Inulin alleviates acute alcoholism in mice by enhancing ethanol metabolism and regulating the intestinal flora

Abstract Inulin, a recognized prebiotic with diverse biological activities, has not yet been reported for its potential in treating alcoholism. Therefore, this study investigated the antialcoholic effects of short, long, and phosphorylated long‐chain inulin and the possible mechanisms. An acute alcoholic intoxication mice model was established, with the water extract of Hovenia dulcis Thunb serving as a positive control. The different inulins were used for intervention, and the drunkenness of the mice was observed by an animal behavior experiment. The serum liver function indexes (TP, ALB, GLB, ALT, and ALP), as well as the activity of ethanol metabolizing enzymes (ADH and ALDH) in the liver were measured, and the changes in intestinal flora were analyzed. The results showed that short‐chain inulin could alleviate acute alcoholism by activating ethanol metabolizing enzyme activity and improving intestinal flora, and it had a potential protective effect on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice.