteri were less sensitive (P < 0.05) to most of the tested EOs, while Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis and L. fermentum were relatively sensitive also at lower concentrations (5 and 50 mg/l), although growth reduction by EOs of these bacterial species was less then with the antimicrobial growth promoter avilamycin. With the exception of Salmonella and E. coli, all tested microbes were sensitive to avilamycin. Selected EOs seem to have the advantage of inhibiting the growth of potential pathogens while only moderately influencing beneficial members of the intestinal microbiota. This difference in sensitivity may strengthen the microbiota and contribute to improved animal health.
88 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that dedicated human studies need to be performed, comparing single-strain and multistrain probiotics to each other and placebo, and in vitro and animal studies can provide indications and may help understand mechanisms.
Abstract: Probiotics are investigated as single-strain and multistrain products. In the market, however, there is an increasing tendency to work with multistrain probiotics, in particular, products with a high number of different strains. There are some thoughts behind this: more strains imply more chances of success; it can mean a broader spectrum of efficacy, and there is often the hope that there are at least additive and, potentially, even synergistic effects. The present review did not find convincing evidence that these assumptions are valid. There is, however, also no strong evidence that the assumptions are incorrect and/or that there is antagonistic activity between strains in a combination. We suggest that, to answer these questions, structured research is conducted. Starting with a systematic review of meta-analyses that have compared single-strain and multistrain probiotic efficacy, dedicated human studies need to be performed, comparing single-strain and multistrain probiotics to each other and placebo. In vitro and animal studies can provide indications and may help understand mechanisms. For human, animal, and in vitro studies, it is recommended to work with the simple setup of 2 single strains, a 2-strain combination, and placebo. It is also important in such research to take into consideration the doses, as a combination product will have a higher total dose.
61 citations
TL;DR: In conclusion, although there were no differences in the primary analysis, HN019 is well tolerated and improves BMF in adults with low stool frequency in a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial.
Abstract: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (HN019) ameliorates chronic idiopathic constipation. Our aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of 28-day supplementation with 1 × 109 or 1 × 1010...
56 citations
TL;DR: A novel approach to link substrate fermentation and microbial function directly in a simulated colonic environment is demonstrated, which employed uniformly labeled [U-13C] polydextrose (PDX) for the selective profiling of metabolites generated from dietary fiber fermentation in an in vitro colon simulator using human fecal inocula.
Abstract: The present study introduces a novel triple-phase (liquids, solids, and gases) approach, which employed uniformly labeled [U–13C] polydextrose (PDX) for the selective profiling of metabolites generated from dietary fiber fermentation in an in vitro colon simulator using human fecal inocula. Employing 13C NMR spectroscopy, [U–13C] PDX metabolism was observed from colonic digest samples. The major 13C-labeled metabolites generated were acetate, butyrate, propionate, and valerate. In addition to these short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), 13C-labeled lactate, formate, succinate, and ethanol were detected in the colon simulator samples. Metabolite formation and PDX substrate degradation were examined comprehensively over time (24 and 48 h). Correlation analysis between 13C NMR spectra and gas production confirmed the anaerobic fermentation of PDX to SCFAs. In addition, 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the level of Erysipelotrichaceae was influenced by PDX supplementation and Erysipelotrichaceae level was statist...
17 citations
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: The definition of probiotics stipulates sufficient numbers; hence, long-term survival of the strains is essential and quality, stability, and safety of the product, strain-specific adjustments have to be made.
Abstract: The definition of probiotics stipulates sufficient numbers; hence, long-term survival of the strains is essential The definition also stipulates a health benefit In order to document this in the appropriate host, for bifidobacteria usually for humans, sufficient viable material is required Production of good-quality probiotics, including bifidobacteria, is therefore of prime importance already in the early stages of probiotic development Production of probiotics is more than just growing biomass In order to be able to guarantee quality, stability, and safety of the product, strain-specific adjustments have to be made This should be considered early in the development of new probiotic strains Likewise, the continuously evolving regulatory environment in various countries around the world needs to be taken into consideration early and followed continuously
4 citations