The dietary combination of germinated barley foodstuff plus Clostridium butyricum suppresses the dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis in rats

Background: Recent studies have suggested that dietary fiber exerts a therapeutic effect on IBD patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary combination of germinated barley foodstuff (GBF), derived from the aleurone and scutellum fraction of germinated barley, plus Clostridium butyricum against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis in rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a 3% DSS diet containing GBF only, GBF plus C. butyricum, cellulose only (control) or cellulose plus C. butyricum for 8 days. The mucosal damage (macroscopic and microscopic inflammation) and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were then determined. Results: The combination of GBF plus C. butyricum most effectively prevented bloody diarrhea and mucosal damage. The GBF-only diet also showed some preventive effects. With respect to fecal SCFAs, the combination of GBF plus C. butyricum most effectively increased the fecal SCFA level. Conclusion: The dietary combination of GBF plus C. butyricum most effectively suppressed DSS-induced experimental colitis in rats. These effects may be closely associated with its high activity to increase SCFA levels in the gut lumen. The potential clinical efficacy of GBF in IBD patients is also discussed.