Prebiotic activity of functional whole mushroom powders compared to inulin in SHIME® model colonic simulations

Minimally processed, whole mushroom powders (M2 Cordyceps 116™ and Myco-Multi™) were evaluated for their effects on the human gut microbiota using the Screening-Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) in vitro model. A negative control (blank media) and positive control (inulin) were included. The test products were administered daily for 12 days. Both M2 Cordyceps 116™ and Myco-Multi™ enhanced acetate (significant for both test products) and butyrate (significant for M2 Cordyceps 116™) production versus the negative and positive controls. Distinct bacterial metabolic fingerprints were observed for the two test products and controls. The effect on microbial species richness and evenness was mild, indicating that the test products supported gut microbiome homeostasis. Beta diversity analysis showed distinct clustering with each test product and control, probably attributable to the stimulation of several butyrate-producing bacterial species following product supplementation. M2 Cordyceps 116™ and Myco-Multi™ demonstrated distinct prebiotic characteristics in the Screening-SHIME® model.