Effect of a fructooligosaccharides fraction from <i>Psacalium decompositum</i> on the intestinal bacterial microbiota of rats

<i>Psacalium decompositum</i> is a shrub indigenous to northern Mexico and Arizona and New Mexico in the USA. It has been utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of many ailments, including rheumatic disorders, pain, and diabetes. A chemical analysis of a hexane extract from the rhizomes of <i>P. decompositum</i> revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes, including cacalol, cacalone, maturin, and maturinone, among others. Furthermore, its aqueous fraction was subjected to isolation, resulting in the identification of linear fructooligosaccharides with an eight-unit polymerisation degree (LFOS8). The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of LFOS8 derived from <i>P. decompositum</i> on the intestinal microbiota of rats through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups (n=8): a control group administered an isotonic saline solution, positive control group treated with chicory inulin (a prebiotic), and experimental group treated with LFOS8 fraction. The positive control and experimental groups of animals demonstrated alterations in their gut microbiota, resulting in an increase in the growth of beneficial bacteria, including bacteria that are considered probiotics and produce butyrate. This research provides insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of <i>P. decompositum</i>.