Writing in the journal Food & Function, researchers from Texas A&M University reported that 30 days of supplementation with a combination of dark sweet cherry juice and added dark sweet cherry powder was associated with improvements in dysbiosis in obese individuals.
“This study is, to our knowledge, the first evaluating DSC effects on the modulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function in healthy obese adults,” they wrote.
“A follow-up study should consider the evaluation of microbial metabolites (i.e., SCFAs) in stool and plasma samples because it is well established that metabolites produced after fiber and polyphenol intake are better absorbed and might have specific biological effects on the host.”
The study used cherry juice provided by FruitSmart (Grandview, WA) and dark sweet cherry (DSC) powder provided by Anderson Advance Ingredients (Irvine, CA).
Dysbiosis and polyphenols
Obesity-related dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbiota, is linked to conditions such as intestinal barrier dysfunction and increased gut permeability, which can result in more serious conditions like insulin resistance.
“Understanding the relationship between dysbiosis and obesity underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome for overall metabolic health and presents potential avenues for therapeutic interventions in obesity,” the researchers explained.
Bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, found in plants have been shown to improve dysbiosis. Cherries contain phenolic compounds and fiber; some of the most common polyphenols in cherries are flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, such as hydroxycinnamic acids.
“Anthocyanins are known for their beneficial effects on meta-inflammation triggered by obesity, which is associated with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cancer,” they added.
Study details
The single-blind placebo-controlled study consisted of 40 participants with a BMI of 30-40kg/m2. Just under half (19) of the participants consumed 200 mL of dark sweet cherry juice with an additional 3 g of DSC powder, while the other half were assigned a placebo.
Results indicated that participants in the cherry group showed a decreased abundance of non-beneficial bacteria, with a significant improvement for those with BMI of 35 or greater, compared to the placebo group. The DSC supplementation was also associated with an increased abundance of healthy bacteria, including Roseburia intestinalis and Clostridium leptum, when compared to the placebo group.
“The increase in R. intestinalis after DSC supplementation is relevant because this bacterium is markedly decreased in obese adults,” the researchers wrote. “Therefore, DSC polyphenols (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) likely played a role in enhancing the prevalence of R. intestinalis within the cherry group because these compounds might exhibit prebiotic-like functions that selectively foster the growth of beneficial bacteria. These results imply potential intestinal health-promoting effects of DSC in obese individuals.”
Although there was no significant increase for Bifidobacterium in DCS participants, there was a trend toward an increase for 25% of participants, suggesting the supplement may have improved relative abundances of the bacteria.
However, results did not suggest any changes in intestinal permeability or metabolic endotoxemia for participants. There were also no significant changes in body measurements, with the exception of slightly lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure for the DSC group.
“This study demonstrated that DSC supplementation for 30 days may selectively modulate relevant bacterial taxa in the context of obesity,” the researchers noted. “These effects include reducing the abundance of A. hadrus, Blautia that may be linked to intestinal inflammation, and metabolic disorders and preventing the increase of pro-inflammatory bacteria A. shahii and Bilophila.
“Additionally, DSC intake enhanced the growth of SCFA-producing bacteria such as R. intestinalis, C. leptum B. vulgatus and Turicibacter. Furthermore, DSC intake also helped to sustain the abundance of probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium, which was reduced in the placebo group.”
Source: Food & Function
2024, 15, 9563-9578; DOI: 10.1039/D4FO01650E
“Effect of dark sweet cherry (Prunus avium) supplementation on the fecal microbiota, metabolic endotoxemia, and intestinal permeability in obese subjects: a single-blind randomized trial”
Authors: Arbizu, S., et al.