Novel plant-derived bioactive compounds shape the human gut microbiome in vitro

Mounting evidence supports the potential of dietary bioactive compounds to reduce chronic disease risk. Recently, the biological activity of N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (NFT) has been hypothesized to drive regulation of gut permeability,but the impact of these components on the human gut microbiome composition has not been studied. The aim of this work is to determine whether purified NCT and NFT, or a hemp hull product containing NCT and NFT (Brightseed(R) Bio Gut Fiber), can impact the gut microbiome using an in vitro fermentation assay. To address this question, we treated three fecal inocula, representative of the human gut microbiome, with Bio Gut Fiber and NCT/NFT and evaluated their respective impact against starch and methylcellulose as controls. We found strong changes exerted by Bio Gut Fiber and NCT/NFT on the gut microbiome relative to starch and methylcellulose, with distinct responses across all microbial communities. Among communities treated with Bio Gut Fiber, we saw increased community productivity and increased community diversity. Further, to determine whether changes found in gut microbiome profiles were dose-dependent, we tested different concentrations of NCT/NFT and found a dose-dependent impact on the resulting microbial compositions. Through this work, we provide novel insight into the potential of bioactive components to shape the gut microbiome, highlighting the potential for plant-derived bioactives to improve the human gut microbiome and host health.