Effects of Rich in Β-Glucans Edible Mushrooms on Aging Gut Microbiota Characteristics: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Alterations of gut microbiota are evident during the aging process. Prebiotics may restore the gut microbial balance, with β-glucans emerging as prebiotic candidates. This study aimed to investigate the impact of edible mushrooms rich in β-glucans on the gut microbiota composition and metabolites by using in vitro static batch culture fermentations and fecal inocula from elderly donors (n = 8). <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>, <i>P. eryngii</i>, <i>Hericium erinaceus</i> and <i>Cyclocybe cylindracea</i> mushrooms derived from various substrates were examined. Gut microbiota composition (quantitative PCR (qPCR)) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; gas chromatography (GC)) were determined during the 24-h fermentation. <i>P. eryngii</i> induced a strong lactogenic effect, while <i>P. ostreatus</i> and <i>C. cylindracea</i> induced a significant bifidogenic effect (<i>p</i> for all <0.05). Furthermore, <i>P. eryngii</i> produced on wheat straw and the prebiotic inulin had comparable Prebiotic Indexes, while <i>P. eryngii</i> produced on wheat straw/grape marc significantly increased the levels of tested butyrate producers. <i>P. ostreatus</i>, <i>P. eryngii</i> and <i>C. cylindracea</i> had similar trends in SCFA profile; <i>H. erinaceus</i> mushrooms were more diverse, especially in the production of propionate, butyrate and branched SCFAs. In conclusion, mushrooms rich in β-glucans may exert beneficial in vitro effects in gut microbiota and/or SCFAs production in elderly subjects.