Physicochemical properties, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects of the polysaccharide from leaves of Morus alba L. under simulated gastro-intestinal digestion and its fermentation capability in vitro by human gut microbiota

Summary The investigation aimed at determining the impact of sequential simulated digestion on the physicochemical properties and digestive enzymes inhibitory effects of the polysaccharides fraction (MLP-2) of Morus alba L. leaves as well as its in vitro fermentation behaviours. After artificial salivary, gastric and intestinal digestions, the chemical components and microstructure of MLP-2 were altered with significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased molecular weight. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of MLP-2 were significantly ( P < 0.05) improved throughout simulated digestion. MLP-2I, the intestinal digested fraction of MLP-2, could significantly ( P < 0.05) decrease the pH value of fermented culture and increase the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations, especially acetic, propionic and butyric acids. In conclusion, MLP-2 could be gradually degraded under simulated digestion with altered physicochemical properties and enhanced α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, and further utilised by human gut microbiota to decrease pH value and promote SCFA production.