Durian Seed-Derived nata de durio: A Novel Potential Dietary Fiber for Intestinal Health and Constipation

Abstract

This study explored the health benefits of nata, a bacterial cellulose and potential dietary fiber source derived from durian seeds  fermented by Acetobacter xylinum, namely nata de durio (NDD). Twenty-five male BALB/C mice were divided into five groups. Three  groups received varying doses of NDD: 0.02 g/g BW, 0.04 g/g BW, and 0.08 g/g BW, respectively. One group received 0.04 g/g BW of inulin  as a positive control (PC), and one group received only water as a negative control (NC). All groups received standard rodent chow  and water ad libitum. During the 5-week intervention, body weight, defecation frequency, fecal quantity, fecal weight, and fecal consistency were recorded daily. Post-experiment, the mice were euthanized, and their colons were harvested for histological  examination. All groups, except the PC group, maintained a healthy weight. The NDD group, especially at a dose of 0.08 g/g BW, showed  significantly higher defecation frequency, fecal quantity, and fecal weight than the NC and PC groups, with softer but non-diarrheal feces.  The NDD 0.08 group exhibited the best colon histology with the lowest erosion and inflammation scores. This study suggests that  NDD supplementation is non-toxic, beneficial for intestinal health, and potentially serves as an anti-constipation agent.