Effect of water-based extraction of pectin from Ficus Pumila L.Seeds on bowel health in ovariectomized rats

Objective: To investgate the effect of water- based extraction of Ficus Pumila L.Seeds Pectin on bowel health in ovariectomized rats.Methods: Twenty- four healthy female SD rats were randomly assigned into shamovariectomized group, ovariectomized group as model control, 15% Ficus Pumila L.Seeds Pectin ovariectomized group, 15% Citrus Pectin ovariectomized group. Large bowel function was evaluated by determination of cecum tissues, pH value, short-chain fatty acids ( SCFA) , ect.Results: Compared with model control group, fecal bulk and cecum contents and cecum weight of Ficus Pumila L.Seeds Pectin group and Citrus Pectin group were higher dose-dependently, and decreased the free ammonia of cecum contents, and increased the amount of Anaerobes and Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria and inhibited harmful bacteria in intestinal environment.SCFA level of cecum was higher in Ficus Pumila L.Seeds Pectin group and Citrus Pectin group compared with model control group except butyric acid of cecum in Citrus Pectin group.Conclusion:water-based extraction of Pumila L.Seeds Pectin could improve the large bowel health in ovariectomized rats.