Prebiotic and Anti-Adipogenic Effects of Radish Green Polysaccharide

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) greens are consumed as a source of nutrition, and their polysaccharides such as rhamnogalacturonan-I possess certain beneficial properties. This study investigated the prebiotic effects of a radish green polysaccharide (RGP) on gut health and obesity. The prebiotic activity of RGP was evaluated based on the pH changes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration. The results showed that 0.5% RGP had a higher prebiotic activity score than inulin and increased SCFAs production in all five prebiotic strains. Moreover, RGP inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, indicating its potential to reduce obesity. Overall, these findings suggested that the polysaccharide of radish greens has prebiotic effects and may serve as a beneficial prebiotic for gut health and obesity.

Polysaccharide fraction from greens of Raphanus sativus alleviates high fat diet-induced obesity

Radish (Raphanus sativus) greens are commonly used as a vegetable in Korea; however, their anti-obesity effect has not been reported yet. We prepared the polysaccharide fraction of radish greens (PRG) and assessed its anti-obesity activity in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Supplementation with 4 mg/kg PRG reduced weight gain and body fat percentage, and regulated serum biomarkers against HFD-induced obesity. Moreover, PRG treatment improved gut permeability by increasing tight junction protein expression and colon length shortening. HFD intake increased the proportion of Firmicutes and decreased the proportion of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia; however, PRG supplementation maintained gut microbial composition to normal diet condition. Moreover, PRG reduced HFD-induced increase of lipid metabolism-related protein expression, along with adipocyte size in white adipose tissue. These results indicated that PRG as a potential prebiotic, has anti-obesity properties by improving gut barrier function, modulating gut microbiota and regulating lipid metabolism.

Estimation of arsenic bioaccessibility in raw and cooked radish using simulated in vitro digestion

Boiled cooking should be recommended when we consume As-contaminated vegetables.