Abstract
Effects of Ohotaka-kouso® (a healthful drink made by vegetable and fruit fermentation) intake on the intestinal microflora, properties of cecal contents, and body-weight gains in Fischer male rats were investigated. No marked changes of the intestinal microflora of animals given Ohotaka-kouso® was observed after four weeks of the intake. A significant increase in numbers of streptococci and staphylococci and a significant isolation of yeasts, however, were noted in the cecum of rats given Ohotaka-kouso®. The animals given Ohotaka-kouso® had a significant increase of cecal water contents and significant reductions of cecal weight and ammonia concentration. No difference of body-weight gain was found in both groups. The reduction of cecal ammonia in the animals given an Ohotaka-kouso® intake may indicate a useful role in the intestine for the maintenance of animal health.
