Chemical composition and prebiotic activity of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) pulp on probiotic strains and human colonic microbiota

Little knowledge is available in literature regarding the chemical composition and health-promoting effects of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) pulp, a by-product usually discarded by the agro-industry during the processing of baru fruit. This study evaluated the chemical composition of baru pulp and investigated its prebiotic activity on distinct probiotic strains and human colonic microbiota with in vitro assays. Baru pulp had high contents of insoluble dietary fibers and phenolic compounds (mainly hesperidin). Baru pulp stimulated the growth and metabolism of the probiotics Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, and Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26. In addition, digested baru pulp induced significant benefits on the human colonic microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus-Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides-Prevotella, as well as the production of lactate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The results show that baru pulp has potential prebiotic properties to be explored in the formulation of new health-promoting foods.