Dietary fiber derived from the husk of hemp seeds has the potential to promote gut health, an important component of overall health, according to a new study from a team at the University of Nevada, Reno. It turns out.
Now that the researchers have confirmed that the hemp skin formulation is promising, the next step is to better understand the mechanisms behind its benefits for gut health, said the University's School of Biotechnology, Department of Nutrition, Assistant Professor said Stephen Frese. & Natural Resources also conducts research as part of the University's Experimental Station Division. Frese and Karla Flores Martinez, a doctoral student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program who works in the university's Frese Lab, served as principal investigators on the project.
Help your microbiome thrive
The team's research, newly published in the journal Food Chemistry: We investigated the effect of (NFT) on hemp growth. Gut microbes from diverse communities in the digestive system.
The research team also investigated the impact of Bio Gut FiberTM, a product developed by Brightseed Inc., on the gut microbiome. Bio Gut Fiber™ is a formulation made from hemp seed hulls. Bright Seed, headquartered in South San Francisco, financially supported research by Frese's team.
In vitro testing has shown that Bio Gut FiberTM promotes the growth of the gut microbial community found in the human digestive system. The results were promising enough to encourage follow-up in vivo testing, Frese said.
“We need to understand the mechanisms behind the microbiome response that we discovered. In doing so, we can see whether there are other effects that we didn't expect, or others that we need to understand in the future. ”, he said.
Important health effects
More and more research is finding that gut health is important not only for digestion but also for overall physical and mental health.
“Americans don't get enough fiber in their diets, and new ingredients like Biogut Fiber are an important and novel way to help add fiber to your diet, whether alone or as an ingredient in other foods.” ,” Frese said.
Brightseed sells Biogut fiber to food manufacturers who are meeting the demands of health-conscious consumers for products containing bioactive ingredients. The company used powerful artificial intelligence tools to identify the dietary potential of NCTs and NFTs in hemp seed skins.
In addition to its health benefits, digestive health products made from hemp seed husks could provide a use for an often overlooked byproduct during hemp processing, Frese said. said. Hemp seeds and oil are not produced from the same plant as marijuana, but are processed for use in a wide range of food products.
innovative research model
Research on hemp seed hulls relied on a research model developed by The Frese Lab long before Brightseed Inc. contacted them. The research group focuses on how foods and food components shape the digestive system microbiome.
“Six students have made important contributions to this research over the past two years,” Frese said. “We have been developing the tools used in this research for some time, and this has resulted in some unique skills.”
A key part of that study was the collection of fecal samples from various Nevada residents. Analysis of these samples using DNA testing and other techniques provides a detailed understanding of the relationship between diet and microbial activity in the digestive system. Frese is also working to return data to participants in this initiative.
Research benefits the public
The Frese Lab's gut health research reflects the university's role as a land-grant institution, with a mission that includes exploring innovation to improve the lives of Nevadans and build a strong economy in the state. is reflected.
“Our goal is to take discoveries out of the lab and into the hands of people in the community who can make a difference,” Frese said. “This project is one example of that, and we look forward to continuing to work with industry partners and other researchers at UNR to bring discoveries from the university to the world to benefit Nevadans and the nation as a whole.” Masu.”
