Extraction condition optimization and prebiotic potential of dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) polysaccharides

The aim of this study is to explore the extraction conditions and prebiotic potential of dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) polysaccharides (DP). Response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to achieve the optimum extraction conditions of DP: extraction temperature of 89 °C, liquid-to-sample ratio of 26 mL/g, and extraction time of 125 min. A DP yield of 19.47% was achieved. In the simulated digestion test, DP was resistant to digestion of simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. In the fermentation test, DP (45.43 ± 0.37%) could be used by the human faecal microbiota as a carbon source to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). A total of 39.30 ± 0.50 mmol/L SCFAs, 23.07 ± 0.34 mmol/L acetic acid, 8.71 ± 0.18 mmol/L propionic acid, and 7.52 ± 0.08 mmol/L butyric acid were produced at 48 h. In addition, the microbiota composition in the fermentation broth could be regulated by DP. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Olsenella, and Dialister were increased. The relative abundances of some conditionally pathogenic bacteria (Fusobacterium, Dorea, Oscillibacter, and Bilophila) were reduced. Therefore, DP might be a potential prebiotic and the prebiotic effect of DP in vivo deserves further study.