The effects of Mitragyna speciosa extracts on intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in vitro fecal fermentation

Abstract BACKGROUND Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ) has a long history of traditional use. It contains various alkaloids and polyphenols. The properties of kratom's alkaloids have been well‐documented. However, the property of kratom's polyphenols in water‐soluble phase have been less frequently reported. This study assessed the effects of water‐soluble Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) extract (MSE) on gut microbiota and their metabolite production in fecal batch culture. RESULTS The water‐soluble kratom extract (MSE0) and the water‐soluble kratom extract after partial sugar removal (MSE50) both contained polyphenols, with total phenolic levels of 2037.91 ± 51.13 and 3997.95 ± 27.90 mg GAE/g extract, respectively and total flavonoids of 81.10 ± 1.00 and 84.60 ± 1.43 mg CEQ/g extract. The gut microbiota in fecal batch culture was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing at 0 and 24 h of fermentation. After fermentation, MSE50 stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium more than MSE0. MSE0 gave the highest total fatty acids level among the treatments. The phenolic metabolites produced by some intestinal microbiota during fecal fermentation at 24 h were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The major metabolite of biotransformation of both water‐soluble MSEs by intestinal microbiota was pyrocatechol (9.85–11.53%). CONCLUSION The water‐soluble MSEs and their produced metabolites could potentially be used as ingredients for functional and medicinal food production that supports specific gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.