Effects of Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)-Administration on Fecal Flora and Bacterial Metabolites of Eight Volunteers

Abstract

The effects of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) intake on human intestinal flora and bacterial metabolism in the intestine were studied in 8 healthy volunteers (4 women and 4 men, ranging in age from 22 to 54 yr), who ingested 80-100 g/day for 2 weeks. In 5 out of 8 samples, fecal water content increased during jute intake, whereas fecal concentrations of short chain fatty acids and fecal pH values did not change. There were no remarkable changes on the composition of intestinal flora by jute intake. Fecal concentration of indole decreased significantly (p<0.05) during jute intake, especially in women. The results indicate that jute intake changes the floral composition and bacterial metabolism.