In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation of Mangiferin: Impacts on gut microbiota and metabolite profiles

Mangiferin (MGF), a C-glycosyl xanthone from the mango plant, offers various health benefits but has low absorption, mostly remaining in the gut where it interacts with microbes. This study examines MGF's effects on human gut microbiota and metabolite profiles after in vitro digestion and fermentation with feces. Findings indicate MGF had limited permeability (under 2 %) across the Caco-2 monolayer, with most being fermented by microbes. MGF utilization increased post-digestion and fermentation, significantly altering gut metabolite profiles by boosting lipid and benzenoid abundance while reducing organic acids. It also promoted beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium , decreasing harmful genera such as Sutterella . Metabolomic analysis revealed enhanced pathways for unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and longevity, primarily through oleic and linolenic acids, highlighting MGF's role in modulating gut health.